The Naghash Ensemble

Shenandoah University Center for the Arts Groundbreaking Goodson Chapel - Recital Hall Presented in an intimate candlelight setting, The Naghash Ensemble of Armenia creates an immersive musical experience unlike any other. Created by Armenian-American composer John Hodian and inspired by sacred texts from medieval Armenian mystic and priest Mkrtich Naghash, the ensemble's music blends the earthy spirituality of folk song with new classical music, contemporary post-minimalism and the energy of jazz and rock. Three luminous female vocalists joined by master musicians on duduk, oud, dhol and piano form this internationally acclaimed ensemble, creating a sound world that feels both ancient and strikingly contemporary. Profoundly moving and deeply immersive, Songs of Exile offers an evening of reflection, beauty and transcendent musical storytelling -- part folk music, part classical and wholly unforgettable. An enchanting elixir of sounds based on new Armenian folk and centuries-old poetry- KEXP A moment of grace and meditation- Rolling Stone 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. Support Performing Arts Live Performing Arts Live (PAL) is supported in part by the L.P. Skip and Anne Hughes Hill Visiting Artist Endowment, honoring the legacy of L.P. Skip Hill and Anne Hughes Hill. Making a donation to the Hill Visiting Artist Endowment grows support for Performing Arts Live. Learn More & Give Now