Meet Our Team

Carlos Bastidas

     Francisca Figueroa

Ann Nguyen

Music Director and Conductor

Social media and marketing

Graphic and Web Designer

Maestro Carlos Bastidas is an internationally recognized conductor known for his artistry, innovation, and inspiring leadership. With a career defined by excellence and inclusion, he has become a prominent figure within the global classical music community.
Maestro Bastidas currently serves as Music Director of the Canada Virtuoso Ensemble and the Ontario Pops Orchestra, where his dynamic leadership has helped shape these ensembles into some of the most vibrant orchestras in Canada. He also holds the title of Conductor Emeritus of the Durham Chamber Orchestra in recognition of his lasting contributions to its artistic development.
He studied bassoon, composition, conducting, and chamber music at the University of Ottawa, building the strong artistic foundation that has guided his distinguished career. His international presence continues to grow through acclaimed guest conducting engagements, including a successful appearance in Monterrey, Mexico in February 2026, and a widely celebrated tour with the Canada Virtuoso Ensemble at the International Classical Music Festival in Popayán, Colombia (April 1–3, 2026), where the ensemble performed to sold-out audiences.
Maestro Bastidas has also appeared as a guest conductor with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Matanzas in Cuba, further establishing his reputation across the Americas. Looking ahead, he has been invited to guest conduct the Cairo Symphony Orchestra in Egypt in June 2027, marking another important milestone in his international career.
Beyond the concert stage, Maestro Bastidas connects with global audiences through his YouTube channel, where concert recordings reach listeners worldwide. His acclaimed recording Breaking Barriers reflects his commitment to celebrating diverse musical traditions and fostering meaningful cultural connections.
His contributions have been widely recognized. In 2019, he received the Transformation Award for Heritage from the Transformation Institute for his work in cultural preservation and innovation. That same year, he was named one of the 10 Most Influential Hispanics in Canada, underscoring his impact as a cultural ambassador and advocate for inclusion.
Critics and audiences alike praise his work:
“Carlos Bastidas is a conductor whose interpretations are both technically and emotionally brilliant. He is a true visionary in the world of classical music.” – Canadian Arts Review, 2021
“The passion Maestro Bastidas brings to music and his ability to inspire both musicians and audiences make him a remarkable figure in the classical music scene.” – U.S. Classical Music Journal, 2022
Committed to championing both classical masterpieces and diverse repertoire, Maestro Carlos Bastidas continues to redefine the concert experience, uniting communities and transcending borders through the universal language of music.

Francisca Figueroa, Marketing professional with a bachelor’s in marketing and a Postgraduate Certificate in Global Business Management - marketing focused.
 
She collaborates with the Ontario Pops Orchestra by coordinating Social Media and Email Marketing campaigns. She assists with the content creation, the edition of videos, and the development of new ideas.
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Ann Nguyen is a graphic designer and digital artist from Mississauga. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media from York University and has since worked on advertisements for the Ontario Pops and other local Toronto festivals. Ann has been with the Ontario Pops Orchestra since 2016, and plays piano in her spare time. 

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Music Director, Carlos Bastidas
Social Media and Marketing,  Francisca Figueroa 
Graphic Design and Website Design, Ann Nguyen