Christian Kluxen, conductor

Now in his tenth season as Music Director of the Victoria Symphony in Canada, Christian Kluxen is also in his fourth season as Principal Guest Conductor of the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra in Finland, 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 and Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, recent and forthcoming guest engagements include Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, Pacific Symphony, Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic, Odense 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.

Arin Sarkissian, flute / piccolo / alto flute / bass flute

Arin Sarkissian is the Principal Flutist of the Victoria Symphony and a rising presence in the North American classical music scene. The 2024 recipient of the Canada Council for the Arts’ Michael Measures 1st Prize, Arin has performed as Guest Principal with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and appeared with the Vancouver Symphony, San Diego Symphony, and the National Arts Centre Orchestre.

Named in CBC’s “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30,” Arin’s recent solo engagements include Carl Nielsen’s Flute Concerto with the Victoria Symphony, J.S. Bach’s Triple Concerto with Angela Hewitt, chamber concertos with violinist Blake Pouliot, and a national broadcast recital for the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal on ICI Musique and CBC. He was the featured soloist on tour with the 2024 National Youth Orchestra of Canada, performing Einojuhani Rautavaara’s “Dances with the Winds” for flute, piccolo, alto flute, and bass flute all over Canada and broadcast nationwide. Arin regularly performs concerts in Victoria and Vancouver Island, most recently spotlighted at the Victoria Summer Music Festival. His competition successes include top prizes at the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal’s Concours, Yamaha Young Artists, Music Teachers National Association, and the National Flute Association competitions.