Sonic Boom 2010 - Ensemble in Residence:

Orchestra Armonia

Orchestra Armonia is Vancouver`s newest string ensemble presenting concerts dedicated to the core string repertoire and other exciting works. Led by John van Deursen, this ensemble is comprised of fresh and enthusiastic young professional string players.  Basing its core repertoire on the string classics, Orchestra Armonia’s style is eclectic and wide-ranging. 

Highlights in John van Deursen’s career include a critically praised performance in the prestigious Prague Spring Festival with the Taipei Sinfonietta and appearances with the Taipei Philharmonic in Stockholm and Helsinki.  At UBC, John is the Associate Conductor of the UBC Symphony, and Conductor of the Concert Winds.  From 1995 – 2006 John was the Principal Guest Conductor of the Taipei Philharmonic Orchestra and also its Pops Conductor.  John spent 5 summers in Europe, the U.S. and Canada, working under the guidance of master teacher and world-renowned Tanglewood faculty alumni, Gustav Meier.  Through his time with Meier, van Deursen conducted the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra (2002), Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra (1999) in Ottawa, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (2001), and the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra (1998).  He began his conducting studies from 1989 to 1995 with Henry Mazer, Music Director of the Taipei Philharmonic, and former Associate Conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

As the Sonic Boom 2010 Ensemble in Residence, Orchestra Armonia will perform on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 8 pm at the Western Front located at 303 East 8th Ave. Vancouver, British Columbia.