Ivan Arion Karst
Conductor/Transcriber/Educator
Passion.
Inspiration.
Excellence.
Conductor
I have enjoyed conducting ensembles in Bulgaria, Canada, Taiwan, Turkey, and Ukraine. My specializations include both Contemporary and Baroque music. I welcome you to watch my videos and experience the wonderful music that I have been privileged to create with dedicated musicians from around the world.
Transcriber
The Verein-Karst Method of Transcription, based on techniques utilized by the Schoenberg Verein, enables me to create arrangements which are faithful to the musical material and respect the authorship of the composer. My transcriptions for chamber orchestra focus on clarity and precision, allowing for an intimate orchestral experience.
Educator
During the course of my career, I have had the honor to instruct music to people of all ages across multiple cultures. Whether guiding the next generation of conductors and vocalists in Turkey, directing a musical by R. Murray Schafer at an elementary school in Taiwan, or conducting an orchestra of dedicated senior citizens in Canada, the music education journey which I share with others is rewarding beyond measure. Please examine my CV page for more information on this aspect of my vocation.
Conducting Videos
Istanbul European Choir and Chamber Orchestra, Jan Dismas Zelenka Missa Dei Filii, ZWV 20
Biography
Maestro Ivan Arion Karst is a versatile musician who combines his experience conducting symphonic and choral ensembles to create transformative performances. His most recent music positions were Head of Choral and Orchestral Conducting at the Istanbul Technical University Center for Advanced Studies in Music and Music Director of the MIAM Modern Music Ensemble.
Maestro Karst was also Music Director of the Istanbul European Choir and Chamber Orchestra from 2016-2018. He served as Music Director of the Ars Nova Chamber Orchestra (Ukraine) during the 2014-2015 season. His most recent choral guest conducting appearance was with the Suzhou University of Science and Technology Competition Choir at the Suzhou City Choral Festival (China), where they were awarded First Prize for their outstanding performance. Dr. Karst has led Turkey’s foremost contemporary music ensemble, Hezarfen, in numerous concerts since 2012. This included the prestigious world premiere of Song of Philomel by Pieter Snapper in the final concert of the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra American Music Festival in 2015. Maestro Karst led the Yurodny Ensemble (Ireland) in the world premiere of Sailing to Byzantium by Dr. Onur Turkmen in the Ankara International Music Festival in 2016. In 2012, Dr. Karst led the Pazardjik Philharmonic Orchestra (Bulgaria) in the final concert of the Ivan Spasov Winter Nights Festival, having previously conducted them in 2008 and 2010. He has conducted the Mugla Municipal Orchestra, Bilkent Symphony Youth Orchestra, National Hsinchu University of Education Wind Ensemble, and Canadian ensembles including the Timmins Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Windsor Symphony Orchestra, National Arts Center Orchestra, and the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra.
“The works by Altınbüken, Snapper and de Lautour were conducted by Karst with energetic precision and vigorous devotion.” (Alexandra Ivanoff, Istanbul, Today’s Zaman)
“Maestro Ivan Arion Karst is a very successful conductor...he achieved an excellent balance between the orchestra, soloists, and choir.” (Ismail Hakki Aksu, Sannatan Yansimalar)
“- conductor Ivan Arion Karst - imagines the sufficient into existence but through some kind of patient listening and disciplined mind holds back any excess. “ (Dr. Jane Harrison, Musicology Professor, Istanbul)
His Music Director and Artistic Director positions have included the following: Bilkent Laboratory International School Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra, Hsinchu International School Youth Orchestra and Choir, National Hsinchu University of Education Brass Ensemble, Hsinchu American School Orchestra, Medicine Hat Community Orchestra and Amici Choir, and St. Clement’s Parish Orchestra. Dr. Karst has held the positions of Assistant Conductor and Chorus Master with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and Assistant Conductor of the Ontario Youth Orchestra Festival.
Dr. Karst has performed as a low brass member in various orchestras including the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra, Bilkent Symphony Orchestra, and Esksehir Municipal Symphony Orchestra. He has also held the position of Principal Tuba with the Istanbul Film Music Orchestra and Golden Horn Brass Ensemble. Dr. Karst has performed as a soloist with the NHUE Wind Ensemble, Tainan Wind Ensemble, PEI Symphony Orchestra, as well as in several recitals across Canada, Taiwan, and Turkey.
He has previously studied conducting with Gurer Aykal (Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra), Jorma Panula (Stockholm Conservatory), Pinchas Zukerman (National Arts Centre Orchestra), Ivars Taurins (Tafelmusik Chamber Choir), John Morris Russell (Cincinnati Pops Orchestra), and Mallory Thompson (Northwestern University). Dr. Karst graduated with a PhD in Historical Musicology from Salford University (UK) and holds both a MMus in Performance from Northwestern University (USA) and a BMus from the University of Prince Edward Island.