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Zela Margossian
orn in Beirut, of Armenian heritage, Zela Margossian began studying piano at a very young age. Graduating from Hamazkaine’s Parsegh Ganatchian Musical College, she carries on her musical studies at the Lebanese Higher State Conservatory and at the same time, she continues her education in English literature at Haigazian University. Upon earning her B.A. degree in English literature, she leaves for Armenia to further her musical studies at the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory in the class of the renowned pianist and professor Vili Sargsyan. In 2007, Zela earns her Master’s degree in Piano Performance from the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory.
During her years studying in Armenia, Zela develops a great passion towards Armenian ethno-jazz music that she experiences in local jazz venues. After moving to Sydney, she embarks on a new journey of nurturing this passion and has been making her mark here as a blossoming composer and artist.
Zela is currently active performing her original compositions with her band, Zela Margossian Quintet, which she founded in early 2017. Zela Margossian Quintet’s music is a fusion of folk, jazz and classical, carrying influences from traditional Armenian music.
Zela Margossian Quintet releases their debut album, Transition in November 2018. Since then, the quintet has had performances in Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Auckland and Wellington.
Performance highlights include the Quintet’s participation in the Sydney International Jazz Women’s Festival (2017, 2019, 2020), a tour to Beirut, Lebanon to take part in the Beirut International Jazz Day Festival (April 2018), and a couple of key performances in the SIMA (Sydney Improvised Music Association) Jazz Programs (2018, 2019, 2020), a debut performance for the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues (Nov. 2020), a debut performance at the Sydney Opera House (Dec. 2020) and a performance at Sydney Town Hall for Sydney Festival 2021.
In October 2019, Transition receives an ARIA nomination (Australian Recording Industry Association) for Best World Music Album category.
Zela has an upcoming commission album project for ABC, Visions of Nar, with saxophonist Jeremy Rose to be released in early 2021.
In February 2022, Zela Margossian Quintet’s second album The Road will be released on the international American record label, Ropeadope.
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Zela Margossian: Music That Is Healing
by R.J. DeLuke
The music of pianist Zela Margossian draws on many influences. It's an amalgam of what she's learned from classical training, investigating of jazz, and her vast exposure to the folk music of her native Armenia. Her music is garnering praise for its varied textures and originality. It carries listeners down interesting pathways. Fans of varied music genres can find something intriguing. Margossian is of Armenian heritage, and that plays a big part in her art. But ...
Continue ReadingZela Margossian, Rosa Brunello, Goran Kajfes, Avin Omar, Michel Petrucciani, Dave Ambrosio
by Ludovico Granvassu
Engaging, socially aware, and globally minded: a playlist of new releases from four--or more--corners of the world.Happy listening!Playlist Ben Allison “Mondo Jazz Theme (feat. Ted Nash & Pyeng Threadgill)" 0:00 Zela Margossian Quintet “In Flight" Remedy (Ropeadope) 0:16 Host talks 8:09 David Ambrosio feat. Donny McCaslin, Ingrid Jensen, Bruce Barth, Victor Lewis “Irina" Civil Disobedience (Blue Frog) 9:33 Host talks 16:29 Rosa Brunello “Fish without a Bicycle" We Are Surging Waters) (Domanda) 17:59 Goran Kajfes Subtropic ...
Continue ReadingZela Margossian Quintet: The Road
by Barry O'Sullivan
The Road is the extremely dexterous pianist Zela Margossian's much anticipated second album. It follows her critically acclaimed and ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) nominated debut album, Transition (Art As Catharsis, 2018), and once again delivers rich instrumental textures, a distinct compositional voice, and the narrative and thematic depth that Margossian is now known for. The Beirut-born pianist draws upon her Armenian heritage and classical music training to create a variety of moods, by blending folk-inspired and jazz-influenced ...
Continue ReadingMusic
Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson
