Acclaimed by The New York Times for the ‘richness of his harmony’, composer and conductor Eugene Astapov is a graduate of The Juilliard School where he studied with Christopher Rouse and Robert Beaser. Eugene has worked with orchestras across Canada, as well as internationally, among which are the Toronto Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, Victoria Symphony, State Symphony Orchestra of Lower Austria, Moravian Philharmonic, the Juilliard Orchestra, Eastman Philharmonia, Thunder Bay Symphony and l’Orchestre de la Francophonie Canadienne among others. Eugene holds a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from the University of Toronto and currently enjoys a busy schedule composing, conducting and teaching as a member of Esprit Orchestra’s team.

Featured Work

Noctilucence

Noctilucence is a meteorological term that refers to shining clouds at high altitudes only observable for a short period of time in summer twilight sky. In Canada we don’t get many summer days, that is why this occurrence is particularly special and beautiful. From the first measures the music evokes the feelings of tranquility and ephemeral elegance. The music is meant to be played with flair and colour; in a light and improvisatory way.

-Eugene Astapov