Symphonic Serj In Russia, Italy

Described as Tankian’s first “true” symphony, Orca is scheduled for a June 25 release on his own Serjical Strike Records.  Using a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the album, Tankian recorded the four-act Orca in Linz, Austria, in October 2012 with conductor Werner Steinmetz.  The same Kickstarter campaign also helped pay for Orca’s live debut at Linz’s Bruknerhaus where it was performed with the Das Karussel Ensemble.

But Orca isn’t Tankian’s only summer release.  His collaborative jazz-infused album, Jazz-iz Christ, drops July 23.  While Tankian is credited as the mastermind behind the album, Jazz-iz Christ is described as a collaborative effort by the musicians the System Of A Down singer assembled for the project.  Notables appearing on Jazz-iz Christ include pianist Tigran Hamasyan, flautist Valeri Tolstov and trumpet player Tom Duprey as well as Police drummer Stewart Copeland, actor/musician David Alpay and Vincent Pedulla.

Tankian’s tour comes after System Of A Down’s summer run through Europe.  Here’s the plan:

Sept. 19 – Kiev, Ukraine, National Palace Ukraine
Sept. 21 – Ekaterinburg, Russia, CH Cosmos
Sept. 23 – Novosibirsk, Russia, DK Zheleznodorozhnik
Sept. 25 – Krasnoyarsk, Russia, Philharmony Hall
Sept. 27 – Moscow, Russia, Crocus City Hall
Sept. 28 – St. Petersburg, Russia, Oktyabrsky Concert Hall
Oct.  3 – Florence, Italy, Teatro Communale
Oct. 4 – Padova, Italy, Gran Teatro Geox
Oct. 5 – Rome, Italy, Parco della Musica Auditorium