Multi-instrumentalist Levon Ichkhanian performs in Olympic Tour

Multi-instrumentalist/producer Levon Ichkhanian is currently in Beijing to perform in a historic event uniting Western and Eastern stars with artists living with disabilities on the world stage held during the 10 days between the Olympic and Paralympic games. He joins Shiela E, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Oliver Jones, Taylor Dane and others on the Marriage of Excellence Tour in China, with specially taped messages from Celine Dion, Chaka Khan and Itzhak Perlman.

One of only 3 Canadians invited to participate, Levon will represent his Armenian-Canadian heritage in his performance. Levon will perform a traditional Armenian song "Siroun" as well as as one of his own compositions commissioned by the Nashville Chamber Orchestra, "the Gift", with the Beijing Symphony Orchestra.

A versatile musician with large international appeal and experience, Levon's musical travels have connected him with a diverse group of talented people from all cultures and styles of music from around the world (A.R. Rahman, Hariharan, Peter Murphy, Isabel Bayrakdarian, Janne Lappalainen from Varttina, among others). This has inspired Levon to incorporate many different sounds in his music (e.g. Armenian, Middle Eastern, Brazilian, Indian, etc) earning his recognition for his efforts in blending cultural influences both in his live performances and on his CDs, "after hours" and "travels". He is a sought after clinician and teacher, having delivered hundreds of sessions across Canada, United States and Europe, and was awarded the International Association of Jazz Educator's Award for "Outstanding Service to Jazz Education".

"I believe that music is the common voice for all cultures, so, it was an honour to be asked to perform and represent my culture during the Tour," states Ichkhanian.

Upon his return from performing in Beijing, Levon will be returning to the studio to record his next CD and is putting the finishing touches to an improvisation method book.