Frédéric Manoukian

"Frédéric (Fred) Manoukian, born on 8 September 1955 in the Paris region, is a French pianist, composer, arranger and bandleader. He founded the Fred Manoukian Big Band, an orchestra of around twenty musicians specialising in jazz and the great standards. A regular on television, he has been musical director of many of Michel Drucker's programmes (Samedi soir avec..., Tenue de soirée, Tour en fête, Cérémonie des Molières 2008). He also accompanied Laurent Gerra on stage for over ten years, adapting his orchestra to the comedian's parodies and imitations. His Big Band has worked with many prestigious artists, including Roberto Alagna, Paul Anka, Johnny Hallyday, Patrick Bruel, Julien Clerc, Nolwenn Leroy, Florent Pagny, Michel Jonasz, Maurane and Laura Pausini. His orchestra's repertoire ranges from the jazz of Duke Ellington and Count Basie to the Latin music of Antonio Carlos Jobim. He regularly performs in stand-alone concerts, blending tradition and modernity. At the same time, he shares his experience in master classes with young musicians, notably at conservatories. His work is recognised both in the performing arts and in the mainstream media