Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Oundjian started the series in 2016 after he took over as principal conductor
One of Canada’s greatest conductors, Peter Oundjian, is to return to the podium in November with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
The famous music director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, orchestras from the United States, France and Russia will bring his new symphonic work to Toronto, together with a host of his familiar concertos and and violin concertos.
He’s accompanied by the star of the production – the most famous movie and television actress of his time, Jule Styne, who died in 1973.
Oundjian has been principal conductor of the TSO since January 2017, taking over from Daniel Barenboim, who had been in that role since 1989.
Conducting began at his school at the age of four and after a scholarship at the Juilliard School in New York the young Oundjian joined the New York Philharmonic in 1968.
He made his debut as principal conductor of the Frankfurt Symphony Orchestra in 1981. Later that year he also took over the leadership of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra – without previously holding that post in the past.
“This is a very special relationship – that the entire TSO Orchestra and its musicians will be united by one brilliant creative choice. It’s a huge privilege for all of us here,” said TSO Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
The role of conductor, a multi-faceted role which keeps the TSO on the world’s classical music map, is still a rapidly evolving one.
In his new direction the TSO has recruited a number of new men and women who have also assumed a major role in the orchestra.
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Oundjian made his debut as principal conductor of the New York Philharmonic in 1969
Oundjian’s conducting career took off when he was appointed music director of the Takoma Park Symphony Orchestra of Washington DC.
“I would like to inspire an audience in Takoma Park to love classical music as much as I do,” he said.
He has since assumed artistic leadership of several small ensembles including the Arkansas Philharmonic, Music for All Nations, Linfield College in New Zealand and Worcester Orchestra.
“I like to think of myself as the conductor who relays the music and invites in the listener. I believe that to enjoy a concert, one should be active,” he added.
The 20th concert of this orchestra reunion tour will take place at Roy Thomson Hall on Tuesday, November 20.
Leave a Comment