Brief Bio

Following the family traditions of musicians, Levon Ichkhanian's musical experiences started with his first professional gig playing guitar at the age of 13. Since then, his musical experiences has expanded to include recording, composing, producing, touring and music coordinating /contracting. In addition to acoustic and electric guitars, Levon plays world string instruments, including the Oud, Banjitar and Bouzoukis.

Levon has released three solo CDs (with featured guests JUNO nominated Alain Caron and Grammy award winners John Patitucci, Paquito D'Rivera, and Bernard Purdie). He has played on over 100 commercially released recordings ranging from Canadian Idol ‘s Gold certified CD to Opera diva Isabel Bayrakdarian to India's national treasure Hariharan. Levon has produced JUNO nominated projects, composed for the Nashville Chamber Orchestra, and created soundtracks for filmmakers, such as Atom Egoyan, West Hyler, environmentalist David Suzuki and Choreographer Twyla Tharp.

Levon has toured throughout the globe with his own world/jazz group, and with the likes of Peter Murphy (former frontman of Bauhaus) and A.R. Rahman (of “Slumdog Millionaire”), and at events as MIDEM in Cannes and the 2008 Beijing Olympics, sharing the stage with Dee Dee Bridgewater, Oliver Jones & Taylor Dane. He has performed in and/or contracted musicals The Lord of the Rings, My Fair Lady, 3 Mo’ Divas, Spamalot, Toxic Avenger, Robin Hood, Chicago, Lion King, Miss Saigon, South Pacific, Come Fly Away, Ross Petty's Pantomime Robin Hood, and the Tony Award Winning Jersey Boys, as well as Music Tours like Brian Wilson's Reimagines Gershwin Tour, Concerts for the likes of Marvin Hamilsch and TV specials including the Canadian Tenors 2010 Gemini Award winning Season of Song with guests David Foster, Paul Anka, Charice, Jackie Evancho and Justin Bieber.

Levon is an avid explorer of improvisation, which forms the basis for his workshops, master classes and published articles. A recipient of the Governor General of Canada's acknowledgment for musical excellence and International Association of Jazz Educator's All Star Jazz Award, he has also been the cover feature in numerous music magazines.

 

"A Guitarist skilled in multiple modes, Levon Ichkhanian wins plaudits everywhere he plays . . . His often dazzling technique is fortified by unusual melodic and harmonic abilities and the merging of Mideast sounds with contemporary jazz accents". TORONTO STAR

Travels "is a real tour de force - Levon's most ambitious album yet" MUZIK ETC

"Travels is a worthwhile listen for any musician out there. Featuring contributions from heavyweights such as Alain Caron and Wilson Laurencin, the album blends many styles seamlessly together for an enjoyable listen" CANADIAN MUSICIAN MAGAZINE

'Guitarist Levon Ichkhanian's Armenian Heritage makes his melding of jazz and world music seam natural . . . a fabulous player" WINNIPEG FREE PRESS