Maestra Lori Antounian’s musical journey began at a very young age, watching her father conduct choirs. Raised in a family of musicians, she naturally found her calling along the same artistic path. Deeply passionate about music as a universal language, she believes that there are no boundaries when it comes to its performance, style, or genre.

 

Throughout her education, Maestra Antounian studied classical piano, voice, composition, choir conducting, and orchestral conducting. A recipient of four university scholarships, she was mentored by renowned musicians, including Dr. Gregory Chaverdian (piano), Maestro Christopher Jackson (choir conducting), and Maestros Jean-François Rivest, Paolo Bellomia, and Raffi Armenian (orchestral conducting). She earned her Doctoral Conducting degree at the University of Montreal, studying under the guidance of Maestro Paolo Bellomia.

 

In 2009, Maestra Antounian founded the Imperial Orchestra, which has since become a vital part of Montreal’s cultural landscape. The orchestra has performed numerous concerts, including invitations to prestigious festivals such as EuroFest and the Stella Musica Festival. Through the Imperial Orchestra, she has had the privilege of promoting and premiering works by emerging composers and continues to support local talent. Alongside her orchestral work, she has conducted several choirs, often inviting select ensembles to perform with the orchestra.

 

A dedicated music professor, Maestra Antounian also shares her passion for music with students of all ages. Through her teaching, she inspires the next generation of musicians, instilling in them a deep appreciation for the transformative power of music.

 

Maestra Antounian’s international conducting career includes performances with prominent orchestras such as the Argentina National Symphonic Orchestra, the Córdoba Metropolitan Orchestra, the Accademia Vivaldiana, the Montreal Conservatory Symphonic Orchestra, the University of Montreal Symphonic Orchestra, Sinfonia Toronto, and the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra. She has toured South America, performing before audiences of over 15,000 spectators, and was invited as an assistant conductor of the Montreal Symphonic Orchestra in rehearsal.

 

In addition to her conducting achievements, Maestra Antounian has been featured in numerous interviews across the globe, including television, radio, newspaper and on social media platforms in Canada, USA, Italy, Armenia, Argentina and Lebanon. In 2024, Maestra Lori Antounian was honored to be invited as a conference speaker for the prestigious Armenian Global Summit 2024, further solidifying her role as a distinguished figure in the international music community.

 

Her repertoire spans classical, contemporary, experimental, jazz, and folkloric music, with a focus on both symphonic and chamber orchestras, as well as choirs. Known for her expressive performances and professional artistry, Maestra Antounian inspires and moves audiences, believing deeply in the transformative power of music. She is passionate about music's potential to change lives and provide hope for future generations.

 

“Through my veins, to the orchestra, the power of music flows.”
– Maestra Lori Antounian