Kicking off Oxnard College’s literature, art and lecture series will be a very special performance by John Bilezikjian Feb. 9 at the campus’ clock tower auditorium.  Colloquially known as “America’s oud virtuoso,” Bilezikjian is a prolific artist and a world-renowned master of the ancient persian instrument, the oud. 

Bilezikjian will demonstrate ancient Makams used as the building block for middle-eastern music as well as perform classic middle-eastern arrangements.

Dating back some 2500 years, the oud is an 11-stringed instrument with no frets and is played using an eagle’s feather.  In his career Bilezikjian has composed and recorded music for over 80 films and television productions and has been a featured soloist for the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra and the Boston Pops orchestra. 

The event will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 9 in LS-8 at 12:45 and is open to the general public, free of charge.  For more information on the event or directions, visit the Oxnard college website at www.oxnardcollege.edu