Naghash Ensemble

This year AMP's partnership with Center Stage will focus on Armenia.  We'll have two very different Armenian groups performing, doing workshops and community activities.  MVF Band takes the traditional 11-string tar on a global fusion journey while the more classically inspired Naghash Ensemble elevates Armenian folk songs with classical/chorale arrangements. We're lining up a variety of partners to provide background talks and discussions about Armenia to make this month a rich celebration of this interesting culture. Check back for specific concerts and activities.

AMP Residencies provide artists an opportunity to perform several shows in New Mexico, visit schools, do workshops and get to know our beautiful state and people. These are great opportunities for the groups and for all of us! Check back to see a schedule of concerts and activities.

The Naghash Ensemble is part of Center Stage, a public diplomacy initiative of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs with funding provided by the U.S. Government, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts in cooperation with the U.S. Regional Arts Organizations. General management is provided by Lisa Booth Management, Inc.

Tickets cost $20 in advance, $25 day of show (including all service charges). They are also available by phone through Hold My Ticket at 505-886-1251.

A septet of masterful vocalists and instrumentalists gives renewed voice to Armenia's spiritual lineage in bracing, emotional, and propulsive work rising on the classical scene.

"A stunning discovery" (Bayerischer Rundfunk), The Naghash Ensemble combines the earthy spirituality of Armenian folk song, new classical music, and contemporary post-minimalism with the energy of rock and jazz. Three brilliant female vocalists and some of Armenia's finest instrumentalists on duduk, oud, dhol, and piano play captivating 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 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. Unmistakably Armenian, but out of this world." (Armenisch-Deutsche Korrespondenz)