Written by Armenian-American composer John Hodian and based on sacred texts by the medieval Armenian mystic poet and priest Mkrtich Naghash, 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. 

Hailed as “the sound of ancient Armenia reinvented for the 21st century” by visionary Armenian composer Tigran Mansurian, the 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.

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

Featuring some of Armenia’s finest musicians and singers, The Naghash Ensemble has been touring to accolades throughout Europe for the past ten years. Their 2014 recording, Songs of Exile, is the first of a three-volume set. The second disc, Songs of Exile, Volume II: Credos & Convictions, appeared in 2016. The third and final volume, Songs of Exile: Lamentations & Benedictions, was released in the fall of 2019, followed by a live-performance disc in 2021. Their studio recording, Songs of Wisdom, is a collection of new works based on texts by the thirteenth-century Armenian poet Kostandin Erznkaci, scheduled for release in 2025.

 On the heels of their highly successful U.S. tours in 2023 and 2025 (including performances at Carnegie Hall in New York, Strathmore in Washington, D.C., and SFJAZZ in San Francisco), The Naghash Ensemble is thrilled to return to North America in 2026.

“An enchanting elixir of sounds based on new Armenian folk and centuries-old poetry”
– KEXP

“A moment of grace and meditation”
– Rolling Stone