The Naghash Ensemble: Songs of Wisdom(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.

Songs of Wisdom is a collection of brand-new compositions by Armenian-American composer John Hodian, written for The Naghash Ensemble and based on 13th-century Armenian poetry by Kostandin Erznkaci. Like a fortune teller from the Middle Ages, Kostandin Erznkaci warns of the tumultuous times to come. Hodian's compositions expand even further on the rhythmic intricacies and bold harmonies of Armenian folk music and post-minimalism, resulting in a body of work that is at once futuristic and timeless.
 
“The spiritual beauty of the music provokes a mix of joy and ecstasy.” - Les Trans Musicales
 
“An enchanting elixir of sounds based on new Armenian folk and centuries-old poetry” - KEXP
 
“The music is unmistakably Armenian and yet, it fits squarely in world music. It is religious and mystical and yet modern. It has the intimacy of folk music and the grandeur of Bach.” - The Armenian Mirror-Spectator
 
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 Kostandin Erznkaci (13th century) and Mkrtich Naghash (15th century)