Oliver Balaburski
HSO Artistic Director & Conductor
Oliver Balaburski, a Macedonian-born Canadian, began his musical studies at the age of ten. Attending an arts-focused high school, he was experienced a wide range of influences and became interested in composing and conducting.
Oliver was awarded a scholarship from the Macedonian government to specialize in conducting and in 1999 was awarded the Norman Del Mar Junior Fellowship in Conducting at the Royal College of Music in London, UK, where he specialized in symphonic repertoire. Returning to Macedonia, he was appointed artistic manager of the Opera of Macedonia National Theatre and until 2004 was principal conductor of the opera company. That year, in search of greater opportunities, he immigrated with his family to Canada, where he completed his Master’s degree in 2008. Since then, he has held the position of Conductor of the Hart House Chamber Strings.
Oliver commenced as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Huronia Symphony Orchestra in November of 2010. He continues as a guest conductor of the Orchestra of the Opera of Macedonian National Theatre. Oliver moved with his family to the city of Barrie in 2013, and he and his wife, professional soprano Aleksandra Balaburska, have established the Maestro Music Centre in Barrie.
As Artistic Director, Oliver Balaburski, combines his impeccable training, considerable talent, and professional experience to provide the artistic vision that the HSO can rely upon to steer us into the future in Barrie and across Simcoe County. He has increased the quality of the programs we present to the public by working with the musicians to build a better orchestra; he has the expertise, training and “ear” to find and fix aspects of the orchestra’s “ensemble” playing; and he has an artistic concept of the highest level to carry the finest musical expression to our audience.
