Roland Gjernes

Known for his rich tone and lyrical playing, Roland Gjernes is a Canadian cellist based in Phoenix, Arizona. He is well-versed in a variety of repertoire and styles, with a career that includes performing on the first national tour of Hamilton: An American Musical, touring with Lincoln Center Stage as part of a piano quintet, and recording for film and video game scores. Most recently, in the spring of 2026 he won a position with The Phoenix Symphony.

Equally at home in an Opera orchestra and on the symphonic stage, Roland’s recent appointments include positions with the Arizona Opera in 2025 and a one year contract with the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra for their 2026 summer season. 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. 

Roland’s performances span early music to contemporary studio sessions. His collaborative versatility is highlighted in his 2025 debut album with composer Andrés Soto, Beyond All Mountains Steep, as well as his commercial recording work on major video game titles, including the soundtrack for Wildmender. Beyond the recording studio, he has performed with Toronto’s Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute and performed with productions of Les Misérables, My Fair Lady, and Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812.

Deeply committed to community engagement and administration, Roland is a founding member of the Yukon Cello Project, where he performed, taught, and launched community arts events in Canada’s Yukon Territory. He also served as the assistant coordinator for the International Cello Festival of Canada and was awarded a featured solo performance at the National Arts Centre’s Fourth Stage in Ottawa. Roland began his cello strides in Surrey, British Columbia, with Harold Birston. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Ottawa under the tutelage of Paul Marleyn and a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied with Philippe Muller. Roland performs on a cello made by Stefan Valcuha in 2014.