Calgary Youth Orchestra

our conductor

Edmond Agopian

Edmond Agopian began his violin training in Constantza, Romania. After immigrating to Canada he continued his studies at the University of Toronto (BMus), the Juilliard School (MMus) and the Masterplayers International Music Academy, Switzerland (Honours Diploma). In 1991 Mr. Agopian relinquished his post at Acadia University to take up positions as Professor of Violin at the University of Calgary, Conductor of the U of C Orchestra and Artist-in-Residence at Mount Royal College Conservatory. In 2005 Mr. Agopian was awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal “in recognition of outstanding achievements and service to the people and province of Alberta.” At the University of Calgary he was awarded the John Peter Lee Roberts Distinguished Professorship in Fine Arts. He was appointed Music Director of the Calgary Youth Orchestra in 2002.

His violin method, The No Time to Practice Technique Companion, has been on the Shar Music Company’s bestseller list. His students have won national and international awards and are members of every major orchestra in Canada, as well as orchestras in the U.S. He has been on the faculty of the Morningside Music Bridge program at Mount Royal College Conservatory since its inception in 1996, and is the founder and artistic director of the University of Calgary summer chamber music festival, Contrasts. For thirteen years, he was the Music Director/Concertmaster of Calgary’s professional string orchestra, the Kensington Sinfonia. Conducting work has included performances with the Shanghai Opera Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the Canadian Chamber Orchestra, and yearly engagements with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

As a violinist, he has been regularly featured as soloist and chamber musician on regional and national CBC, French and English radio programs.

“His performance was a triumph both of technique and integration.” – The Toronto Star

“...he not only revealed the great charm of the work, but his own musical integrity as well.” (Bruch, Violin Concerto in G minor) – The Halifax Chronicle Herald

“...dramatic heart-felt playing with biting rhythmic emphasis. His pitch and tone were immaculate...” – The Calgary Herald

A champion of Canadian music, he has premiered numerous Canadian compositions in Canada, the U.S. and Taiwan. As founder and first violinist of the U of C Quartet in Residence he is in the process of presenting and recording Beethoven’s complete string quartet cycle — a first for Calgary.