Naghash Ensemble Launches North American Tour Nov. 4

The Naghash Ensemble, led by Armenian-American composer John Hodian, begins a 2026 North American tour Nov. 4 in Salisbury, Maryland. The ensemble combines traditional Armenian instruments—zourna, duduk, oud, and dhol—with three Armenian vocalists and piano, performing original compositions based on medieval Armenian poetry.

Hodian, a Philadelphia native trained in Western classical music, created the ensemble after hearing vocalist Hasmik Baghdasaryan at Armenia's Garni temple. His work has been performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Paris Philharmonic. The tour includes performances in cities with minimal Armenian populations as well as established diaspora hubs like Los Angeles, Toronto, and Seattle. The ensemble's approach has inspired international cultural festivals and prompted audiences to visit Armenia.