Biography
Multi-Grammy-nominated artist Marta Aznavoorian has performed to critical acclaim around the world as an orchestral soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, and educator. A Chicago native, she has graced her hometown’s most prestigious venues and tours extensively across the globe. Recognized by both colleagues and audiences for the expressive energy and originality she brings to both new and traditional classical music, Marta Aznavoorian is a sought-after soloist and collaborator, touring nationally and internationally. She made her professional debut at the age of 13, performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor K.491 with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Center (formerly Orchestra Hall) under the invitation of Sir George Solti for four concerts in their series. Her inspiring energy and vast musical reach have captivated audiences, allowing her to appear as a soloist with an array of orchestras, including the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony, New Philharmonic, San Angelo Symphony, San Diego Symphony, and the New World Symphony, where she received a personal invitation from Michael Tilson Thomas, who also conducted her performance.
Marta Aznavoorian has collaborated with renowned conductors such as the Late Sir George Solti, Michael Tilson Thomas, Lukas Foss, Henry Mazer, and many others. She has garnered numerous awards, including the first prize at the Stravinsky International Competition, where she also received a special prize for her interpretation of a commissioned contemporary work. As a recipient of the 1990 Level 1 award from the National Foundation for the Arts Recognition and Talent Search, she became a Presidential Scholar, meeting former President George W. Bush at the White House and performing as a soloist at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
As a founding member of the Lincoln Trio, Marta Aznavoorian has been hailed by Fanfare Magazine as "one of the hottest young trios in the business." This Grammy-nominated trio tours regularly and recently celebrated their Grammy nomination for 'Trios from our Homelands' under the Cedille Records label. Their latest album, released in 2021, is titled 'Trios from the City of Big Shoulders,' featuring significant works by Chicago composers Leo Sowerby and Ernst Bacon. A follow-up CD titled 'Chicago Now,' featuring contemporary Chicago composers, was scheduled for release in 2022. Additionally, Aznavoorian is set to release her debut album with her sister, cellist Ani Aznavoorian, titled 'Veiled Mountain, Gems from Armenia,' which showcases Armenian music and includes a premiere work by composers Peter Boyer and Vache Sharafyan. The Aznavoorian Duo will tour their album in 2022.
In high demand as a chamber musician, Marta Aznavoorian collaborates with many artists worldwide and frequently participates in prestigious festivals, including Tanglewood, Aspen Music Festival, and Marlboro Festival, making her ninth consecutive season appearance at the Ravinia Festival in 2021.
A passionate advocate for new music, Aznavoorian has worked with the world’s leading composers, such as William Bolcom and Jennifer Higdon, continuing to foster collaborations with innovative composers of our time. In 2017, she received the Standing Ovation Alumni Legend Award for her outstanding outreach, performance, and teaching contributions in her hometown of Chicago.
Marta Aznavoorian studied under the renowned teacher Menahem Pressler, earning her Bachelor’s degree and Artist Diploma from Indiana University and her Master’s Degree from the New England Conservatory, where she learned from the late Patricia Zander. As an educator, she has taught and offered masterclasses at various universities across the U.S. and internationally. She is currently on the faculty at the Music Institute of Chicago and teaches Piano and Chamber Music at DePaul University School of Music. In addition to her recordings for Naxos, ARTEC, and Cedille Records, she has recently released arrangements of Charlie Chaplin’s music with violinists Philippe Quint and Joshua Bell under the Warner Classics and Erato label.
As a dedicated educator and philanthropist, Marta Aznavoorian has actively worked with numerous music programs to create training pathways for students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. Her new foundation, Keynote Productions, is aimed at funding these students, helping them realize their full musical potential.
Marta Aznavoorian is a Steinway Artist.
