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Dr. Nuné Melikian

Hailed as a violinist who has “proven the theory of self-actualization” (Strings Magazine), Dr. Nuné Melikian is an internationally recognized artist, educator, and scholar dedicated to expanding the horizons of classical music. Through her dynamic performances, groundbreaking research, and commitment to education, she has established herself as a visionary in the field. From her Carnegie Hall debut at Stern Auditorium to sharing the stage with Jimmy Buffett, Nuné brings an unyielding spirit and artistic depth to every performance.

She has appeared at Walt Disney Hall, the United Nations Headquarters, Place des Arts (Montreal), Palais Montcalm (Quebec City), and the International House of Music in Moscow, among many other prestigious venues worldwide. Her ability to bridge cultures through music has made her a sought-after soloist and collaborator, performing in Russia, Canada, the United States, Mexico, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy, France, Armenia, and the French West Indies.

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15th Annual Concerto Competition Finalists

Cellist

Kazuho yasuno

Won with: Saint Saens Cello Concerto No. 3 - 3rd movement

Cellist

Liya Tang

Won with: Elgar Cello Concerto - 4th movement

Pianist

Alex Xu

Won with: Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3, 1st movement

Christopher Hisey

Conductor

Conductor Christopher James Hisey is the Music Director and Founder of the American Chamber Orchestra, Music Director and Founder of the Connecticut Philharmonic and Music Director of the Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras.

He has also served as the Music Director of the Civic Orchestra of New Haven, Connecticut Valley Chamber Orchestra, the Troupers Light Opera Company, and Perrysburg Symphony Chorale as well as the Associate Conductor of both the Perrysburg Symphony and the Bowling Green Philharmonia and Opera Theater Orchestras.

Maestro Hisey has been a frequent guest conductor of the Greater Bridgeport Symphony and has made appearances with the Ruse Philharmonic and Pleven Philharmonic in Bulgaria, and the St. Petersburg “Klassika” Symphony, formerly the Leningrad State Philharmonic, in St. Petersburg, Russia. He has conducted concerts throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico and China. In addition, Maestro Hisey has conducted concerts with such notable musicians as Sir James Galway, Tim Janis, Jackie Evancho, James Dunham, Chris Finckel and Deborah Wong.

A champion of new music Maestro Hisey frequently premieres new works. Emmy Award Winning composer Rex Cadwallader recently said of Maestro Hisey’s work, “He is an advocate for new music, and a caring and careful medium through whom my music has been brought gracefully and powerfully to life.”

A passionate and sought after music educator Maestro Hisey frequently appears as guest adjudicator and clinician at schools and festivals throughout the region.

His student orchestras have won top prizes in competition and have been invited to appear at Carnegie Hall, NAFME Eastern Music Festival and other festivals and concerts in the United States and abroad. He has served as Professor of Conducting, Orchestration and Music Director of the Orchestra at Manhattanville College and Professor of Conducting and Music Director of the Orchestra at Fairfield University. For the last 20 years he has served as Director of Orchestras and Chamber Music at Greens Farms Academy, in Westport, CT.

Maestro Hisey holds a Bachelor's degree in Viola Performance from the Eastman School of Music and Master’s Degree in Conducting from Bowling Green State Univeristy. He has been fortunate to study conducting with Emily Freeman Brown, David Effron, Gustav Meier, Donald Portnoy, and Donald Hunsberger.

Mr. Hisey lives in Monroe, CT, with his wife, Heather and their 4 children, Lauren, Alex, Grace and James.