“…dramatic heart-felt playing…His pitch and tone were immaculate…” — Calgary Herald

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

“One of the best recordings of the year…” — Bob Kerr, Off the Record, CBC Radio

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

“The group [Canadian Chamber Orchestra], conducted by concertmaster Edmond Agopian played with requisite grace.” — Edmonton Journal

“...From the first note to the last they captured the symphonic sound…Their dynamic range was elastic, giving the phrases sculptural depth as well as linear tension…” — Halifax Chronicle-Herald

“… a warm inner glow passed through me at the conclusion of the performance.” — Calgary Herald

“…exuberant playing....” — New Zealand Herald

“Their interpretation of the Beethoven and Mendelssohn was exhilarating, vibrant and full of energy. But above all, what left me amazed were the klezmer and folk music arrangements; such exciting music…” — Henrique Silveira, Radiodifusao Portuguesa (National Radio of Portugal)

“…Kensington Sinfonia excelled, the strings sounding warm and the ensemble crisp and beautifully balanced.”— Calgary Herald

“…dynamite fiddler…” — Penguin Eggs-Canada's Folk, Roots and World Music Magazine

“…the orchestra plays to the fullest, with enthusiasm and energy...imaginative interpretation…” — Rick Phillips, Sound Advice, CBC Radio

“…The connection between the movements, the musical emphasis, the dynamic control of impeccable resolution, and the precise rhythmic beat, flavored with a good dramatic tempo, made this piece a pleasure…The music was played with such sincere enthusiasm that it generated a rush felt by all.” — La Opinion de Granada - Critica Granada, Spain

Violinist and conductor Edmond Agopian began his violin training in Constantza, Romania. After immigrating to Canada he continued his musical studies at the University of Toronto (BMus), the Juilliard School (MMus - Violin) and the Masterplayers Music Academy, Switzerland (Honours Diploma - Conducting). In 1991 Mr. Agopian relinquished his posts as professor and conductor at Acadia University and Music Director of the Chebucto Symphony Orchestra in order to take up positions as Professor of Violin and Music Director of the orchestra at the University of Calgary, and Artist-in-Residence at Mount Royal University Conservatory. Since 2002 he has also been Music Director of the Calgary Youth Orchestra, Mount Royal University. In 2005 he 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 J. P. L. Roberts Distinguished Professorship in Fine Arts.

For thirteen seasons he was Music Director/Concertmaster of Calgary’s professional string orchestra, the Kensington Sinfonia, and has been featured as conductor and violinist on CBC Radio, Radio Europa, Portuguese National Radio and Taiwan National Radio. Conducting work has included performances with the Canadian Chamber Orchestra (conductor and concertmaster), the Shanghai Opera Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra, and conductor and soloist with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

He is the first violin of the UCalgary String Quartet, which has recently released a recording entitled Far Behind I Left My Country - Klezmer and East European folk music, composed and arranged by Edmond Agopian. The recording, on the American label MSR Classics was selected for the Instrumental Group of the Year award at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, the Western Canadian Music Awards, and has received enthusiastic reviews from radio broadcasters and magazines including Fanfare Magazine (USA).

Prof. Agopian has been on the faculty of the Morningside Music Bridge International Festival since its inception in 1997, and is the founder and artistic director of the University of Calgary summer chamber music festival, Contrasts.

His violin method The No Time to Practice Technique Companion has been on the SHAR Music Company’s Bestseller List since its publication in 2002, and has been positively reviewed in the American String Teacher magazine. Prof. Agopian’s students have won national and international awards and are members of every major orchestra in Canada (including three violinists in the Calgary Philharmmonic), as well as many orchestras in the United States.