Musical Training
Gaia graduated from the University of Liverpool with a degree in Music, combining academic study with performance to develop as a well-rounded conductor with an understanding of every aspect of music. During her studies, she became the first person in the history of the University of Liverpool to conduct an orchestra as part of a final performance project.
During her time in Liverpool she has worked with players from the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the Liverpool Mozart Orchestra and has collaborated with award-winning composer Andrew Barney, conducting the premiere of his choral composition Cruor Testabitur. Her conducting development has included courses and masterclasses at the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal College of Music and Opera North.
Sharing the journey
Following graduation, Gaia recognised the limited opportunities available to emerging conductors and musicians transitioning from education into professional orchestral life. In response, she created her own orchestra to bridge this gap, providing meaningful performance opportunities while creating an inclusive environment for musicians and audiences.
Representation and diversity are central to Gaia's artistic practice. She is a strong advocate for mental health awareness, gender diversity and greater representation of musicians from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. Her programming particularly champions female composers, Armenian music and repertoire connected to her heritage, alongside local, emerging and underrepresented composers.
Through her work, Gaia aims to create a future for classical music that is both artistically ambitious and genuinely accessible — where musicians are given opportunities, composers are given a platform, and audiences from all backgrounds can feel that classical music belongs to them.
"Conducting comes so naturally to Gaia. After performing under her direction, it was clear to me that she belongs on the podium—she was born to conduct."
Orchestra member