Originally from Yerevan, Armenia, cellist Vardan Gasparyan has appeared as a soloist, chamber and an orchestral musician throughout Armenia, United States, Canada, Germany and China. He has received high praise and performed to sold-out audiences at venues including Armenian Opera and Ballet National Academic Theatre, Carnegie Hall, Hollywood Bowl, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Glenn Gould Studio, and Nokia Theatre.
Born into a musical family, Gasparyan began studying cello at the age of 6. At 16 he made his debut with the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra performing under Maestro Ruben Asatryan’s baton. Gasparyan received his Bachelor’s degree in Cello Performance from Yerevan State Conservatory, studying with renowned cellist, conductor and former member of “Komitas” String Quartet Aram Talalyan. Currently he holds a Performance Diploma and a Master of Music Degree from The Colburn School Conservatory of Music where he studied with Ronald Leonard.
He is a prizewinner of notable competitions including Schmidbauer International Competition, Emin Khachaturian Young Artists Competition, Carmel Instrumental Music Competition and “Performing Arts Prize” winner at the Fine Arts Club of Pasadena.
Gasparyan’s performances have been broadcasted on Armenian National Radio, Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s: Sundays Live and Chicago Classical Music Station. He has appeared at several Music Festivals and Concert Series including the first Armenian National Cello Festival, Piatigorsky International Cello Festival, Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival, Laguna Beach Music Festival, and “Dilijan” Chamber Music Series.
As an avid chamber and orchestral musician, Gasparyan has collaborated and performed with acclaimed musicians such as Ronald Leonard, Paul Coletti, Arnold Steinhardt, Nicholas McGeegan, Ani and Aida Kavafians among many others. He has been privileged to work with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors such as Zubin Mehta, Gustavo Dudamel, James Conlon and Sir Neville Marriner. Classically trained but a versatile performer, he has also worked with renowned artists such as Hans Zimmer, Stevie Wonder, Pharrell Williams, Pink Martini, Pentatonix, Steve Martin, Tyler-The Creator and many others. Gasparyan's movie appearances include the featured film “HERE” and the documentary “Absent Without Leave” where he is featured on the film’s soundtrack.
As a dedicated educator, Gasparyan works with students at every level, age, and tailors lessons to fit the needs and goals of each student. He has been teaching beginning to advanced level students since 2012. Outreach performances include community-serving projects with the non-profit Street Symphony and Bach in the Subways.
Currently Gasparyan frequently performs with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and Pasadena Symphony. He continues to be involved in the competitive field of recording for television and film industries, performing as a soloist, chamber musician and is actively engaged in collaborating with contemporary composers.