Soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian Kicks Off East Coast, Canada Tour
NEW YORK — Soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian will present an innovative program at her upcoming concerts in New York City this November. The concert, titled “Ancestral Songs, Prayers and Lullabies,” features a collection rooted in a tradition established by Gomidas and continued by his students Parsegh Ganatchian and Mihran Toumajan.
Speaking with Lisa Terrizzi of the Friends of Armenian Cultural Society, who organized the Boston performance, Bayrakdarian shared insight into her journey from choir girl to internationally acclaimed artist. She also discussed her ongoing mission to uncover and share Armenian musical treasures.
Early Musical Influences and Passion for Voice
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 has always been Armenian sacred music. Exploring and singing our ancient hymns is a journey that has been deeply personal, guiding me forward, inward, and upward. I grew up playing piano and singing in the Armenian church choir in Lebanon. The main reason I pursued voice lessons in my late teens in Canada was to communicate freely with God through fearless singing built on solid technique.
Singing and discovering our beautiful and ancient hymns has been a path forward, inward and upward, making for a uniquely personal journey.
Bayrakdarian's dedication to Armenian music continues to shape her artistic path and presentations.
Author’s summary: Isabel Bayrakdarian’s upcoming concerts highlight her lifelong devotion to Armenian sacred music and her mission to revive and share its rich heritage worldwide.