The Naghash Ensemble is one of the most original and compelling musical projects to emerge from Armenia in recent years. Created by Armenian-American composer John Hodian, the ensemble’s work fuses the earthy spirituality of traditional Armenian folk music with elements of contemporary classical, post-minimalism, and the energy of jazz and rock. At its heart lies the poetry of Mkrtich Naghash, a 15th-century Armenian mystic and priest, whose meditations on exile, faith, and human frailty form the basis of the group’s powerful musical cycle Songs of Exile (Canções do Exílio).

Described by composer Tigran Mansurian as “the sound of ancient Armenia reinvented for the 21st century,” The Naghash Ensemble brings together some of Armenia’s finest musicians, combining operatic voices with traditional instruments like duduk, oud, and dhol, alongside piano. The group has received critical acclaim across Europe for its compelling live performances and innovative recordings.

Since its debut in 2014, the ensemble has released three volumes of Songs of Exile — Wanderer, Credos & Convictions and Lamentations & Benedictions — followed by a live album in 2021. Their upcoming studio release, Songs of Wisdom, based on the poetry of Kostandin Erznkaci, is scheduled for 2025.

studio release, Songs of Wisdom, based on the poetry of Kostandin Erznkaci, is scheduled for 2025. The group’s genesis began when John Hodian heard vocalist Hasmik Baghdasaryan singing sacred music in the ancient Temple of Garni, inspiring him to set Naghash’s timeless texts to music. The resulting work speaks to the universal experience of displacement and spiritual longing. As Hodian explains, “Naghash’s words are a mirror for our time — addressing both the powerful and the powerless, the devout and the doubting.”

Bridging past and present, east and west, the Naghash Ensemble offers a uniquely Armenian voice to the global contemporary music scene — both deeply rooted and boldly innovative.