Petros Karapetyan is a highly accomplished violinist whose artistry and passion have taken him to stages around the world. Originally from Yerevan, Armenia, Petros’s musical journey has been marked by exceptional training, remarkable achievements, and a dedication to both performance and education.
Petros’s musical education began at the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with the
renowned violinist Mikhail Kopelman and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance. He
continued to expand his musical horizons at Rice University, studying with Kathleen Winkler and
obtaining a Master’s degree in Violin Performance. Additionally, Petros holds a Bachelor of Arts
degree in Business from the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Rochester.
With a deep passion for sharing his love of music, Petros has established himself as a respected
educator and mentor. He has served as a Teaching Artist at the Chamber Music Institute for Young Musicians and as a Guest Instructor at the Rice University Preparatory Division. Petros’s commitment to educational outreach is further demonstrated by his role as a Guest Teaching Artist at the Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes School of Music. In addition, he co-founded the Orquesta Filarmónica de Aguascalientes and served as a Visiting Professor at the Orquesta Sinfónica Esperanza Azteca. His dedication to education has been recognized through his selection as a finalist for the Houston Symphony’s Community Embedded Musician program.
Petros’s chamber music expertise is an integral part of his musical journey. He has been a member of the José White String Quartet, performing concerts and educational programs throughout Mexico. At the Eastman School of Music, he was placed in the Intensive Chamber Music Program, studying under the guidance of the esteemed Ying Quartet. Petros also participated in the Rice University String Quartet Seminar, receiving coaching from Norman Fischer, Ivo-Jan van der Werff and James Dunham. His chamber music experiences include a residency at the Avaloch Farm Music Institute and coaching sessions and masterclasses with world-renowned ensembles such as the Juilliard String Quartet, Jerusalem String Quartet, Dover String Quartet, Brentano String Quartet, and Ying Quartet. Additionally, Petros performed in numerous concerts with the Cuarteto de Cuerdas GLAS, an ensemble formed by his parents, throughout central Mexico.
Petros’s orchestral career has seen him perform with esteemed ensembles across the United States and internationally. He currently holds a tenured position as a member of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Additionally, he has performed as a substitute violinist with the Utah Symphony and the Sarasota Orchestra. Petros’s orchestral experience also includes performances as a substitute violinist with the Houston Symphony Orchestra and as Concertmaster of the Eastman School Symphony and Eastman School Philharmonia. He has also served as a violinist with the Aguascalientes Symphony Orchestra in Mexico.
Petros’s musical talents have been showcased in various prestigious summer festivals, where he has captivated audiences and collaborated with renowned musicians. He has performed at festivals such as the Britt Music and Arts Festival, Music In the Mountains, Artosphere Festival Orchestra, Lake George Summer Music Festival, Avaloch Farm Summer Music Institute, Pacific Music Festival, Tanglewood Music Center, and the Colorado College Summer Music Festival. These festivals have provided Petros with invaluable opportunities to refine his craft, collaborate with esteemed artists, and share his musical gifts on an international platform.
Recognized for his exceptional talent, Petros has received numerous scholarships and awards throughout his career. He was awarded the Eastman School of Music Performance Certificate, and his exceptional abilities were acknowledged through the Virtu Foundation Scholarship, AGBU Scholarship, PECDA Scholarship, Rice University Joe Anne Berwick Prize, Eastman School of Music Honors Chamber Music, Universidad Panamericana Campus Aguascalientes Recognized Artist, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes Concerto Competition Winner, and Secretaría de Cultura de Aguascalientes Recognition Award. These scholarships and awards highlight Petros’s remarkable accomplishments, dedication, and the recognition he has garnered throughout his career.