· Classical
“Jazzical Komitas”: An Extraordinary Dialogue Between Komitas’ Music and Jazz
On June 16 at 7:30 PM, the Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall will host the exceptional concert project “Jazzical Komitas,” presented by the Armenian State Chamber Orchestra. The project brings together the depth of Armenian sacred and national music with the free expression and innovation of jazz.
The concert’s soloist is New York-based pianist and composer Joel Martin. The performance will be conducted by British-Armenian conductor and tenor Sipan Olah.
For the first time, Yerevan audiences will hear Joel Martin’s “Jazzical Komitas” arrangements performed live by the Armenian State Chamber Orchestra.
Internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Joel Martin is renowned for his explosive blend of classical virtuosity and jazz improvisation. Among his collaborators are world-famous artists, including Alan Menken, Fergie, Stevie Wonder, and opera legend Kathleen Battle.
Despite having no Armenian heritage, Joel Martin’s connection to Komitas’ music spans more than six years. He describes himself as an “adopted Armenian,” moving audiences in Yerevan, Los Angeles, and New York with his deeply emotional interpretations. The project already includes two albums, with a third planned for release in connection with a Grammy nomination.
This concert is part of the “Jazzical Komitas” World Tour 2026–2028, which will include performances in 20 cities. The first collaboration between Joel Martin, Sipan Olah, and the Armenian State Chamber Orchestra took place on October 4, 2025, in New York. Following the Yerevan concert, another performance is planned in London.
The concert’s soloist is New York-based pianist and composer Joel Martin. The performance will be conducted by British-Armenian conductor and tenor Sipan Olah.
For the first time, Yerevan audiences will hear Joel Martin’s “Jazzical Komitas” arrangements performed live by the Armenian State Chamber Orchestra.
Internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Joel Martin is renowned for his explosive blend of classical virtuosity and jazz improvisation. Among his collaborators are world-famous artists, including Alan Menken, Fergie, Stevie Wonder, and opera legend Kathleen Battle.
Despite having no Armenian heritage, Joel Martin’s connection to Komitas’ music spans more than six years. He describes himself as an “adopted Armenian,” moving audiences in Yerevan, Los Angeles, and New York with his deeply emotional interpretations. The project already includes two albums, with a third planned for release in connection with a Grammy nomination.
This concert is part of the “Jazzical Komitas” World Tour 2026–2028, which will include performances in 20 cities. The first collaboration between Joel Martin, Sipan Olah, and the Armenian State Chamber Orchestra took place on October 4, 2025, in New York. Following the Yerevan concert, another performance is planned in London.
