Role

:

Conductor  

Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

December 21, 1955 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

Peter Oundjian is a renowned Canadian violinist and conductor who has made a significant impact on the classical music world. Born on December 14, 1955, in Toronto, Canada, Oundjian grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, so it was only natural that he would develop an interest in music at a young age. Oundjian began playing the violin when he was just four years old and quickly showed a talent for the instrument. He studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and later at the Juilliard School in New York City. He also studied with renowned violinists such as Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman. In 1976, Oundjian won the first prize at the International Violin Competition in Viña del Mar, Chile, which launched his career as a soloist. He went on to perform with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his successful career as a violinist, Oundjian also developed a passion for conducting. He studied conducting with Otto-Werner Mueller at the Yale School of Music and later with Charles Bruck at the Pierre Monteux School in Maine. Oundjian's conducting career began in 1981 when he was appointed the assistant conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. He went on to serve as the music director of the TSO from 2004 to 2018, during which time he led the orchestra on numerous international tours and helped to establish it as one of the world's leading orchestras. Oundjian has also served as the principal guest conductor of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. He has conducted many other orchestras around the world, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. One of the highlights of Oundjian's career as a conductor was his appointment as the music director of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in 2012. During his tenure, he led the orchestra on several successful tours and helped to raise its profile on the international stage. Oundjian has also been recognized for his contributions to the classical music world. In 1999, he was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honors. He has also received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the National Arts Centre Award. In addition to his work as a performer and conductor, Oundjian is also a dedicated music educator. He has taught at the Yale School of Music and the University of Toronto, and he has served as a mentor to many young musicians. Overall, Peter Oundjian is a highly respected figure in the classical music world. His talent as a violinist and conductor, combined with his dedication to music education, has made him a true icon in the industry.

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