Artistic Director
Director Stéphane Potvin is an accomplished, creative conductor recognized for his impeccable technique, highly efficient rehearsal technique, but above all, his profound and inspirational approach to music making. With over twenty years of experience, he is able to coax lyrical performances from orchestras, choirs and chamber ensembles alike. A respected composer, arranger and clinician, he also has a wealth of experience in education and adjudication. Above all he loves sharing his passion for music with colleagues and audiences.
Maestro Potvin’s career has taken him throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe. He has conducted the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra London, the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra—where he served as Resident Conductor and Artistic Administrator—the Oakville Chamber Orchestra, the Canadian Armed Forces Band and the National Academy Orchestra. As a well established choral conductor he has lead the Niagara Children’s Chorus, the Canadian Orpheus Male Choir, the Brott Music Festival Choir, and worked with the McGill Chamber Singers.
Maestro Potvin is the Founder and Artistic Director of Musikay, a group of professional musicians and singers dedicated to the performance of classical music with the goal of making that music accessible and relevant to today’s audience.
Mr. Potvin is an excellent communicator with a sparkling sense of humour. Fully bilingual, he connects equally with audiences in French and in English. A devoted communicator, he knows how to engage audiences young and old alike.
Born in Québec, Maestro Potvin studied orchestral and choral conducting with Frieder Bernius, Gustav Meier, Otto-Werner Mueller, Jorma Panula, and Fred Stoltzfus. He served as assistant to Boris Brott, Timothy Vernon, and Arthur Post.