The Naghash Ensemble connects the spirituality of Armenian folk songs with classical music and contemporary post-minimalist music, with the energy of rock and jazz. The performance deals with the relationship between man and his God from the point of view of a monk condemned to live in exile for many years. The ensemble, led by pianist-composer John Hodian, includes three female singers and some of the finest musicians in Armenia playing oud, duduk, dhol and piano. The ensemble performs new music based on the medieval sacred writings of the Armenian poet, priest and mystic Mkrtich Naghash, as well as the poems of the poet Kostandin Erznkatsʿi. The ensemble has performed in Europe and the USA, winning many accolades.

Hasmik Baghdasaryan, soprano; Tatevik Movsesyan, soprano; Arpine Ter-Petrosyan, alto; Harutyun Chkolyan, duduk; Aram Nikoghosyan, oud; Tigran Hovhannisyan, dhol; John Hodian, piano, composition