The Naghash Ensemble combines the earthy spirituality of Armenian folk songs, new classical music, and contemporary post-minimalism with the energy of rock and jazz. Three brilliant female vocalists and some of Armenia’s finest instrumentalists on duduk, oud, dhol, and piano play captivating new music based on sacred texts by the medieval Armenian mystic poet and priest Mkrtich Naghash.

Written by Armenian-American composer John Hodian, The Naghash Ensemble’s Songs of Exile is a meditation on man’s relationship to God from the perspective of a monk forced to live in exile for many years. This brand-new piece is based on medieval writings by Kostandin Erznkaci and set to new music by John Hodian.