Bio

​Gaiana Mndoian was born in Yerevan, Armenia. She graduated from, and later taught at the post-graduate level at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow under the direction of maestro Mstislav Rostropovich. She also directed the cello program at the most prestigious college in the Soviet Union, which was affiliated with the Conservatory and selected the best students from all over the USSR. There, she created an ensemble of young cello virtuosos who presented programs at the Great Hall of the Tchaikovsky Conservatory. Her students have gone on to gain positions in major orchestras throughout the world, such as the LA Philharmonic. One of her Moscow students, Denis Shapovalov, won first place at the International Tchaikovsky Competition in 1998.

From 1981 to 1985 Miss Mndoian was invited to give international cello seminars in France. In the 1990s, she taught and performed abroad in Mexico and Costa Rica, and also recorded a CD of romantic works for cello and piano, featuring composers such as Beethoven and Schumann. Miss Mndoian was principal cellist with the San Diego Chamber Orchestra from 1998 to 1999 and a member of the San Diego Symphony for many years. In 1998, Ms. Mndoian toured Japan as part of the L’Amoroso Strings Quartet with members of the San Diego Symphony.

Locally, Ms. Mndoian has taught at top local private schools, such as The Bishop’s School of La Jolla and Francis Parker. She now dedicates her time to chamber music and instructing young generations of musicians, many of whom have taken top prizes in local competitions, including the San Diego Youth Symphony Concerto Competition, and perform at the highest levels of the San Diego Youth Symphony.

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Since joining Belle Melodie in 2023, Ms. Mndoian has cultivated outstanding cello students and ensemble groups, earning deep respect from both students and parents.