Vardan Ovsepian

Vardan blends western classical music with jazz, and has developed a remarkable angular geometric world within music, connected to his background as a childhood chess prodigy, and his attraction to minimalism and modern architecture.

Vardan Ovsepian, piano
Roni Eytan, harmonica
Joshua Davis, bass
Jay Sawyer, drums

Vardan Ovsepian is an Armenian-born pianist/composer whose studies include Yerevan State Conservatory, Estonian Music Academy, Helsinki Jazz Conservatory, and Berklee College of Music. From the early years Vardan was fascinated by the blend of western classical music with jazz, and has been in perpetual search for unique ways of incorporating the hybrid formation in his composing and improvising. Consequently a semi-large chamber ensemble (VOCE) was formed in 2005, focusing on the cinematic approach in the musical narrative.

Another spotlight is the origination of the “Fractal Limit” duet with Tatiana Parra, which has received an immense international recognition. The project showcases Vardan’s remarkable technical proficiency and capacity to articulate contrapuntal textures. In addition, Vardan has collaborated with artists like Mick Goodrick, Peter Erskine, Jerry Bergonzi, Tim Miller, Ben Monder, David Binney, and has released 20+ albums as a leader and co-leader. https://www.vardanovsepian.com/

Joshua Davis was appointed as the Director of Jazz Studies at Penn State in Fall 2022. Recent performances include televised concerts in Turkey with Randy Brecker, Sean Rickman, and Timucin Sahin, and a U.S. Dept. of State-sponsored Armenia concert with Jerry Bergonzi and Vardan Ovsepian.

Roni Eytan has performed with a galaxy of world renowned musicians. In 2014 he joined the band of Grammy Award-winning pianist Danilo Perez, performing with him for two years. In 2018, Roni was the first harmonica player to be chosen for the Herbie Hancock Institute program (previously known as the Thelonious Monk Institute). He was selected by a panel of iconic artists, including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Ambrose Akinmusire and James Newton. On the program, he studied under the artistic direction of Hancock and Shorter, and various other jazz masters. https://www.ronieytan.com/

Born in Grand Rapids, MI, Jay Sawyer is one of the most in-demand rising star drummers in New York City. He has shared the stage with Freddy Cole, John McNeil, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Stefon Harris, Donny McCaslin, Benito Gonzalez, and Shai Maestro among others. While attending Western Michigan University and the University of Illinois, respectively, Jay studied with Billy Hart, Tim Froncek, Keith Hall and Dana Hall, who nurtured his passion and skill for the art of jazz drums.

Showtime: 7 pm ET/6 pm CT/5 pm MT/4 pm PT/12 am GMT

In-person seats: $25 / $10 full-time students with valid ID
Attendees receive a link to the recording to view for one week.
Advance sales end 1 hr before show; remaining tickets may be purchased at door.
 
Streaming Cost is $15
The link will be revealed 15 minutes before the show
and will remain active through Oct 24

Donations welcome