Gerdlie Jean Louis

Violist and violinist Gerdlie Jean Louis, from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is a musical educator that has attended and worked with several El Sistema-based programs throughout their musical career. During their time studying at El Sistema Program Kids4Harmony they were a member of the Elayne P. Bernstein Octet, Elayne P. ^Bernstein Ensemble, and a junior faculty member before graduating from Pittsfield High School. Having studied under musicians like Alla Zernistkaya, Courntey Clark and Jorge Soto, Gerdlie was able to participate in the Longy Sistema Side by Side Orchestra, the YOLA National Festival and the YOLA National Institute where they performed with the LA Philharmonic Orchestra at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2019.

Before graduating with a BA in Music from Clark University in 2025, Gerdlie had participated in the Clark University Symphony Orchestra, the Goddard Quartet, Robbie Wilson’s senior capstone “The Forest is Full of Color'', and the Pickle Jars, a local band on campus. Studying under musicians Peter Sulski, Devin Cowan, and Anton Boutkov they completed two recital projects titled “Tall Tales for a Short King” and “Good Luck Clarkie” with the help of Clark faculty Yelena Beriyeva and John Freyermuth.

As a chamber musician, Gerdlie has worked with the Berkshire-based Pluto String Ensemble. They have performed at The Foundry, a local performance space in West Stockbridge, during the summers of 2023 and 2025 alongside musicians like Leila Paredes, Geivens Dextra, and Gerdrose Jean Louis. They are currently working as a faculty member for Worcester Chamber Music Society’s El Sistema Program Neighborhood Strings, and participating as section leader of the Seven Hills Orchestra in Worcester, MA.