An internationally known, award-winning cellist from the Michigan State University College of Music was honored with the William J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Award at the annual MSU Awards Convocation in February.

Suren Bagratuni, professor of cello and co-chair of the string area, was recognized for the indelible mark he has made on the world of cello performance, as well as for his devotion to his students at MSU.

Bagratuni’s scholarly and creative activity is represented best by his active national and international touring schedule, his recordings and commissions, the students he has guided to greatness, and his many invitations to perform as a recitalist, collaborative musician, and soloist.

Bagratuni’s performances with premiere symphony and chamber orchestras include the Moscow Philharmonic, the Boston Pops, the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra, and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. His chamber music appearances include the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Newport Music Festival, and festivals worldwide. The cellist’s extensive and critically acclaimed discography features repertoire from Bach, Debussy, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, and Beethoven as well as newly commissioned contemporary works.

Bagratuni’s reputation extends to his teaching. Under his leadership, the number of students in MSU Cello Studio has increased almost three-fold, attracting young musicians from around the world who come for his teaching and for the educational and artistic opportunities he provides.

Bagratuni serves as the artistic director of the Stanley and Selma Hollander Cello Plus Chamber Music Festival, a one-week festival in the Greater Lansing Area that features faculty and internationally known musicians. In its 15th year, this four-concert series brings the finest performances of traditional and contemporary works to local concert venues, expanding the reputation of both the college and university.

“Since my first day at MSU I have met wonderful colleagues, great students, and extremely supportive administration and staff,” sand Bagratuni. “The whole environment here at MSU is what I like and appreciate the most.”

Source: Portions of this article are sourced from the Jan. 28, 2015 edition of MSUToday.