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Médecins Musiciens Series
Valses & virtuosité
SUNDAY
FEBRUARY 8TH 2026
4:00 PM
Valses & virtuosité continues the Médecins musiciens series with a vibrant program of waltzes and virtuosic showpieces. Highlights include Grieg’s enchanting Peer Gynt Suite and Khachaturian’s dramatic Masquerade Suite alongside fiery pieces by Sarasate and the soulful Vocalise of Rachmaninoff performed by resident doctor and violinst Dr. Alexandre Sheasby.
ARTISTS
PROGRAM
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART
The Marriage of Figaro Overture
1
EDVARD GRIEG
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1
2
AMY BEACH
Romance for Violin and Orchestra
3
PIETRO MASCAGNI
Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana
4
SERGEI RACHMANINOFF
Vocalise for violin and orchestra
5
PABLO DE SARASATE
Introduction and Tarantella
6
JOHANN STRAUSS II
Emperor Waltz
7
ARAM KHACHATURIAN
Masquerade Suite
8
GETTING TO THE CONCERT HALL
Dr. Alexandre Sheasby
CONCERTMASTER AND SOLOIST
Dr. Alexandre Sheasby has served as concertmaster of I Medici di McGill since 2021, the year he began his medical studies at McGill University. He is currently a first-year resident doctor in family medicine, based at the CLSC Parc-Extension.
Dr. Sheasby received his musical training at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal, where he studied violin with Johanne Arel and Josée Aidans, and chamber music with Denis Brott. He held concertmaster positions with the Grand Orchestre à cordes du conservatoire under Denis Brott, and the Orchestre symphonique des jeunes de Montréal (OSJM) under Louis Lavigueur. Two formative experiences in his development were the Camp musical des Laurentides and the Camp musical du Père Lindsay, which played a central role in shaping both his musical identity and personal growth. These camps also introduced him to concert organizing: his first benefit concert, in 2012, raised funds for the Canadian Red Cross following the tsunami in Japan. A few years later, in 2016, he organized a second benefit concert to support access to these same music camps. Since then, he has continued to present classical music benefit concerts in support of health-related causes, making his contributions to I Medici’s mission a natural and enduring extension of this work.That same year, in 2016, Dr. Sheasby was awarded the Most Promising Musician bursary from the Camp musical du Père Lindsay by Maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
In parallel with his musical pursuits, Dr. Sheasby completed an undergraduate degree in neuroscience at the Université de Montréal, where he conducted research on brain-machine interfaces and neuroprosthetics. He is particularly interested in whole-person care, with clinical interests in palliative medicine and underserved populations.
This concert marks his first solo appearance with orchestra since 2012, when he performed with the Orchestre symphonique de l’Île de Montréal.
Maestra Lori Antounian
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR
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 (Buenos Aires, Argentina), the Córdoba Metropolitan Orchestra (Córdoba, Argentina), the Accademia Vivaldiana (Venice, Italy), the Montreal Conservatory Symphonic Orchestra (Montreal, Canada), the University of Montreal Symphonic Orchestra (Montreal, Canada), Sinfonia Toronto (Toronto, Canada), and the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra (Yerevan, Armenia). 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
