Aznavoorian Duo

The Music Institute of Chicago is pleased to welcome cellist Ani Aznavoorian and pianist Marta Aznavoorian Sunday, May 15 at Nichols Concert Hall in downtown Evanston to close the 2021-2022 guest artist series. Each a renowned soloist and chamber musician in her own right, the Chicago-raised sisters join together to celebrate the sounds of Armenia, their ancestral homeland. The program features selections from the Aznaoorian Duo’s recording: Gems from Armenia, released by Cedille Records in April of this year. From Komitas Vardapet’s haunting arrangements of ancient folk songs, to Aram Khachaturian’s glorious ode to his hometown of Yerevan, to works by contemporary composers Vache Sharafyan and Serouj Kradjian, the Aznavoorian Duo showcase the stunningly rich and beautiful classical music of Armenia. 

Read Classic Chicago Magazine's April 30 interview with Marta Azanvoorian >>

More about Ani Aznavoorian

The Strad magazine describes cellist Ani Aznavoorian as having “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.” Ani Aznavoorian is in demand as a soloist and chamber musician with some of the most recognized ensembles, and she has appeared with many of the world’s leading orchestras including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, the Tokyo Philharmonic, the Helsinki Philharmonic, the Finnish Radio Symphony, the International Sejong Soloists, the Belgrade Philharmonic, the Juilliard Orchestra, and the Edmonton Symphony. This season marks her fifteenth year as Principal Cellist with Camerata Pacifica.

Aznavoorian has received numerous award including the prestigious Bunkamura Orchard Hall Award for her outstanding cello playing and artistry. She has appeared in concerts at Weill Hall and Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Ravinia’s Bennett Hall, Aspen’s Harris Hall, the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series, WFMT Live from Studio 1, and NPR’s Performance Today. She has been a member of the renowned string ensemble the International Sejong Soloists, and also performs frequently on the Jupiter Chamber Music series in New York. Aznavoorian received both her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the Juilliard School where she studied with Aldo Parisot.

Aznavoorian records for Cedille Records, and she proudly performs on a cello made by her father Peter Aznavoorian in Chicago.

More about Marta Aznavoorian

Pianist Marta Aznavoorian is known for her inspiringly spirited playing and vast emotional reach. The multi Grammy-nominated artist has performed to critical acclaim throughout the world as orchestral soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician. She made her professional debut at the age of 13 performing Mozart Piano Concerto No 24, K 491 with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the invitation of Sir George Solti. She has performed with orchestras throughout the United States and abroad including Sydney Symphony Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, Chicago Symphony and many others.

Aznavoorian many awards and accolades include First prize in the Stravinsky International Competition and the special prize for best interpretation of the commissioned contemporary work. With her expressive energy and originality she brings to new and traditional classical music, Aznavoorian has recorded extensively for Naxos, Warner Classics and Erato, and has just released her seventh album under record label, Cedille Records.

Aznavoorian is founding member of the Grammy-nominated trio which Fanfare Magazine has labeled as the “hottest Trio in the business.” Aznavoorian also performs extensively with violinist Stefan Milenkovich, and her sister, cellist Ani Aznavoorian. A champion and lover of contemporary music, she has recorded music and premiers by the world's leading composers of our time including William Bolcom, Osvaldo Golijov, Augusta Read Thomas, Shulamit Ran, Stacy Garrop, Joan Tower and Jennifer Higdon among others.

A student of the renowned teacher, Menahem Pressler, Aznavoorian received her Bachelor Degree and Artist Diploma at Indiana University and Masters Degree from New England Conservatory. As a dedicated educator and philanthropist, she gives lessons and masterclasses across the United States and abroad, and is on faculty at DePaul University and the Music Institute of Chicago where she is an Artist in Residence. Aznavoorian works with many programs to help create training pathways for students from traditionally under represented backgrounds. Her new foundation aims to help fund these students and help them achieve their full musical potential. Marta Aznavoorian is a Steinway Artist.