Tigran Hamasyan

Brisbane International Jazz Festival proudly presents pianist and composer Tigran Hamasyan – one of the most remarkable pianists of his generation. With virtuosic skill he weaves a startling mix of jazz, rock, minimalist and electronic elements with the rich folkloric music of his native Armenia, strengthened by powerful improvisations fused with heavy grooves.

Tigran’s premiere Brisbane performance features originals from his latest solo piano release An Ancient Observer on Nonesuch Records. The album focuses on the art of observation “of the world we live in now and the weight of our history we carry on our shoulders even if we don’t realise it,” Tigran says. “This album is the observation of influences and experiences I had.”

Tigran’s career accolades include winner of the top piano award at the 2013 Montreux Jazz Festival, the grand prize at the 2006 Thelonious Monk Jazz Piano Competition, the 2015 prestigious Paul Acket Award at the North Sea Jazz Festival and the Echo Award (the German Grammy) for best international piano album of 2016 for his superb Nonesuch debut recording Mockroot.

Tigran has toured internationally for a fan base that ranges from adventurous jazz aficionados to progressive hardcore metal listeners.