Haig Hovsepian - violinist

“The combination of his youth and his artistry was something that made an indelible mark on all present.”
-Alin Gregorian, editor, The Armenian Mirror-Spectator

Armenian-American violinist Haig Hovsepian, praised as “one of the most gifted musicians of his generation” (violinist, Ilya Kaler), is recognized for his expressive versatility and cross-cultural artistry as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral leader. Embarking on his musical journey at a notably young age, he began violin studies at four; by eight, the Sh’vi (Armenian fipple flute); and by eleven, the saxophone. This early start in diverse instruments reflects his traditional classical training, Armenian heritage, and American jazz influences, contributing to his versatile artistry.

Hovsepian has built a multifaceted career that spans the US, Canada, Norway, Iceland, and Armenia. As a violinist, he has appeared on prestigious stages including Carnegie Hall, Boston’s Symphony Hall, Koussevitzky Music Shed, Jordan Hall, Severance Hall, Merkin Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and Slosberg Hall, among many other distinguished venues in the U.S. and abroad. His saxophone performances have brought him to various jazz clubs throughout Boston and Cleveland, as well as Mechanics Hall and Symphony Hall. Equally at home in solo, chamber, and orchestral settings, he is known for performances that combine technical poise with emotional clarity.

A Max Reger Ambassador prize winner at New England Conservatory's Preparatory division, Hovsepian earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying under renowned violinist Ilya Kaler. His musical development has also included work with distinguished artists such as Ani Kavafian, Tessa Lark, Ivan Ženatý, Angelo Xiang Yu, Lynn Chang, Mihaela Martin, and Philip Setzer, and participation in masterclasses led by Jaime Laredo, Stefan Jackiw, Todd Phillips, the Dover String Quartet, and David Coucheron, among others.

Hovsepian’s accolades include international competition victories like "Classival" (Canada), "Young Promise" (USA), and "Renaissance" (Armenia), along with numerous regional awards. His concerto engagements include performances with the Boston Pops under Maestro Keith Lockhart, the Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra, Nashua Chamber Orchestra, Concord Orchestra, and the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra of New England Conservatory. 

Featured on NPR’s From the Top in a variety of settings, from solo performances to music videos, Hovsepian has also appeared on radio, television, and other digital platforms. Deeply committed to community engagement, he regularly performs benefit concerts for organizations supporting Armenia and causes such as Music for Food, the Joslin Diabetes Center, and Belmont Media’s Gifts of Hope telethon.

As Founder and Artistic Director of Massachusetts Chamber Music Artists (MCMA), Hovsepian brings together musicians to present programs that unite timeless masterpieces with rediscovered and underrepresented works. MCMA serves as a bridge between tradition and innovation, honoring his cultural roots while engaging new audiences.

In addition to his performance career, Hovsepian is a dedicated educator, teaching violin, viola, and saxophone. His diverse teaching experience reflects a commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians through a broad, stylistically informed perspective.

At the crossroads of cultures and genres, Haig Hovsepian continues to champion a diverse musical landscape with clarity, purpose, and conviction.