Biography
Arco Iris
One of the most powerful influences in the
Argentinean National Rock scene of the 70΄s,
was created in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1970.
The band's original formation was:
Ara Tokatlian, Danais Tokatlian, Gustavo Santaolalla, Guillermo Bodarampe and Horacio Gianello
That year, their song Blues de Dana was awarded first prize at the
International Beat Festival in Mar del Plata.
In 1971, their first single, Maρana Campestre, received a Gold Record distinction.
During the next seven years, they released the albums
Arco Iris, Tiempo de Resurrecciσn, Suite #1 Danais, the rock opera Sudamιrica,
Inti Raymi, Inspiraciσn and Los Elementales.
In 1975 the music from their album Agitor Lucens V was presented in
Paris, London, Rome and Buenos Aires with a ballet
directed by renowned Argentinean choreographer Oscar Arαiz.
Ara and Danais Tokatlian, founders and main composers of Arco Iris,
moved to California in 1978, making a 100 year old log cabin
in the mountain community of Blue Jay, their new home.
Since 1979, Ara and Danais with the collaboration of world class musicians like
Milcho Leviev, Alex Acuρa, Chester Thompson, Chris Rhyne,
Julio Ledezma, Bill Fowler, Hartt Stearns, James Zota Baker, Julio Figueroa and Pablo Allende,
developed a musical language where freedom of statement, a deep spiritual message
and a unique blend of jazz, rock and South American folk music
became the key ingredients of their compositions.
This innovative sound is captured in a new set of Arco Iris recordings:
Amigos, Fiesta, Exploring South America, Blue Pheasant, Alive in Venice,
Peace Will Save the Rainbow, Condor, In Memoriam, Arco Iris En Vivo Hoy and Peace Pipes,
the latest reaching # 17 in the Jazz Top-40 radio airplay list.
Ara Tokatlian has participated in the recording of numerous film scores including
Out on a Limb with Shirley McLaine, Courage featuring Sofia Loren,
Extreme Prejudice with Nick Nolte, The Telephone with Whoopi Goldberg,
Stand and Deliver with Edward James Olmos,
Bat 21 starring Gene Hackman and Kingjite with Charles Bronson,
working with composers such as
Ry Cooder, Craig Safan, Chris Young and fellow Argentinean Lalo Schiffrin.
Ara is also a prolific composer for documentaries and TV commercials.
In 1995, Ara toured Europe as a member of Harry Belafonte�s band.
Over the past 20 years, Arco Iris has been part of the
Los Angeles Music Center on Tour and the Orange County Performing Art Center,
providing hundreds of cultural performances for audiences in Southern California.
In 1997 this work earned Arco Iris the Lifetime Achievement Award:
P.A.S.A.
(Professional Artists in Schools Award).
Arco Iris performs throughout the United States and Argentina
in clubs, festivals and special concerts at venues such as the
River Plate Soccer Stadium, Teatro San Martin, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion,
John Anson Ford Amphitheater, Mark Taper Forum, Shrine Auditorium and the Hollywood Bowl.
With deep respect and appreciation for the instruments, rhythms and sounds
of the world�s diverse cultures,
Arco Iris, Spanish for rainbow, is an
exhilarating, uplifting and magical musical experience.
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