Hasmik Baghdasaryan, soprano
Tatevik Movsesyan, soprano
Shahane Zalyan, alto
Tigran Hovhannisyan, dhol
Aram Nikoghosyan, oud
Andranik Gasparyan, duduk
John Hodian, piano/composer
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall
Shenandoah Conservatory
Songs of Exile
PART I
Meditation on Greed
If In This World by Sin You Wander
Lamentations on the Death of a Child
Woe to Those that Keep a Grudge
Text by Mkrtich Naghash (15th century)
Music by John Hodian
PART II
Hazar Djar
Written in an Hour of Sadness
Behold, Spring Has Come; Let Us Sing Praise
On the Ignorant
Text by Kostandin Erznkatsi (14th century)
Music by John Hodian
The Naghash Ensemble combines the earthy spirituality of Armenian folk song, new classical music, contemporary post-minimalism, and the energy of jazz and rock. Three brilliant female vocalists and some of Armenia’s finest instrumentalists on duduk, oud, dhol, and piano play 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 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.
Wednesday, November 11 at 1PM
Lecture/Presentation: Composing for Traditional Instruments
Ruebush Hall, Room 128
John Hodian, piano/composer of The Naghash Ensemble
John Hodian, pianist and composer of The Naghash Ensemble, leads a workshop for composition students on writing for traditional Armenian instruments. Hodian will introduce the instruments, explore the melodic and rhythmic modes used by the ensemble and share his approach to composing for these instruments. This event is open to all Shenandoah University students, faculty and staff.
Performing Arts Live provides the campus and community with more than just great live performances by internationally acclaimed guest artists. During their visits, artists serve as guest lecturers, conduct masterclasses and present free workshops and performances within our community!
This engagement of The Naghash Ensemble of Armenia is made possible in part through the Mid Atlantic Presenter Initiatives program of Mid Atlantic Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
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Shenandoah University is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All gifts are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
Wheelchair accessible restrooms are available across the courtyard in Gregory Hall (approximately 100 feet from the Armstrong Concert Hall lobby). Please notify house management for assistance.
Patrons are requested to silence cell phones and other electronic devices during performances. The taking of photographs and the use of recording equipment are not permitted during performances.
