Press & Media

“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” about Ilda Simonian’s album ‘Heritage.’

-Angel Romero July 17, 2023

“with a perfect and impressive voice. It pulls people out of the everyday situations in which they are scorched and drags them into the land of miracles. Not only does Simonyan have a perfect voice, but she is also a unique performer. Everything is in harmony in the album: voice, vocals, and songs…”

-An excerpt from the article by Naim Dilmener published on the monthly art magazine Milliyet Sanat April 4, 2023

“Although they are folk music compilations in origin, Komitas arrangements and compositions are defined as ‘classical music’ in Armenian music literature. This opens up space for many artists to perform these works again with their own style and interpretations. In this context, Ilda Simonian was a former member of Sayat Nova Choir and her album ‘Heritage’, which was released in October last year with own label Ilda Simonian, also means the reproduction of a tradition. Artashes Melikyan, Narek Sahakyan and Vahe Barkhudaryan on violins, Vahe Danielyan on cello and Norayr Gapoyan on vocals accompany the artist in the album, in which 12 songs by Priest Komitas are performed. To the performance of these songs, which we are accustomed to hearing mostly with piano accompaniment, string instruments added a unique depth. In the past, Komitas folk songs, which were adapted for string quartet by Sergey Asdamazyan, gained a special audience as such. As the bearer of a nearly 100-year-old tradition, Komitas Quartet in Yerevan and Levon Chilingirian, who gave concerts with the quartet he created under his own name, are important representatives of this tradition. In the past, the ensemble known as the ‘Varsoha Quartet’ in Istanbul also gave concerts with Asdamazyan arrangements. Ilda Simonian is an artist who continued her professional life in the Netherlands after graduating from the Vocal Department of Istanbul State Conservatory. The singer, who sang traditional folk music samples in her album, which was previously released under the label of Kalan Music, will also make a name for herself with this work.”

-by Pakrat Estukyan
Agos Weekly, March 6, 2003

“Ilda really becomes one with her music. To me she is an eye-opener. She has her own style of singing which I find very appealing. Besides lithurgical songs Armenian music also has folk songs. This type of music requires a totally different technique. I have never seen someone perform with so much passion. I am really impressed by the way she builds up the tension when she sings and by how she moves the audience.”

-Heiko Jessayan, made music documentaries for among others VPRO Radio 4

“Although I do not understand Armenian and therefore can not follow what she sings about word for word, I do get a special feeling by her performance. She takes you by the hand by explaining the stories that the songs tell. It is undoubtedly very poetic, but unfortunately I do not get all the details. During her performance I realized once again that music is an universal language. She presented a beautiful song, of which she clearly posesses the key.”

-Gert Jan Blom, musician

“She has such a beautiful and distinctive voice and a very powerful appearance, which suits the melancholy but also earthly Armenian music. The harmony of the Armenian music reminds me of the old Gregorian sounds, but at the same time of Caucasian folk music. It relaxes me. It is spiritual music and despite the minor of the songs, it sounds cheerful. I mean that it is earthly and reconciled with the life and suffering of man. Maybe because I like folk music so much, the authenticity of her music is very appealing to me.”

-Susanna Heydarian, painter