"Armen Donelian immediately proved himself a virtuoso... he played hard-edged, exclamatory chords offset by lightly sounded lines that seemed weightless ..." - San Francisco Chronicle (1980, with Billy Harper Quintet at Keystone Korner)

For fifty years, the pianist, composer and Fulbright Scholar has blended elements drawn from his Armenian origin, his Classical technique and his association with many Jazz legends into a personal style characterized by "...a serene sense of dignity and elegance..." (Berkshire Eagle). “But don't underestimate his ability to swing hard and throw punches” (Philadelphia Enquirer).

Since Donelian's first appearances with Mongo Santamaria in 1975, he has distinguished himself in 25 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle and Far East as a performer, recording artist, educator and author.

Donelian has performed as a featured solo pianist, leader of his own quintet and trio, and with some of the biggest names in Jazz including Sonny Rollins, Chet Baker, Paquito D’Rivera and Billy Harper and produced 13 critically acclaimed recordings.

“Mr. Donelian achieves this fusion in such a natural way that one can tell it’s a master’s work.” - Metronom (1986, Bilsak Jazz Festival, Istanbul, Turkey.

This January 21, 2017 engagement at Chez Hanny with long-time friend Peter Barshay is Armen Donelian's first appearance in San Francisco in 25 years.

ARMEN DONELIAN
WITH PETER BARSHAY
AT CHEZ HANNY

7:30PM-10:30PM

Chez Hanny
1300 Silver Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94134
(415) 552-2729