Durham Region is fortunate to enjoy a lively arts scene, and among its cultural treasures is the Durham Chamber Orchestra. I have had the honour of emceeing many of their concerts over the years, and each experience has been a joy. The orchestra comprises a dedicated group of musicians who volunteer both time and talent, creating something truly special for our community.

This year marks a new chapter for the orchestra, as they welcome a new music director, Felipe Luzuriaga. I recently had the chance to meet with him and was struck by his impressive skill and warm enthusiasm for sharing his music.

Felipe was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador’s capital and moved to Canada six years ago. He told me he studied English as a second language from a young age. His connection to music also began early, when at age seven he started learning the piano. A year later, he took up the violin, balancing both instruments for several years. While his family did not have a musical background, they supported his passion, and he attended the conservatory in Quito to deepen his studies. “In the beginning, you learn about music as a whole,” he explained. “Then, after some time, you focus on a specific instrument.” For Felipe, it was the violin that called to him.

The conservatory in Quito operates as a public institution, with students attending in the afternoons after regular school hours. It was a big commitment, yet Felipe found inspiration in being surrounded by students who shared his drive. He thrived in this environment, and later attended the University of San Francisco de Quito, earning his Bachelor’s degree. As his talent grew, so did his opportunities to travel. He began making regular trips to North America for performances. “I performed in the U.S. a number of times,” Felipe shared, mentioning his invitations to the Aspen Music Festival and several international festivals.

Mastering the violin, he told me, is no easy feat. It is not just about learning where to place your fingers or how to hold the bow. There is a distinct technique to it, and it is something he now passes on to his own students. “Starting with the violin, gave me a real appreciation for the work young musicians put in from the start,” he said, reflecting on his own beginnings. As a child, practice did not always come easy, but he knew that if he wanted to excel, he would need to commit wholeheartedly. His hard work paid off, and he went on to complete a postgraduate degree in Boston.

After returning to Ecuador, Felipe met Diva, his future wife and a talented singer-songwriter. The two spent the next decade immersed in music projects together. “It was a busy time,” Felipe recalled. “I was teaching, conducting a youth orchestra, and performing as a soloist with other orchestras.” One of his proudest projects during this period was a Tango performance featuring both dancers and musicians, which he took on tour. He also performed various Mozart concertos with orchestras across Ecuador.

The idea of moving to North America had always been in the back of their minds. Felipe had spent time in the U.S. during his studies and while touring, but that was before he and Diva had settled into family life. When their son was three, they decided that if they were ever going to make the move, the time was right. It was a tough decision to leave their families behind, but they knew it was the right choice.

Felipe applied to several universities, seeking to advance his studies in music. The University of Toronto offered him a full scholarship for a Master’s program, and he was thrilled to accept. He completed his Master’s and went on to pursue a Doctorate in Musical Arts, with conducting as his area of focus. Once again, he received a full scholarship, and he is now in the final stages of this rigorous program.

I asked him what goes into being a conductor, and he explained it is about having a thorough grasp of many styles and periods of music, from classical to contemporary, baroque to romantic. “Knowing how various musical styles fit together is essential, as well as understanding how different instruments combine to produce a balanced sound.” He also shared how important it is to know when each instrument should take the lead or play softly in the background. It is a delicate balance, and the conductor’s role is to bring all of these elements together seamlessly.

Felipe also composes music, and he writes scores for many of the pieces he conducts. His schedule at the University of Toronto is demanding, and he balances it with fatherhood, teaching, and freelance performances as a violinist. Finding time for everything can be challenging, but Felipe manages it well.

Looking to the future, Felipe plans to continue his journey in music. His focus now is on completing his program, continuing his teaching, and performing as a soloist as often as he can. The orchestra is lucky to have him, and the community will get to see him in action soon.

The Durham Chamber Orchestra has two holiday-themed performances scheduled this season. They will be in Port Perry on December 8th and in Ajax on December 1st, bringing festive music to audiences in each town. Tickets are still available on their website, durhamchamberorchestra.com. It promises to be a wonderful event, and I am looking forward to seeing Felipe Luzuriaga, and the orchestra, share their talents with our community.

Jonathan van Bilsen is a television host, award winning photographer, published author, columnist and keynote speaker. His show, ‘The Jonathan van Bilsen Show’, on RogersTV, the Standard Website or YouTube, features many of the people included in this column.