Soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian Launches East Coast Canada Tour
Soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian will present a unique program during her upcoming concerts in New York City in November. The concert series, titled Ancestral Songs, Prayers and Lullabies, draws inspiration from 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 from the Friends of Armenian Cultural Society, the organizer of the Boston concert, Bayrakdarian discussed her path from choir singer to internationally acclaimed artist and her dedication to exploring and sharing Armenian musical treasures.
Early Musical Influences
Lisa Terrizzi: Did you grow up in a musical household, and what drew you specifically to voice?
Isabel Bayrakdarian: My first love has always been Armenian sacred music. Singing and uncovering our ancient hymns has been a deeply personal and spiritual journey. I grew up playing piano and singing in the Armenian church choir in Lebanon. Later, as a teenager in Canada, I took voice lessons to express myself freely before God through confident singing built on solid technique.
Artistic Mission
Bayrakdarian continues to dedicate herself to discovering, exploring, and presenting the rich heritage of Armenian music worldwide, bringing these cultural gems to new audiences.
Author’s summary: Isabel Bayrakdarian’s upcoming concerts showcase a heartfelt connection to Armenian sacred music, highlighting her journey from church choir to global stages while preserving her cultural roots.