Laurel Gagnon

Violinist Laurel Gagnon’s interpretations “sing with a naturalness that [is] both disarming and distinctive” (The Straits Times, Singapore, Singapore). She has performed across the United States, Europe, and Asia, currently residing in New Haven, Connecticut. Ms. Gagnon was awarded top prizes at the Elmar Oliveira and Singapore International Violin Competitions, and was invited to perform in the live rounds of the Queen Elisabeth Competition. Laurel’s teachers include Ben Sayevich, Mauricio Fuks, and Augustin Hadelich; a recent graduate of the Yale School of Music, Laurel will join Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect fellowship program in September.

A passionate chamber musician, she made recent appearances at Halcyon Chamber Music Festival and Avaloch Farm Music Institute. Gagnon is also a member of the award-winning Vinola Trio, an ensemble consisting of clarinet, violin, and piano. The group curates programs of living composers, seeks to expand the trio repertoire, and brings attention to the lesser known works that are already written. Recently, the group completed teaching and performing residencies at Boston Conservatory and Truman State University.  Grand prize winners of the Plowman Chamber Music Competition, the trio was a top prize winner at the MTNA National Chamber Music competition and a semifinalist at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. 

Laurel has worked extensively with Indiana University’s Center for Rural Engagement, bringing music into collaborative community spaces. Ms. Gagnon also taught extensively with Indiana University’s “Fairview Project” and the Yale School of Music’s “Music in Schools” community music project.