Christian Kluxen, conductor

Christian Kluxen is now in his tenth season as Music Director of the Victoria Symphony in Canada, following a five-year tenure as Chief Conductor of the Arctic Philharmonic in Norway.

 Kluxen has been described in the press as “a dynamic, charismatic figure” who “forms the music with an impressive vertical power of emotion and a focus on the grand form”, conducting “with exemplary clarity and a heavenly warmth”. He is recognized for his sincere and transparent leadership, innovative programming, and his bold, imaginative, and energetic interpretations, showcased both in his MD and guest work.

 Alongside his many and varied commitments with the Victoria Symphony, recent and forthcoming guest engagements include Turku Philharmonic (where he was Principal Guest Conductor for three seasons) Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, Pacific Symphony, Oregon Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, Orchestre symphonique de Québec, Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic, Odense Symphony, Aalborg Symphony and Norrköping Symphony. A fruitful and inspiring relationship with the Arctic Philharmonic, whom Kluxen led for five years as Chief Conductor, resulted in numerous exhilarating performances of a wide variety of repertoire, as well as several acclaimed recordings. 

Blake Pouliot, violin

Described as “immaculate, at once refined and impassioned” (ArtsAtlanta), violinist Blake Pouliot has anchored himself among the ranks of classical phenoms. Praised as “one of those special talents that comes along once in a lifetime” (Toronto Star), he captivates audiences with both virtuosity and expressive depth. 

Highlights of the 2025/26 Season included a return to the National Arts Centre Orchestra with Alexander Shelley, performing Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1, as well as debuts with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and the Columbus Symphony. He also toured with the Prague Philharmonia in Spain and the U.S., culminating in his Carnegie Hall debut. Recital engagements include Newport Classical, Vancouver Chamber Music Society, and Portland Ovations with longtime collaborator, pianist Henry Kramer, alongside appearances at leading chamber music festivals. 

Recent highlights include debuts with the LA Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl and performances with the London Philharmonic, Houston Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, and Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire. As Soloist-in-Residence with Orchestre Métropolitain, he performed with Yannick Nézet-Séguin, leading to his Philadelphia Orchestra debut. 

Pouliot’s debut album (Analekta Records, 2019), featuring works by Ravel and Debussy, earned a JUNO Award nomination for Best Classical Album and a five-star BBC Music Magazine review. He is a Grand Prize winner of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal Competition and a laureate of the Canada Council Musical Instrument Bank.