Ancient and Modern Tribute to Medieval Mystic Poet Mkrtich Naghash

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Naghash Ensemble Poster image (Untreated) _0388 Leaning inLOS ANGELES — The Naghash Ensemble of Armenia has launched a fundraising campaign for their second CD and book, “Songs of Exile – Volume II.” The new recording combines the earthy spirituality of Armenian folk song with new classical music and the energy of rock and jazz.

According to Armenisch-Deutsche Korrespondenz newspaper in Germany, featuring three outstanding female vocalists and some of Armenia’s finest instrumentalists on duduk, oud, dhol and piano, the ensemble plays new music based on sacred texts by the medieval Armenian mystic poet and priest, Mkrtich Naghash. They described the music as “unmistakably Armenian but out of this world.”

Composed 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: “The concept of living in exile is something that many Armenians can relate to. It’s been gratifying to see people from all over the world coming together to support our Kickstarter,” Hodian said.

The new CD will be accompanied by a beautiful 52-page book in English, Armenian, German and French with extensive information on Naghash the poet, the group’s history and translations of the poems. Kickstarter is the largest fundraising platform in the world and the new recording will be an important step as the ensemble begins to gather international attention.

The Naghash Ensemble’s campaign can be found at http://bit.ly/Naghash-Kickstarter

 

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