Ani Aznavoorian

cello

Cellist Ani Aznavoorian has earned global acclaim as a soloist, performing with orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Philharmonic, Helsinki Philharmonic, and Boston Pops. Her artistry, described by The Strad as delivering “scorchingly committed performances that wring every last drop of emotion out of the music. Her technique is well-nigh immaculate, she has a natural sense of theater, and her tone is astonishingly responsive.” Equally passionate about chamber music, Ms. Aznavoorian serves as principal cellist of Camerata Pacifica, is a regular performer at the Seattle Chamber Music Society, and is a frequent presence at international chamber music festivals. 

Beyond performance, Ms. Aznavoorian is a devoted teacher. She has served on the faculty of the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana and taught at the Great Mountains Music Festival and School in South Korea. Currently, she teaches in the summers at the Music Academy of the West, guiding emerging musicians. A proponent of new music, she has premiered concertos by Lera Auerbach and Ezra Laderman, as well as chamber works by Clarice Assad, John Harbison, David Bruce, Peter Boyer, and Bright Sheng. Her honors include the Bunkamura Orchard Hall Award, a Presidential Scholar in the Arts medal from President Bill Clinton, and a prize from the International Paulo Cello Competition.

Upcoming engagements feature Auerbach’s Dreammusik, a concerto written for her with Camerata Pacifica, and two performances with the Boston Pops under Keith Lockhart, playing John Williams’ wonderful cello solos from his movie scores. Ms. Aznavoorian records for Cedille Records and proudly performs on a cello made by her father, Peter Aznavoorian, in Chicago.