Soprano sorceress Isabel Bayrakdarian, acclaimed internationally for her glittering accomplishments on both stage and screen, presents – in this hypnotically alluring album of Armenian sacred music – a more spiritual aspect of her multifaceted musical persona.

Isabel conceived this project as a heartfelt gift to God for sparing the life of her mother, and the entire album is very much a “family affair.” Her husband arranged the pieces, her brother plays the ceremonial percussion instruments, and her two sisters join her to form a vocal trio in several tracks.

This spellbinding music – scored variously for solo and ensemble voices, cello and women’s choir – will take its fortunate listeners on a deeply spiritual and meditative journey of the soul.

“The evening really belonged to Bayrakdarian, the satin beauty, whose voice carried all before it. No, that doesn’t say it all: Her voice is one of the most engaging and congenial in the world today.” – Ottawa Citizen

Track listing:
1. Pourvarov Tapor (Censer procession)
2. Baghdasar Tbir (1683-1768) - Zartir Nazeli (Arise, Graceful One)
3. Anonymous (medieval) - Khngi Dzarin (Frankincense Tree)
4. Ara Bartevian (1902-1986) - Mayr Yev Gouys (Immaculate Mother)
5. Hampartsoum Limondjian (1768-1839) - Hamemad Kez (Incomparable One)
6. Anonymous (medieval) - Varaneem (Burdened with Sins)
7. Anonymous (medieval) - Avedis Kez Mariyam (Good Tidings to You, Mary)
8. St Gregory of Nareg (951-1003) - Aghers ar Diramayr (Plea to Mother of God)
9. St Gregory of Nareg - Diramayrn (Mother of the Lord)
10. Anonymous (medieval) - Badjar yev Sgizpn (Cause and Origin)
11. Movses Khorenatsi (410-490) - Zandjareli Looso Mayr (Mother of Light)
12. Movses Khorenatsi - Sharaganner (Sharagans from Holy Week)
13. Gomidas Vartabed (1869-1935) - Asdvadzadzin Yergnayin (Divine Mother of God)
14. Anonymous (medieval) - Zgousoutyount Ko (O Pure God Bearer)
15. St Nerses Shnorhali (1102-1173) - Aysor Joghovyal (The Saints Are Gathered)
16. Vartan Areveltsi (1198-1271) - Antaram Dzaghig (Eternal Flower)
17. Anonymous (18th-19th century) - Panin Hor (Word of the Father)
18. Anonymous (18th-19th century) - Oor es Mayr Im (Where Are You, My Mother?)

Arrangements by Serouj Kradjian from original sources of Armenian hymns, odes and canticles