Strathcona Symphony Orchestra welcomes Kenji Fusé to the conductor’s podium

The Strathcona Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is proud to welcome Keni Fusé as the new Music Director to the communities of the Comox Valley, Campbell River and surrounding areas. Fusé performed with some of the world’s greatest musical artists while in his position as Principal Viola with the Victoria Symphony. Artists include Yo-Yo Ma, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Celine Dion, Rosemary Clooney, James Ehnes, Nelly Furtado, and Angela Hewitt as well as performances with the Vancouver Symphony, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. He has taught at the University of Victoria, the Victoria Conservatory of Music, Comox Valley Youth Music Centre, and coaches the viola section of the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra. “I am extremely honoured and excited to conduct the SSO and during my brief audition time with the musicians, I enjoyed their wonderful attitude and willingness to learn and adapt quickly to my performance suggestions,” said Fusé. “I feel that great things can be accomplished by the SSO musicians in the upcoming season and over the next several years,” he said. “I also feel a drive to promote quality orchestral music to Canadian communities, and the Comox Valley seems like a perfect spot to receive this music, and for me to give something back to the orchestra in terms of support.” “I am also hoping to write a piece or two for the orchestra, as I get to know the musicians better,” said Fusé. “This opportunity really excites the creative musician inside me.” In the 2025/26 season, Fusé is looking at focusing on the orchestra performing some of the masterpieces of the repertoire, such as Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 and some iconic Canadian composers.  He will also be conducting one of his favourite pieces, Kodály’s Háry János Suite. For more information about the SSO, the beginner/intermediate string ensemble, Hello Strings!, becoming a sponsor, or joining the orchestra, please visit www.strathconasymphony.ca [http://www.strathconasymphony.ca] or email strathconasymphony@gmail.com [strathconasymphony@gmail.com]. The upcoming winter concerts will be held at Courtenay’s Filberg Centre on Dec. 6 and 7.  Tickets will be available on the SSO website closer to the performance dates.