Canadian Conducts Kyiv Symphony Orchestra

As read from Maple Leaf News, a web-based electronic magazine published by the Canadian Embassy in Ukraine … the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus under the direction of Canadian Principal Guest Conductor, Wes Janzen, the presented Beethoven’s Mass in C and Bruckner’s mighty Te Deum, on Monday, June 11th, at 7:30 pm at the National House of Organ and Chamber Music. A Canadian conductor working with Kyiv musicians is a good example of the friendship that Canada and Ukraine share.

The Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus is the musical arm of Music Mission Kyiv; an extraordinary organization that, among other things, provides remarkable care for hundreds of widows and orphans. Founded by Roger and Diane McMurrin, MMK is a Florida based organization of international scope. The performance is of particular significance, as it celebrates Roger and Diane’s return to Kyiv.

Wes Janzen is Director of Choral Activities at Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia. His choirs have been heard on dozens of CBC national performances. They perform on a regular basis with the Vancouver Symphony, Vancouver Chamber Choir and CBC Orchestra. National broadcasts with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra include Berlioz’ L’Enfance du Christ, Britten’s War Requiem, Verdi’s Requiem, and Mendelssohn’s Lobgesang. National broadcasts with the CBC Vancouver Orchestra and Vancouver Chamber Choir include Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Schubert’s Magnificat and Beethoven’s Mass in C. Wes Janzen frequently serves on the jury at some of Europe’s top choir competitions. He holds a DMA in conducting performance/vocal pedagogy and has studied conducting with Eric Ericson in Stockholm, Sweden.