Soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian kicks off East Coast, Canada tour

Soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian Launches East Coast Canada Tour

NEW YORK — Soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian will showcase a unique program during her upcoming concerts in New York City this November. The concert, titled “Ancestral Songs, Prayers and Lullabies,” is inspired by a tradition established by Gomidas and continued by his students Parsegh Ganatchian and Mihran Toumajan.

Insights from Isabel Bayrakdarian

In an interview with Lisa Terrizzi from the Friends of Armenian Cultural Society, who is also the presenter of the Boston performance, Bayrakdarian revealed her musical journey from choir member to internationally acclaimed artist. She emphasized her dedication to exploring and sharing Armenian musical treasures.

Lisa Terrizzi (L.T.): Did you grow up in a musical household, and what drew you specifically to voice?

Isabel Bayrakdarian (I.B.): My first love was, and continues to be, Armenian sacred music. Singing and discovering our beautiful and ancient hymns has been a path forward, inward and upward, making for a uniquely personal journey. I grew up playing the piano and singing in our Armenian church choir in Lebanon. The only reason I wanted to take voice lessons, in my late teens in Canada, was to communicate freely with God through fearless singing that comes with a solid technique.

Musical Roots and Personal Mission

Bayrakdarian’s attachment to Armenian sacred music shaped her development as an artist. Her experiences in Lebanon and later in Canada fueled a desire to perform this repertoire with authenticity and technical skill, allowing her to connect deeply with spiritual expression.

The upcoming concerts promise a rich presentation of Armenian musical heritage, honoring the teachings of early masters while offering a fresh perspective.

Isabel Bayrakdarian’s work continues to revitalize Armenian sacred music, blending tradition with personal artistic growth.

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The Armenian Weekly The Armenian Weekly — 2025-11-07

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