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The Maestro
From Yerevan to the world's great stages
Maestro Samvel Yervinyan is an internationally acclaimed Armenian American violinist, composer, and arranger renowned for his virtuosity and expressive musicianship. Widely known for his performances with Yanni, he has built a global career spanning classical, folk, and world music, blending technical mastery with the freedom of improvisation.
Born on January 25, 1966, in Yerevan, Armenia, Yervinyan began studying violin at age seven at the Spendaryan Music School under Maestro Armen Minasyan. He won first prize in the Armenian State Violin Competition and made his debut with the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra at fourteen, performing Vieuxtemps’ Second Violin Concerto.
He continued his training at the Tchaikovsky Music School under Professor Edward Dayan, a student of David Oistrakh, before earning his PhD from the Komitas State Conservatory in 1993. His classical repertoire includes works by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Paganini, Sarasate, Ysaÿe, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Wieniawski, Komitas, Khachaturian, and more—a foundation that informs his technique and musical interpretation across genres.
In 2003, he joined Yanni’s Orchestra, beginning a longstanding collaboration that introduced his playing to audiences worldwide through concert tours and filmed performances. His commanding solos and expressive range became a distinctive part of those performances. The American Federation of Musicians has recognized him as a violinist of extraordinary ability, citing his sustained international acclaim.
Alongside his work with Yanni, Samvel maintains an active career as a solo artist and collaborator. His international career spans world tours and performances in 52 countries worldwide.