Hailed by the Los Angeles Times as “representing the young, up-and-coming generation,” and "a superb cellist with a large, expressive, singing tone," by the Journal Tribune, Armenian cellist Ani Kalayjian is a highly sought-after touring artist leading a multifaceted international career as a soloist, chamber musician, innovative curator, and musical entrepreneur. Her vibrant, passionate approach to the stage has captivated audiences on extensive tours across Japan, Australia, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.

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A prolific performer, Kalayjian has appeared at world-renowned festivals and venues. Her extensive touring history includes performances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Music@Menlo, the La Jolla Chamber Music Festival, the Pablo Casals Prades Festival in France, the Sarasota Music Festival, IMS Prussia Cove in England, the Banff Centre for the Arts in Canada, and the Music for Montauk, Shandalee, and Finger Lakes festivals, among others. She serves as Artistic Director of Carriage House Concerts and Co-Artistic Director of Lyrica Chamber Music as well as Co-director of Dwight-Englewood String Society. Her work centers on innovative and adventurous curation; her current featured touring highlight is a prominent solo cello project showcasing Armenian medieval and contemporary works by composers such as Grigor Naregatsi, Mary Kouyoumdjian, and Layale Chaker.

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As a dynamic educator, she is frequently invited to deliver acclaimed Musician Entrepreneur workshops and masterclasses at prestigious institutions like the Royal Academy of Music, NYU, Oberlin, and the Royal Northern College of Music. She also launched several virtual international cello festivals during the pandemic, bringing together cellists from 15 different countries from Brazil, Syria, Australia, Germany, Lebanon, and more. Kalayjian balances her mainstage concert appearances with global humanitarian community engagement, giving outreach recitals in refugee camps, orphanages, and hospitals.

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An alumna of the Royal Northern College of Music (M.A. with Distinction) with Ralph Kirshbaum and Mannes College of Music with Timothy Eddy, she performs on a Natale Carletti cello and a Benoit Rolland bow. Keep up with Ani's concert dates on Instagram @anicellist.