Andre Stepanian

Andre Stepanian is a guitarist, composer and producer based in Vancouver, BC. ​His evocative compositions reflect a range of styles encompassing World, Jazz, Rock and Latin, and an eclectic fusion of non-traditional flamenco guitar techniques with nylon, acoustic, steel string and electric sounds. Through his travels around the world and proud Armenian heritage, Andre’s music reflects his ability to relate to many musical genres while remaining close to his Gypsy musical roots.
He has performed across Canada and internationally, and is currently evolving new musical projects as a solo performer.
Growing up in England, his love of music started at the age of seven when he began studying classical piano. As a 12-year-old, he saw Carlos Santana perform live in concert, an experience that would ignite his passion for the guitar. Later moving with his family to Spain, Andre was introduced to flamenco when his father gave him his first flamenco album by Camaron and Paco de Lucia. Settling in Vancouver, Canada, Andre completed the Jazz and Commercial Music program at Capilano University, and began producing and composing music.
In Canada, he discovered the music of Pat Metheny, the celebrated jazz guitarist who would become one of his biggest musical influences. Others would include George Benson, Paco de Lucia, Al di Meola, John McLaughlin and Vicente Amigo.
In 1992, Andre formed the Latin jazz band Alma Libre ,The popular Alma Libre opened for the Rite of Strings (Al di Meola, Stanley Clarke and Jean-Luc Ponty) at the 1995 Vancouver du Maurier Jazz Festival; performed with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in 1997; received a 2001 West Coast Music Award Nomination for "Best World Release" & "Best Instrumental Release"; and numerous compositions were used in movies and television productions such as "Breech of Trust" (movie), "How It All Went Down" (movie), "Beggars & Choosers" (TV series), "Night man" (TV series), Food TV Network and more.