Andrew Gagiu - Cello

Seattle native and Michigan-based cellist Andrew Gagiu maintains a dynamic career as a versatile performer and dedicated music educator. He joined the West Michigan Symphony as Section Cello in 2026, adding to a performance schedule that also includes Section Cello with the Traverse City Philharmonic, Battle Creek Symphony, and Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra. A frequent collaborator across the state, he also performs as a substitute cellist with the Grand Rapids Symphony, among others.

Prior to settling in Michigan, Andrew performed extensively throughout the Midwest as Section Cello with ensembles including the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra, Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, and Sinfonia da Camera. Equally at home in theater and contemporary settings, he frequently collaborates with organizations such as the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, KalHaven Strings, and the Grand Rapids String Quartet.

A passionate pedagogue, Andrew maintains a robust private cello studio in the greater Grand Rapids area and coaches sectionals at several local middle and high schools. His students largely play with groups such as the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and St. Cecilia Youth Ensembles, and many receive high grades at MSBOA State Solo and Ensemble Festival. His faculty appointments have included positions at Illinois State University, YMI Suzuki School of Music, MASTA String Camp, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Grand Rapids Chamber Music Camp, and Kalamazoo Kids in Tune.

Andrew earned his degrees from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (DMA), The Hartt School at the University of Hartford (MM), and Western Michigan University (BM). His principal teachers and mentors include Daniel McDonough, Mihai Tetel, Bruce Uchimura, Lara Turner, Mary Walters, Blake Brasch, and Andrea Yun. Off the concert stage, Andrew can be found playing pickleball and disc golf while rooting for the Mariners and the Seahawks. He is often spending time with his incredible wife, Teresa, and their tripod, Kelce, in their home in Ada.

Andrew performs on a 2018 Gary Garavaglia cello (Guarneri model).