Naghash Ensemble combines the earthy spirituality of Armenian folk song, new classical music, contemporary post-minimalism and the energy of rock and jazz. Three brilliant female vocalists and some of Armenia’s finest instrumentalists on duduk, oud, dhol and piano, the Ensemble play new music based on sacred texts by the medieval Armenian mystic poet and priest, M’krtich Naghash.

Written by Armenian-American composer John Hodian, the programme Songs of Exile is a profound meditation on man's relationship to God from the perspective of a monk forced to live in “Ghareeb” (exile) for many years, echoing the tragedy of the Armenian in the early 20th century. Part folk music, part classical and profoundly moving.