Kicking off the 2026 series, the ARIA-nominated Zela Margossian Quintet have performed across 4 continents, from the Sydney Opera House to the Barbican in London, and festivals including the Melbourne, Sydney Women’s and Beirut International Jazz Festivals.  

Variously described as “ethno-jazz”, “world-jazz”, and “folk-jazz fusion”, pianist and composer Zela Margossian’s music rises above all these labels, with kaleidoscopic original works and arrangements melding Armenian traditional music, jazz, and classical roots. Featuring a diverse line-up of some of Sydney's finest musicians on reeds, bass and percussion, the Quintet are riding high on the back of their internationally acclaimed album, The Road (Ropeadope, USA), ahead of their third new release in 2026.  

One of Sydney’s most original jazz voices crossing cultures and genres, don’t miss the Zela Margossian Quintet, live, at The Lounge.  

Zela Margossian - Piano 

Stuart Vandegraaff - Saxophone, Clarinet 

Alexander Inman-Hislop - Drums 

Adem Yilmaz - Percussion 

Jacques Emery - Double bass 

“This is freshly minted contemporary jazz bursting with panache” All About Jazz 

“…this exemplary album that is simultaneously heartfelt, authentic, and wholly absorbing.” JazzWise 

 

Jazz at The Lounge is part of Chatswood Culture Bites, Willoughby City Council’s innovative program of music, theatre, comedy and more in Chatswood CBD.