Biography:
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.
Throughout the years Vardan has also developed a remarkable angular geometric world, connected to his background in chess, and his attraction to minimalism and modern architecture, resulting in the publication of 2 books: Mirror Exercises (2011) and Permutation Studies (2020).
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 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.
Resent 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 (New York, NY - 2017).
Presently Vardan resides in Los Angeles, and instructs at CalArts.
“Vardan brings his own sound and ingredients... I have never heard any musician quite like him in terms of harmonic awareness and melodic power. I suspect that he will prove to be quite a sensation…" - Peter Erskine
“Having had the chance to play with him, (and to record with him) I can only say that he is 'the real deal, and the whole package.” - Mick Goodrick
CV
Education
1997-2000 Berklee College of Music - Boston, MA
Major in Piano Performance
1995-1997 Helsinki Jazz Conservatory - Helsinki, Finland
Major in Piano Performance
1994-1995 Estonian Music Academy - Tallinn, Estonia
Classes in Contemporary Classical Composition
1992-1994 Yerevan State Conservatory - Yerevan, Armenia
Major in Classical Composition
1990-1992 Romanos Melikyan College of Music - Yerevan, Armenia
Major in Music Theory
1982-1989 Junior Music School - Yerevan, Armenia
Major in Piano Performance and Music Theory
Teaching
California Institute of Arts; Los Angeles CA (2022 - present)
Composition, improvisation, harmony, ensembles
University of California, Los Angeles - UCLA (May 2023)
Composition masterclass
Cal Poly Pomona (May 2023)
Composition and improvisation masterclass
Berklee College of Music; Boston MA (November 2014)
Composition masterclass for the professional writing division
Berklee College of Music; Boston MA (November 2014)
Workshop about the “art of duo” for the voice department
Cambridge School of Weston; Weston MA (November 2014)
Composition masterclass
Beijing Contemporary Music Academy; Beijing, China (October 2014)
Small ensemble performance skills (Peter Erskine clinics), jazz piano and composition private instructions
Sacheon International Jazz Workshop: S. Korea (summer 2014)
Lectures on “finding your own voice”, jazz piano and composition private instructions, small ensemble performance skills
Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music: Chennai, India (fall 2010)
Improvisation and composition classes, small ensemble performance skills
The Musical Suite: Newburyport, MA (2000 – 2009)
Classical and jazz piano private instructions, small ensemble performance skills
Maine Jazz Camp: Farmington, ME (2000-2008)
Improvisation and theory classes, small ensemble performance skills
Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival: Fairbanks, AK (2004-2008)
Jazz piano and composition private instructions, small ensemble performance skills
Susquehanna University: Selinsgrove, PA (2006-07, 2007-08, 2014 -15 academic years)
Improvisation and theory classes, small ensemble performance skills
Bucknell University: Lewisburg, PA (2007-08 academic year)
Workshops on improvisation and composition
Wheeler Jazz Camp: Providence, RI (2006, 2007)
Improvisation and composition classes, small ensemble performance skills
Towson State University: Towson, MD (2004-05, 2005-06 academic years)
Improvisation and composition classes
Reviews and Articles
expressmilwaukee.com
Review of Lighthouse by David Luhrssen 2014
O’s Place Jazz Magazine
Review of Lighthouse by Dr. Oscar Groomes 2014
Downbeat Magazine
Review of Akunc and Sketch Book, by Greg Buium; February 2005
The Boston Globe
Preview article of solo performance at Zeitgeist Gallery (Cambridge, MA), by Bill Beuttler; February 2005
jazzpreview.com
Review of Akunc, by Roman St. James; January 2005
The Boston Globe
Article Beauty of Sketch Book Draws Attention to Local Pianist Ovsepian, by Bill Beuttler; March 2004
Keyboard Magazine
Article Mr. Goodchord Goes Keyboard, Part 2, by Mitch Haupers; January 2004
Cadence Building
Review of Sketch Book; July 2003
Portland Press Herald
Review of November 30, 2002 concert at the Center for Cultural Exchange (Portland ME),
by Steve Feeney; December 2002
Awards and Recognition
Chamber Music America Grant for New Jazz Works program funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (New York, NY) 2017
Achava Jazz Award First Prize (Erfurt, Germany) 2017
Full Berklee International Tour and Entering Student Scholarships 1997-2000
Edman Jazz Piano Competition First Prize co-winner (Hartford, CT) 1998
Armenian General Benevolent Union Grant 1997-2000
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Recordings/Publications
Permutation Studies (book) - published in 2020
Tomorrow is Yesterday - 2020
Triptych - 2020
Fractal Limit Originals (book) - published in 2020
Every Tomorrow - 2019
Oneness - 2018
Andorr - 2018
The Archaic Present (duet with Biliana Voutchkova) - 2018
In Praise of Shadows (Peter Erskine New Trio) - 2016
Hand in Hand (duet with Tatiana Parra) - 2016
As Autumn Departs (duet with Ji Park) - 2015
Lighthouse (duet with Tatiana Parra) - 2014
Dreaming Paris Theme and Variations (VOCE) - 2013
Now (duet with Joon Lee) - 2012
Chromaticity - 2012
Nocturnal Prophecy (duet with John O’Gallagher) – 2011
Joy Luck (Peter Erskine New Trio) - 2011
Mirror Exercises (book) – published in 2011
VOCE (Vardan Ovsepian Chamber Ensemble) - 2006
Recordings on the Fresh Sound, New Talent label [Barcelona, Spain] include:
Points North (Vardan Ovsepian Quintet) - 2013
Aragast (Vardan Ovsepian Quartet) - 2006
Akunc (Vardan Ovsepian Quintet) - 2004
Sketch Book (Vardan Ovsepian Quintet) - 2002
Abandoned Wheel (solo piano) – 2001
Languages
Fluent in English, Armenian and Russian
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References
Available upon request
