Today we’d like to introduce you to Hasmik Vardanyan.
Hi Hasmik, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born into a family of engineers, and my parents never imagined that I would pursue the path of a musician—a life shaped by countless hours of practice, recitals, national and international competitions, festivals, and travels. In my twenties, I had the privilege of working and performing with the National String Quartet of Armenia, as well as with the National Philharmonic and State Symphony Orchestras of Armenia. While working in the National String Quartet, I won the second prize at the Aram Khachaturyan International Cello Competition in 2010 and claimed the first prize at Italy’s Schlern International Cello Competition in 2011. In 2012, I was honored with the Presidential Youth Award for the best performance in classical music.
My desire to further expand my cello repertoire and study under Professor Vagram Saradjian eventually brought me to the United States, where I earned my Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Houston. In the years 2018–2019, I was a fellow in the DA CAMERA Young Artist program. Since 2023, I have shared my expertise as an Adjunct Cello Professor at Houston Christian University.
Over the years, my career has taken me to some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, the Paris Opera House, Tchaikovsky Music Hall in Moscow, Berlin Opera House, St. John Smith Square in London, and the Munetsugu Hall in Japan.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The path to becoming a musician was not easy; it was marked by both financial and physical challenges. Yet, my deep faith and love for the cello gave me the strength to overcome every obstacle along the way. Being born in a small city, Hrazdan, I faced unexpected challenges when I decided to continue my studies in the capital city, Yerevan, when I was 12 years old. The daily four-hour commute to Yerevan, combined with the struggle of obtaining a full-size cello and bow, presented daunting challenges during my years at the Tchaikovsky Music School. The long commute, often through harsh weather, tested both my physical and emotional endurance. Yet these hardships, rather than discouraging me, instilled resilience and a deeper commitment to my path as a musician. Challenges continued to grow at every step of my journey, but with the unwavering support of my parents and the faith of my cello teacher, I found the strength to persevere in pursuit of my goals and dreams.
I earned a full scholarship to study at the Yerevan State Conservatory, where I had the privilege of working with exceptional teachers and participating in countless masterclasses with the renowned artists. During this time, I was also invited to perform with the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra and the Komitas National String Quartet, with whom our global performances in Poland, the UAE, Japan, Norway, Denmark, France, Croatia, Moldova, and Russia have left an indelible mark on the international classical music scene. Their 2010 recording of Komitas-Aslamazyan’s Miniatures received the prestigious “The Best Classical Album” award at the National Music Awards Ceremony.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In May 2019, I founded the RADIX Cello Quartet, an ensemble that brings together a lineup of talented musicians dedicated to both artistic excellence and meaningful outreach. Since its inception, the quartet has earned significant recognition, with invitations to perform at distinguished concert series including the Tallowood Concert Series, the Southeastern Musical Art Series in Oklahoma, the Houston Methodist Center for Performing Arts Medicine Concert Series, the Humble Music Series, and the MH Chamber Music Series.
In addition to these notable performances, the RADIX Cello Quartet has demonstrated a strong commitment to philanthropy and social causes by participating in benefit concerts. Among them were a concert organized by the City of Smile Charitable Foundation in support of Armenian children and the Ukrainian Benefit Concert for Peace Fundraiser.
The quartet’s performances have been praised by both Armenian and international critics, with reviews featured in publications such as NOR HARATCH (a bilingual Armenian-French journal), reaching audiences in Paris, Beirut, Los Angeles, and beyond. Today, the RADIX Cello Quartet continues to build its reputation as a prominent ensemble recognized for both its artistry and its dedication to using music as a force for good.
As the first cellist and founder of the RADIX Cello Quartet, I have been deeply inspired to explore the rich traditions of folk and classical music through arrangements and transcriptions. Drawing from my Armenian heritage, I began arranging Armenian folk melodies for the ensemble, and soon expanded our repertoire to include Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian folk music, as well as celebrated classical masterpieces. These transcriptions not only allow us to bring unique and rarely heard works to the stage, but also create a bridge between cultures, weaving together the soulful beauty of folk traditions with the refinement of the classical tradition. Sharing these arrangements has brought immense joy to both long-time supporters and new audiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for the universal language of music.
How do you think about luck?
While determination, discipline, and passion have guided every step of my path, I have come to recognize the profound role of luck in shaping my journey. From being born in a supportive family, to meeting mentors who believed in my potential, to receiving opportunities at just the right moments, luck has intertwined with effort in ways that have profoundly influenced my life and career. Yet, I have learned that luck alone is never enough—without persistent practice, hard work, and a willingness to face challenges head-on, those fortunate moments would not have led to growth or achievement. I am deeply grateful for the serendipity that brought me into inspiring environments, allowed me to collaborate with remarkable musicians, and opened doors to experiences that expanded my artistic vision. In reflecting on my journey, I see that success in music—and perhaps in life—is always a delicate balance of preparation, perseverance, and the chance encounters and opportunities that luck provides.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hvardanyan/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hasmikvardanyan903
