We are pleased to announce that violinist Müge Büyükçelen and cellist Brian Yoon have been appointed as the Co-Artistic Directors of the Classical Strings Department of the Ann & George Nation Conservatory School of Classical Music at the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
This exciting development ensures both the upper and lower strings are strongly represented in the department’s dedicated and inspiring leadership. We are also pleased to share that Michael Dias will serve as the Classical Guitar Coordinator for the Fall semester, bringing his expertise and artistry to the Conservatory. Learn more about Michael Dias here.
Meet the New Co-Artistic Directors
Müge Büyükçelen – Violin
A highly sought-after violinist, educator, and clinician, Müge Büyükçelen is known for her artistry and multi-genre versatility. Along with her new role, she also serves as Co-Artistic Director of the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Collegium Program for outstanding young musicians.
Müge’s performance highlights include the premiere of Jared Miller’s violin concerto dedicated to her, the Beethoven Violin Concerto, and international tours across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. She is a member of the Victoria Symphony, the Emily Carr String Quartet, and the Aventa Ensemble, and has been featured as a soloist with numerous orchestras worldwide.
She holds a Master’s degree in Music Performance from Bilkent University in Ankara, Turkey, and an Associate Teaching Diploma from the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Müge’s dedication to teaching and performing continues to inspire both students and audiences alike. Read more about Müge here.
Brian Yoon – Cello
A committed teacher at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, Brian Yoon also serves as Artistic Director of the Conservatory’s CelloFest. He enjoys a multifaceted career as a soloist, chamber musician, and teacher, and is Principal Cello of the Victoria Symphony.
Brian has performed as guest principal with the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra in New Zealand. Since winning First Prize at the 35th Eckhardt-Gramatté Competition, Brian has performed across Canada in recital, presenting repertoire ranging from Bach and Beethoven to Shostakovich and Metallica.
In 2012, CBC Music featured Brian as “Canada’s next cello superstar” with a nationally broadcast recital from the Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto. His students have gone on to study cello performance at the University of Victoria, the University of Ottawa, McGill University, the Glenn Gould School, and the New England Conservatory.
Brian studied with Judith Fraser at the Vancouver Academy of Music and later earned a Bachelor of Music from the University of Ottawa and a Master of Music from Rice University. He currently plays a 1905 cello by Gaetano Sgarabotto of Milan and a 2010 cello by David Wiebe. Read more about Brian here.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Müge Büyükçelen and Brian Yoon as the new Co-Artistic Directors of the Classical Strings Department. Their artistry, commitment, and exemplary leadership will strengthen the department and continue to inspire both students and faculty.
