Known for his rich tone and lyrical playing, Roland Gjernes is a freelance cellist based in Toronto, Canada. He is well versed in a variety of repertoire and styles with performances ranging from New York City and Canada’s greatest halls to the backwoods of the Yukon.

 

As a soloist, Roland has appeared with the Manhattan School of Music Wind Ensemble, the University of Ottawa Orchestra, and, in his native British Columbia with the Fraser Valley Symphony and the Semiahmoo String Orchestra. He received a Masters degree from Manhattan School of Music - studying with Philippe Muller, and his Bachelor degree from the University of Ottawa, where he studied with Paul Marleyn.

 

Roland’s performances encompass early music all the way to heavy metal concerts. He has had the pleasure of performing with Toronto’s Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra as part of their summer institute. During his time in Ottawa, Roland was awarded a solo performance at the NAC Fourth Stage. A founding member of the Yukon Cello Project, Roland performed, taught, and created community events at various locations in Canada’s Yukon Territory. In addition to acting as assistant coordinator for the International Cello Festival of Canada, Roland performed a metal concert as part of a cello quartet.

 

Roland has toured internationally as an in-demand chamber and solo cellist with Lincoln Center Stage, and was selected as the sole cellist to perform with Hamilton, the Musical.