Ilda Simonian – Heritage -Jarankutyun (Ilda Simonian, 2022)
Ilda Simonian’s album “Heritage,” released in 2022, highlights her mastery in reimagining twelve timeless Armenian melodies composed by the renowned Bishop Gomidas, also known as Komitas. Simonian skillfully arranges these traditional tunes for a string quartet, intertwining them harmoniously with the melancholic tones of the duduk, an ancient Armenian woodwind instrument made from apricot wood.
The result is a captivating and evocative soundscape that stirs feelings of nostalgia and a yearning for one’s homeland. Simonian’s enchanting and impeccable vocals breathe new life into these age-old compositions, infusing them with a renewed sense of wonder and vitality. The album explores themes such as love, longing, immigration, homesickness, village life, and the beauty of nature, reflecting the artist’s deep connection to her Armenian heritage.