Full Biography

Award-winning violinist Gary Capozziello enjoys a varied musical life as both highly versatile performer and educator. Applauded for his "inspired ferocity" (Millbrook Independent), Gary has been recognized in the media by WTH, The Hartford Courant, Broadwayworld.com and the American League of Orchestras (symphony.org). He was featured in Hartford Magazine's 2018 issue "Inspired: A Renaissance of Young Artists." His recent concerto appearances have included concerts with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, the New Haven Civic, American Chamber Orchestra, Manchester Symphony, Connecticut Valley Chamber Orchestra and the Torrington Symphony. Highly active as solo, chamber and orchestral performer, and is currently Assistant Concertmaster of the Hartford Symphony. Dr. Capozziello created an online recital series "Help Me Create a Covid Relief Fund" to raise grant funds for struggling musicians during the height of the pandemic, receiving a Musician Service Award granted by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. He has also received first prize in the Paranov Competition, and was honored with the Jerry Malafronte Award for Musical Excellence and the Peter/Wright Music Memorial Prize. In addition to his accomplishments as a performer, Gary is deeply passionate about sharing his expertise in the Alexander Technique and Mindfulness practices, empowering students and fellow musicians to tap into their deepest potential and cultivate a harmonious connection between body and instrument. Formerly faculty at Quinnipiac University, Gary teaches at the Promisek Bach workshops and the Hotchkiss School.

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As a founder of chamber ensembles as well as organizations, Gary has performed in concert halls, chamber series’ and music festivals throughout North America, Europe, China and Hong Kong. As the artistic director of the International American Classical Music Festival and the Hartford Classical Music Academy, Gary toured China's eastern seaboard performing concerts and giving masterclasses, while also fostering the next generation of young Chinese artists wishing to study abroad. He has performed at festivals such as the Kneisel Hall Chamber Festival, Ottawa Chamberfest, the Cambridge International Music Academy (UK), Music from Salem, Ode to Joy, and the Texas Music Festival, along with performances in Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, Symphony Hall, Kings College Chapel and Lyric Hall. Gary founded the Atlas Piano Trio in 2016, and the Kara String Quartet in 2018, and has performed for Music for a 1000 Children and #1000 strings in Ottawa, Canada. 

 

Gary studied at SUNY-Purchase Conservatory (B.M.), the New England Conservatory (M.M.) and at the Hartt School (DMA), studying with Laurie Smukler, Lucy Chapman, Nick Kitchen and Katie Lansdale. Gary is currently associate faculty at the Hotchkiss School and Professor of Violin at Quinnipiac University, and has given masterclasses at schools such as Boston Conservatory, The Hartt School, SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music, and Central China Normal University.