A contemporary Armenian Christmas Oratorio by Armenian-American composer John Hodian, rooted in millennia-old Armenian literature.
“The spiritual beauty of the music provokes a mix of joy and ecstasy”
— J-P Brossard, Les Trans Musicales
“Sublime music between pride and beauty, sorrow and hope”
— Hamburger Abendblatt
“A stunning new discovery”
— BR Klassik
“Khorurd Metz / The Great Mystery,” based on poetry by Movses Khorenatsi (5th century), with new music by John Hodian.
“The Voice of the Father,” based on poetry by Hovhannes Erznkatsi (13th century),
with new music by John Hodian.
“The Crucifixion of the Lord,” based on poetry by Nerses Shnorhali (12th century), with new music by John Hodian.
“Mariam Gnats,” based on words by Komitas,
with new music by John Hodian.
“That Sad Little Flock (Until the End of the World),” based on poetry by Narekatsi (10th century), with new music by John Hodian.
“Hallelujah,” with words and music by John Hodian.
For over two millennia, the story of Christ's birth has been woven into the very fabric of Armenian identity, with Armenia being the first country to adopt Christianity as its official state religion in 301 AD. Over the centuries, many Armenian poets have written beautiful lyric celebrations of the Annunciation, Nativity, and Theophany. However, over two millennia of foreign rule, much of the musical heritage related to this topic was suppressed, persecuted, and ultimately lost.
With his new work “Light the Candle”, composer John Hodian has created an evening-length piece in Armenian commemorating the birth of Christ.
Building a unique bridge between ancient tradition and the present, Hodian’s captivating new music reflects the spiritual depth and mystical power of Armenian Christmas.
Eschewing a traditional narrative, the libretto portrays various aspects of the life of Christ, with poems dating back to the 5th century, and prominently features the work of Sahakdukht, Armenia’s first known woman of Armenian literature.
Combining the earthy spirituality of Armenian folk and spiritual song with new classical music and post-minimalism, The Naghash Ensemble's “Light the Candle” is “hauntingly beautiful, timeless, and strikingly appropriate for these troubled times.” — NAI
Texts by Movses Khorenatsi (5th century), Sahakdukht Syunetsi (8th century), Grigor Narekatsi (10th century), Nerses Shnorali (12th century), Hovhannes Erznkatsi (13th century), Komitas (20th century), Vahram Martirosyan (born 1957)
Music by John Hodian
The Naghash Ensemble of Armenia is …
Hasmik Baghdasaryan • soprano
Tatevik Movsesyan • soprano
Shahane Zalyan • alto
Emmanuel Hovhannisyan • duduk, shvi
Tigran Hovhannisyan • dhol, dumbek, daf
Aram Nikoghosyan • oud
John Hodian • piano
The Naghash Ensemble will tour Europe and North America in December 2026.
For booking requests:
Wiebke Zollmann
+49 156 7963 0063
+1 845 217 4306
