Composer Dan Yessian Talks “An Armenian Trilogy” Documentary

The film makes its world premiere Saturday at 12:30 p.m. at Emagine Theater in Royal Oak.

Jake Neher/WDET

If you grew up in metro Detroit during the 1970s, 80s or 90s, you know the Dittrich Furs theme song as well as you know Stroh’s or Vernors.

The man who wrote that tune, Dan Yessian, also wrote familiar tunes for Dodge and Whirlpool.

But Yessian’s life took a dramatic turn when he was asked to write a classical composition to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the slaughter of the Armenian people by the Turks.

A new documentary about that project, An Armenian Trilogy, makes its world premiere Saturday at 12:30 p.m. at Emagine Theater in Royal Oak as part of the Freep Film Festival.

Yessian and film editor Stewart Shevin join Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson to talk about the documentary.

Click on the audio player above to hear that conversation.

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  • Detroit Today
    Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.