Born in Beirut of Armenian heritage, Zela’s music bears influences from the rich and colourful cultures that she represents. Zela’s passion for Armenian ethno-jazz grew while studying piano performance in Armenia where she experienced a lively local scene. After moving to Sydney, she embarked on a new journey of nurturing this passion and has been making her mark here as a blossoming composer and artist ever since.
The Zela Margossian Quintet participated in the Beirut International Jazz Festival in Beirut, Lebanon in April 2018. The Quintet has also participated in different festivals in Sydney such as the International Women’s Jazz Festival in 2017 and Sydney Improvised Music Association’s Winter Jazz Festival in June 2018 as a headline band.
Leading her multi-cultural quintet of talented musicians; Stuart Vandegraaff on reeds, Lesen Price on double bass, Adem Yilmaz on percussion and Alex Inman-Hislop on drums – Zela’s music is sure to take listeners on an exotic and vibrant musical journey.
Transition, the band’s debut album was released digitally by Art As Catharsisrecord label on the 30th of November. After their album launch at Foundry616 in December 2018, the quintet has received positive reviews from different sources in Australia and overseas and currently have plans to perform in different locations nationwide.
“What a bright new force is pianist Zela Margossian . Her debut album, Transition, announced her range and fascination as a composer, splashing her Armenian heritage across the broad canvas of jazz. But whereas the album (as good as it is) felt slightly stifled by a preoccupation with precision, here her music exploded into a more visceral dimension, the fizzing excitement sometimes almost lifting you from your chair.” – J. Shand (Sydney Morning Herald)
Who: Zela Margossian Quintet
When: 14th of Feburary 8:30pm
Where: Foundry 616
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