Courtesy of Gavilan College:
Jazz fans flocked to Gavilan College’s annual concert this past weekend, basking in a range of performances of original music. Groups included the Dahveed Behroozi Group, Michelle Pollace’s Latin Jazz Ensemble and Vardan Ovsepian’s VOCE Ensemble.
Since 2017, each autumn the concert has brought together three to four groups performing different styles of jazz. This year, to honor Gavilan’s Centennial, the event was named Jazz @ Gavilan, Celebrating 100 Years.
“The music department has been growing steadily this past year,” said Behroozi, who teaches music at Gavilan and San Jose State University. He credited music colleagues and the expertise of department chair Maria Amirkhanian. A schedule of additional concerts will promote more interest in the college’s music department.
An upcoming concert Oct.5 by the South Valley Symphony features a composition written by Behroozi, Gavilan Spirit, featuring the orchestra and Behroozi improvising on piano. “Gavilan and SVS have a long relationship, and this will be the first time I’ll be playing with an orchestra.”
“This was my first time playing at Gavilan,” said pianist and composer Pollace, a South Bay native. “The piano in the theater is beautiful, such a joy to play.” She noted the diverse styles of the evening performances. “I felt a kindred spirit with all the musicians and the common thread to all our sets.”
VOCE Ensemble is a sextet of piano, bass, percussion, viola, cello and flute. Ovesepian wrote the 45 minute score and premiered it at the Jazz @ Gavilan Concert. The performance included written and improvisational sections for each of the musicians.
For more information about Gavilan College’s music department, contact Maria Amirkhanian. Visit South Valley Symphony for more information on upcoming concerts.
