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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