Arin Sarkissian (flute) – Michael Measures Prize

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Flutist Arin Sarkissian doesn’t have the traditional origin story of a classical musician, having instead grown up with a relative disinterest in classical music and being unable to land a spot in his high school’s symphony orchestra. But the 2024 Michael Measures Prize winner’s success is a testament to the power of strong role models and his genuine love of music and performance.

Sarkissian is particularly grateful to several of his teachers—professors Leone Buyse (Rice University) and Jim Walker (LA’s Colburn School), his first flute teacher Lilit Hovhannisyan, and mentor Christinia Yoo (affectionately called “Tina Teacher”)—for encouraging his musical development. He is now the Principal Flutist of the Victoria Symphony, citing last season’s performances of Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony, Shostakovich’s 5th Symphony and Brahms’s 4th Symphony as particularly memorable. Sarkissian aims to mobilize his art form “beyond the music itself (to encompass) finances, legalities, cross-industry collaboration, education initiatives, and more.” This ambitious goal speaks to his ability to see the bigger picture and the impact music has on the greater community.

Recent performances such as his touring with harpist Kaitlin Miller as a part of the chamber group Duo Duoro and Pacific Opera Victoria’s production of Osvaldo Golijov’s Ainadamar have made this past year memorable for Sarkissian. “Performing helps me feel like I can be a kid again!” he says, adding: “I am so grateful to music for that.” In addition to his upcoming season with the Victoria Symphony, the flutist looks forward to the release of his first album, Evocations , with Canadian pianist Paul Williamson. He hopes both will help him continue to harness the power of music to bring “impact beyond the stage.”