01/21/2026
Two months ago, we were approaching one of the biggest milestone events in The Naghash Ensemble's history, scheduled for January. We were supposed to play at Lincoln Center in New York City in front of North America’s key decision makers in the performing arts industry. We could not have been happier about this invitation.
However, finances proved tricky. Our presenter, globalFEST, paid a fair honorarium, but couldn’t cover international travel or housing in New York. Other funding sources had fallen through, and it looked like we would lose a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
As we sat down to brainstorm how we could possibly rescue this concert, an email arrived in our artistic director’s mailbox. It was an invitation to learn more about the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation's Fellowship Grant, essentially a travel grant for Armenian academics, artists, and sportsmen to participate in international events representing Armenia.
This was exactly what we needed — we couldn’t believe that we hadn’t found out about it earlier!
We applied, and within a week, we received the foundation’s approval.
Here’s what happened thanks to their support:
On January 11, we performed at globalFEST — also known as North America’s most important showcase festival for traditionally inspired music — at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall. (Yes, the same venue that is home to the New York Philharmonic!)
But playing globalFEST isn’t just about playing one of New York City’s premier concert halls. It’s about sharing your music with professionals in the performing arts scene, programmers, and artistic directors to forge connections that will shape your future.
In collaboration with new partners who heard us live at globalFEST, we’re now working on our return to North America in November 2026 and April 2027.
Neither our Lincoln Center concert nor these future tours would have been possible without the support of the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation Armenia.
