Eugene Tzigane, conductor
Eugene Tzigane was born in Tokyo in 1981 to a Japanese mother and an American father. Growing up between continents, he developed an early fascination with both the elegance of Japanese aesthetics and the dynamism of Western musical traditions. His multicultural roots continue to shape his artistic approach — one that fuses analytical rigour with expressive freedom.
Tzigane trained at some of the world’s most respected institutions. After studying at the Juilliard School under the mentorship of James DePreist, he graduated with a Master of Music in orchestral conducting in 2007. He then moved to Sweden to continue studies with the legendary Finnish conductor Jorma Panula at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm — joining a lineage of some of the finest conductors of the 20th and 21st centuries.
His career quickly gained momentum. In 2007, Tzigane won the Lovro von Matačić Competition in Zagreb, followed by the Grand Prize at the Grzegorz Fitelberg International Conducting Competition in Katowice. In 2008, he won the Second Prize at the Sir Georg Solti Conducting Competition in Frankfurt. These honours established him as a rising talent on the international stage.
David Boutin-Bourque, clarinet
Originally from Peterborough, Ontario, David Boutin-Bourque currently serves as Principal Clarinet of the Victoria Symphony. He is also a Sessional Instructor of Clarinet at the University of Victoria. Previously, David held positions with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra as Acting Principal Clarinet, and the Erie Philharmonic as 3rd/Bass Clarinet. Additionally, he has performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Nova Scotia. From 2017-2021, he enjoyed a fellowship at the Aspen Music Festival, winning the winds concerto competition in 2018. David completed degrees from the University of Toronto, Northwestern University, and Carnegie Mellon University. His teachers include Michael Rusinek, David Bourque, Steve Cohen and Lawrie Bloom.
Jennifer Gunter, bassoon
Jennifer Gunter has been a member of the Victoria Symphony for 21 years, performing as a bassoonist in a wide range of orchestral and chamber repertoire. She completed her undergraduate studies at the Eastman School of Music and earned her graduate degree from Rice University.
Jennifer has performed throughout North America, with engagements in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. She continues to enjoy a vibrant musical life in Victoria and is grateful to be part of a dynamic artistic community.
Outside of the concert hall, Jennifer can be found hiking, paddle boarding, swimming or playing cards with friends and looking for a good laugh.
