A native of Armenia, Armenuhi Hovakimian is an accomplished and active solo, chamber and orchestral violinist. She started piano and violin at the age of 7 in Armenia and continued her musical career in the USA. Armenuhi graduated with honors and was the first prize winner in the honors solo competition at the Eastman School of Music Preparatory Division. Armenuhi received her Bachelor of Music Performance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her Master’s in violin performance from Western Michigan University. Her principal teachers included Villy Mokazyan, Vazgen Avetisovich, John Celentano, Stanley Chepaitis and Renata Knific.
Armenuhi is the founder of the Arlina Ensemble with whom she regularly performs and she was the violinist/composer for the group called "KTQ" that received multiple DownBeat Magazine awards for both best Jazz instrumental group and best Classical Chamber Ensemble. Before becoming a sales consultant at Carriage House Violins, she spent 6 years at Reuning & Son Violins in Boston. Armenuhi’s passion for both teaching and performing combine to make her a caring and passionate advocate for her audience members. If you would like to contact Armenuhi please visit www.carriagehouseviolins.com site.

Juan Ruiz became involved in music at the tender age of 11. He learned to play Latin American percussion in his hometown of Caldas (Antioquia) in Colombia. At the age of 14 he was handed a clarinet not a saxophone like he wanted, so here began his clarinet study with Elizabeth Isaza. While in Colombia Juan performed folkloric Colombian music, classical music, and Latin American music in various festivals. In 2006 he earned a scholarship to study English and Music in the United States; giving him the opportunity to perform clarinet and saxophone with prestigious groups such as, The Grammy winner Pacifica Quartet, and great musicians as Guinga, Omar Hakim, Toto La Momposina, Oscar Stagnaro, Greg Hopkins and George Garzone, Gregorio Uribe to name a few.
As a composer, Juan has different pieces that were commissioned by New England Conservatory faculty Kenneth Radnofsky and has worked as an arranger for the New England Conservatory Wind Ensemble. His recent compositions are being performed in Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, China, Germany and around the United States. One of Juan’s big challenges is to picture his homeland ‘’Colombia’’ in his music but also to create a fusion that is influenced by all the music from Latin America and the American Jazz.
Juan studied at Berklee College of Music with Dr. Shannon Leclaire and George Garzone.
Recently, Juan Ruiz' Quintet had the opportunity to share stage with the 14th Grammy Winner Paquito D'Rivera. On November 2017 Juan first Album “Desde Lejos” was released digitally. "Today Latin Americans are embarked on a journey that separates us from our loved ones and those who have watched us grow up. During this adventure we are always “Desde Lejos” (from afar) because we miss the people we remember, especially our families. Our passion as artists leads us to express the joy of achieving our dreams, yet we are still homesick for the things and people we remember.
Latin American music is filled with the history and journey of our ancestors, as they searched for a better future. The African, Indigenous, and European mix has created a style of music that is predominantly full of glee and the joy of living.
What better way to express this joy than through music itself? The enchantment of dance and the way it brings us together is at the heart of jazz and of “Desde Lejos.”

Armenian cellist Sargis Avetisyan has enjoyed a multi-faceted career as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral member, and educator. He is widely known and respected by his friends, colleagues, and students for his extensive knowledge and profound dedication to classical music. His extensive professional career spans over 5 decades, includes countless solo and chamber ensemble performances, numerous appearances on national television, and recording.
As a member of National Chamber Ensemble of Armenia, Sargis toured extensively in France, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, Spain, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Canada, The Philippines, Singapur, Mexico, and the United States.
Sargis Avetisyan was selected by the Soviet Union Ministry of Culture Special Committee for Cultural Affairs to be a representative of Soviet music and culture abroad. As such he served as the cello section leader for the Orquesta Filarmónica de la Ciudad de México from 1981 to 1984 under the batons of Fernando Lozano and Enrique Bátiz.
As an esteemed pedagogue, Sargis was on the Cello and Chamber Music faculty of R. Melikyan State Music College and Komitas State Conservatory of Music. He was also the associate director of Nor Hachn Music and Arts School for over a decade.
Sargis Avetisyan holds a Bachelor of Music degree in cello performance and cello pedagogy from the R. Melikyan State Music College and a Master of Music degree in cello performance, chamber music performance, and cello pedagogy from Komitas State Conservatory of Music.