Soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian Launches East Coast and Canada Tour
Soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian is set to present an innovative program during her upcoming concerts in New York City this November. The program, titled Ancestral Songs, Prayers and Lullabies, is inspired by a tradition established by Gomidas and continued by his students Parsegh Ganatchian and Mihran Toumajan.
Interview with Isabel Bayrakdarian
In a conversation with Lisa Terrizzi of the Friends of Armenian Cultural Society, who is organizing the Boston performance, Bayrakdarian reflected on her artistic journey and her dedication to exploring Armenian musical heritage.
Early Musical Influences
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.
Artistic Mission
Bayrakdarian’s goal remains to uncover, study, and share precious Armenian musical gems with audiences worldwide, bridging tradition and contemporary expression.
Author's summary: Isabel Bayrakdarian’s upcoming tour highlights her deep connection to Armenian sacred music and her mission to bring traditional melodies to new audiences through innovative performances.