Cellist Alexis Pia Gerlach’s playing is lauded in the press for its “gripping emotion” and “powerful artistry” — qualities which have defined a career striking for its wide range of collaborations and artistic expressions, with performances across the United States and in 15 countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America. 

Ms. Gerlach’s concerto appearances have included the Orchestra of St. Luke’s with Peter Oundjian, and performances at Avery Fisher Hall with James DePreist, and at the Evian Festival with Mstislav Rostropovich. As the founding cellist of both Trio Solisti (described as “the most exciting piano trio in America” by The New Yorker) and the renowned chamber ensemble Concertante, Ms. Gerlach performed for more than two decades at major venues, recorded extensively, and premiered many new works written for her. She has appeared at music festivals including Marlboro, La Musica, Bridgehampton, Caramoor, and Moab; with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center; and internationally, with Musicians From Marlboro and as solo cellist with the Paul Taylor Dance Company. Ms. Gerlach is Co-Principal Cellist of the ROCO Chamber Orchestra in Houston, Texas.

Recent and upcoming activities include recitals with pianist Simone Dinnerstein, the world premieres of Richard Danielpour’s “Standing Witness” with mezzo-soprano Susan Graham and Music From Copland House at the Kennedy Center and Tanglewood, and the world premiere of “Forgotten Voices”, a song cycle by 15 award-winning composers using text written by homeless shelter clients, with Music Kitchen at Carnegie Hall. 

Ms. Gerlach began cello lessons at age seven, studying with Nancy Streetman at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Division, and later with Aldo Parisot at The Yale School of Music and The Juilliard School.