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Naghash Ensemble

Songs of Exile
 
new music from Armenia

“"The sound of ancient Armenia reinvented for the 21st century.”

Tigran Mansurian

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About

The Naghash Ensemble combines medieval Armenian folk styles with contemporary post-minimalism and rock-style energy in their show Songs of Exile, a profound meditation on spirituality and the loss of homeland. Timeless beauty, created by 3 female vocalists and traditional Armenian instruments, meets the urgently timely subject matter of belonging and exile.

Part folk music, part classical and profoundly moving.

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Programmes and projects

Composer/conductor John Hodian has created a compelling new orchestral version of “Songs of Exile” which allows for collaboration between a string orchestra and the musicians of The Naghash Ensemble. The orchestra parts are for any size string orchestra.

Written by Armenian-American composer John Hodian, The Naghash Ensemble’s “Songs of Exile” is a profound meditation on man's relationship to God from the perspective of a monk forced to live in exile for many years. Part folk music, part classical and profoundly moving.

Reviews

“Composer John Hodian brings the poems of the 15th century Armenian priest M’krtich Naghash to life. The songs are unmistakably Armenian, but out of this world.” 

—  Armenisch-Deutsche Korrespondenz

“East meets West and antiquity meets modernity in this collection of ruminations, lamentations and incantations. Highly intriguing yet accessible.” 

—  NPR

“The sound of ancient Armenia reinvented for the 21st century.” 

—  Tigran Mansurian