The Naghash Ensemble of Armenia Brings Ancient Poetry and Contemporary Music to Universal Preservation Hall

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (Oct. 23) — Ancient Armenian poetry comes to life through haunting vocals, traditional instruments, and contemporary composition when The Naghash Ensemble of Armenia takes the stage at Universal Preservation Hall 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5.

Presented as part of the 2026-27 Passport Series: Music Haven at Proctors Collaborative, the performance invites audiences to discover a distinctive musical experience that bridges centuries of Armenian history with the sounds of today.

Led by Armenian American composer John Hodian, The Naghash Ensemble draws inspiration from the sacred poetry of medieval Armenian poet and priest Mkrtich Naghash. The ensemble brings his centuries-old words into the present through original compositions that blend the traditions of Armenian folk and spiritual music with classical and contemporary influences.

The result is a sound that defies easy classification. Expressive vocals intertwine with the rich tones of the duduk, oud, dhol, and piano, creating music that is both deeply rooted in Armenian heritage and strikingly modern.

Through its performances, The Naghash Ensemble offers more than a concert. It creates a connection between past and present, celebrating the enduring power of poetry, music, and cultural identity.

The performance marks the second stop in this season’s Passport Series. The six-concert series brings internationally acclaimed artists to Proctors in Schenectady and UPH in Saratoga Springs, introducing Capital Region audiences to musical traditions from around the world. The series continues the Music Haven tradition of “traveling the world one concert at a time,” with performances representing Armenia, Ethiopia, Spain, West Africa, and South Asia throughout the season.

Tickets for The Naghash Ensemble of Armenia are on sale now at atuph.org or through the Box Office at Proctors at (518) 346-6204. Audiences can also purchase a Passport Series pass, which includes tickets to any three of the six performances for $100. For more information, visit proctorscollaborative.org/passport-series. The UPH season sponsor is M&T Bank.

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