We’re thrilled to welcome back pianist and composer Vardan Ovsepian to Motivo on Friday, July 17 for a very special presentation of his Spiderweb Project.
the Ensemble
Maya Proulx - voice/guitar
Daniel Rotem - saxophones
Vardan Ovsepian - piano
Karl McComas-Reichl - bass
Diego Alvarez - percussion
In the eastern philosophy “Maya", which translates as Illusion, is often compared to a spider’s web. This metaphor describes how we are born and entangled by our own illusions. The spider weaves its web from its own body, sits safely within it, and relies on it for survival, yet it can easily become trapped in the same tangled web if it loses its way.
Similarly, when humans become overly attached to the material, ego-driven illusions of the world, we become trapped in our own web of desires, fears, and karma. Liberation requires seeing the web for what it truly is: a mesmerizing play of shadows rather than the ultimate reality.
One set. Open seating. Refreshments in the bar.
Doors: 7:45pm
Show: 8:30 - 10:00pm
General admission:
$30.00 pre-sale | $35.00 at the door
Student Price:
$15.00
Limited parking on site on first come, first serve basis. Additional parking spaces available on Casitas Ave and Minneapolis St. Lots of street parking, safe and walkable neighborhood!
About Vardan Ovsepian
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.
“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…”
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 Peter Erskine, Jerry Bergonzi, Ben Monder, and David Binney, and has released 20+ albums as a leader and co leader.
Recent 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.