Rhythms of Art

The Rhythms of Art Concert series is an exciting addition to FAM programming and is an entirely new concept. Local jazz composer Armen Nalbandian is currently in his fourth season as Resident Artist/Musical Director.

Nalbandian composes and performs original bodies of work directly inspired by the Fresno Art Museum's exhibiting visual artists. Come enjoy original jazz compositions inspired by the works of the exhibiting artists. Celebrate the union of music and the visual arts.

Upcoming 2008 Concert Dates (Bonner Auditorium)

  • March 20 - 7:00p
  • April 10 - 7:00p (Armen's Birthday Concert)
  • May 29 - 7:00p
  • June 26 - 7:00p

Message from the Musical Director

It has been a tremendous experience for me to have been the Musical Director/Resident Artist of the Fresno Art Museum for the past 3 years and I am very excited to be returning now for a fourth year.

There has been a great deal written about this program, but at its heart I think that the vision of the program has remained pretty straight forward: to present a concert series of original music, which highlights improvisation at its core, and reflects the needs of the global community. I can say, with a great deal of pride in the program, that we have most definitely lived up to that vision and have accomplished so many things that would have been a dream when we first started.

This season we will continue with our 6-concert format, with 4 of the concerts reflecting the inspiration that is drawn from the museum's exhibited art. This year, however, the musicians that will join me for the concerts reign from all over the world. I feel very blessed to be able to present an incredible line-up of music some of the greatest musicians who have ever lived. Our guest musician's will be joining me in a duet format.

I sincerely hope that you will join me in welcoming these musical legends to the Central Valley and celebrating this season's Rhythms of Art.

Thank you,

Armen Nalbandian
Fresno Art Museum Musical Director/Resident Artist

For more information about Armen, visit: http://www.armennalbandian.com

Contact Info

For more information on the Rhythms of Art Program, e-mail:

Armen Nalbandian
Musical Director/Resident Artist

What People Are Saying

"Armen Nalbandian is a truly great modern musician with an expansive understanding of the jazz tradition and then some. He has a completely open mind and big open ears. His work on prepared fender rhodes is a revelation to someone like me who grew up hearing that instrument in the way it was used in the 70's. Armen can massage the jazz and can find the music and beauty in noise."

Matthew Shipp
Pianist & Composer
Thirsty Ear Records

"...from swinging piano melodies to moody atmospheric prepared rhodes, Armen brings a myriad of sounds for the listener's delight"

Susie Ibarra
World-renowned Drummer & Percussionist

"Extremely tuneful and organic music with a real group synergy, plus a wonderful negotiation between accessibility and a true spirit of adventure. Highly recommended!"

D.D. Jackson
Jazz Pianist & Composer
Downbeat Magazine Columnist