Sam First Piano Fest: Vardan Ovsepian with Maksim Velichkin

Vardan Ovsepian (piano), Maksim Velichkin (cello/piano)

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.

In addition to VOCE and Fractal Limit, 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. Present awards include Fractal Limit’s First Prize at the Achava Jazz Award (Erfurt, Germany - 2017), Chamber Music America Grant for New Jazz Works program funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation…