Twenty Years Of Harmony: In Conversation with Müge Büyükçelen
Müge Büyükçelen, violin (photo by Kevin Light)
As a supporter of the Victoria Symphony, you know that the heart of our orchestra lies not just in the music we play, but also in the stories of the incredible musicians who bring it to life. In every note played and every melody created, there is a story—of commitment, passion, and the transformative power of music. For Müge Büyükçelen, violinist with the Victoria Symphony, her journey is one of passion, dedication, and the unexpected.
Growing up in Turkey in a family steeped in music, Müge was surrounded by artistry. Her grandfather was an opera singer, and her family included prominent professional ballet dancers. While her family’s expectations initially pushed her toward dance, Müge’s heart was drawn elsewhere. “I wanted to play the violin, not dance,” she recalls. At eight years old, she traded in her ballet slippers for a violin bow —embarking on a musical journey that would shape her life.
Turkey’s conservatory system provided Müge with an intensive music education. After completing elementary school, she entered a rigorous ten-year program where music was central to every day. By the fourth year, playing in the orchestra and in chamber ensembles kicked in for students. Müge remembers playing with a full orchestra for the first time very vividly she says. “We played Mozart’s Don Giovanni overture. I played second violin and was the newbie.” The thrill of playing alongside others, creating something larger than herself, was transformative.
By nineteen, Müge had joined a symphony orchestra in Ankara, balancing her professional career with the completion of her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This solid foundation and early success fueled her, leading Müge to eventually take a leave to study further in France.
Müge’s journey to Victoria came about unexpectedly. What was intended to be a one-year stay has turned into love affair with the city and the Victoria Symphony for more than twenty years. Back in 2001, while studying in France, her mentor announced plans to move to Canada, inviting Müge to join as his assistant at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. “I knew Vancouver but didn’t know where Victoria was,” she laughs, recalling how she had to pull out an atlas to find it.
“I never through that I would stay here for this long,” Müge shared, but after meeting her husband and getting her permanent residency, she hasn’t looked back. “Once I had my paperwork that was it.” She reveals, “The next day Peter Burris (former VS Orchestra Manager) called me ‘Have you got it yet?’ It was super cute.” By November, Müge was performing with the Victoria Symphony, and a few months later, she won a permanent position after auditioning.
Müge enjoying the natural beauty of Victoria
Now celebrating her 20th season with the Victoria Symphony, Müge reflected on some of the highlights of her time with the orchestra so far: world premieres, featured solos, working with memorable guests like Yannick Nézet-Séguin, and in particular the Victoria Symphony’s Canadian tour in 2016 stand out as highlights. “The tour was incredible,” she says, adding how special it would be to share that kind of experience again with the orchestra’s current members. “You know, we sound so different now, and it’s remarkable to see how we’ve grown.”
Müge with her daughters.
One particularly emotional highlight was sharing the stage with her daughter, Maya, who sang with the orchestra in the 2022 at the holidays. “I tried so hard not to cry,” she admits, recalling the pride she felt. “But eventually, I gave up. It was such a special moment.” Both of Müge’s daughters have been surrounded by music their entire lives. Though their tastes may lean toward singing Taylor Swift these days, she encourages their passion for music, reminding them—and herself— that “music is music.”
Müge is quick to praise the Victoria Symphony, describing it as a “hidden gem.” Guest conductors often marvel at the quality of the orchestra, and Müge shares that pride. “Our community is so lucky to have this incredible orchestra,” she says.
Beyond her dedication on stage, Müge’s work with young musicians as a teacher and mentor has been equally rewarding. Watching former students join the Symphony as colleagues or guest soloists fills her with pride. “There’s nothing like sitting side by side with someone you’ve helped along the way,” she says. As Müge so beautifully puts it, “Music is a gift. It teaches discipline, creativity, and collaboration, shaping not just musicians but well-rounded individuals.”
Müge makes up one quarter of the Emily Carr String Quartet.