LEADING WITH PASSION: THE CONDUCTOR MAKING CLASSICAL MUSIC ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL

Meet Gaianeh Ghazaryan, the Armenian-born conductor breathing new life into Liverpool’s classical music scene. A classically trained violinist who found her calling on the conductor’s podium, Gaianeh moved to the UK on a music scholarship before making Liverpool her creative home. As the founder of The Arts Bar Orchestra, she’s carving out space for emerging talent and reshaping what orchestral music looks and sounds like today—with purpose, precision, and passion.

Where are you from originally?
I’m originally from Armenia, where I began playing the violin at the age of seven. Music has always been a huge part of my life and it quickly became more than a hobby; it became my passion. When I realised I wanted to dedicate my life to music, I applied for a scholarship to study abroad and was awarded a place at Dollar Academy in Scotland. That experience opened so many doors for me and solidified my path as a musician.

Why did you come to Liverpool to study music, and how did you enjoy that?
I moved to Liverpool to study Music and Popular Music at the University of Liverpool. The course gave me the opportunity to explore both classical and contemporary music in an open, creative environment. It was there that I first discovered conducting, and it changed the trajectory of my career. My time in Liverpool was incredibly rewarding—I developed as an artist, formed strong collaborations, and connected deeply with the city and its vibrant music scene.

What do you think of Liverpool?
Liverpool is the most welcoming city I’ve ever been to. The city truly values culture, creativity and wears its musical legacy with pride. It’s also full of forward-thinking, collaborative energy, the reason why I love being a part of it. The artistic community is supportive, open, and diverse—there’s a real sense of possibility here. I’ve found a home in Liverpool, both personally and professionally.

Why did you decide to set up the orchestra, and what have you achieved so far?
After graduating, I saw a lack of accessible opportunities for young classical musicians, especially those who didn’t follow the traditional conservatoire path. I founded The Arts Bar Orchestra to create that missing space: an ensemble where emerging artists could perform, collaborate, and grow.
Since its launch, we’ve performed across Liverpool, built a strong and loyal audience, and worked with a wide range of composers and collaborators. The response has been amazing, we’ve managed to build something truly meaningful for the local emerging music scene.

What are your ambitions for yourself?
I want to continue growing as a conductor and a creative leader, working on projects that are bold, inclusive, and forward-thinking. Long-term, I hope to work internationally and continue pushing boundaries in the classical world while remaining rooted in the UK’s vibrant cultural sector.

What are your ambitions for the orchestra?
My goal is for The Arts Bar Orchestra to become a leading platform for emerging musicians and new music in the UK. I want it to tour nationally, premiere bold new works, and reimagine what orchestral performance can look and feel like. It’s about creating a space where the next generation of classical artists can thrive, and where audiences feel truly connected to the music. More than anything, I want the orchestra to be a safe, supportive space where young musicians can find their voice – a place that makes classical music welcoming, accessible, and relevant to diverse audiences.

Follow Gaianeh Ghazaryan here.