The Naghash Ensemble: Songs of Exile(ARM)

Described by Tigran Mansurian as “the sound of ancient Armenia reimagined for the 21st century,” The Naghash Ensemble's music combines the earthy spirituality of Armenian folk song, new classical music, contemporary post-minimalism, and the energy of jazz and rock.

“Part folk music, part classical, and profoundly moving. Unmistakably Armenian, but out of this world” – Armenisch-Deutsche Korrespondenz

Written by Armenian-American composer John Hodian and based on sacred texts by the medieval Armenian mystic poet and priest Mkrtich Naghash, the ensemble’s Songs of Exile is a profound rumination on man's relationship to God from the perspective of a monk forced to live in exile for many years.  Rolling Stone hailed the music as “a moment of grace and meditation,” and radio station KEXP (Seattle) praised their performance as “an enchanting elixir of sounds based on new Armenian folk and centuries-old poetry.”
 
On stage:
Hasmik Baghdasaryan – soprano
Tatevik Movsesyan – soprano
Arpine Ter-Petrosyan – alto
Harutyun Chkolyan – duduk, shvi, pku
Aramayis Nikoghosyan – oud
Tigran Hovhannisyan – dhol, dumbek, daf
John Hodian – piano/composer

Music by John Hodian
Texts by Mkrtich Naghash (15th century)