Born in Ukraine, Dr. Maxim Kuzin has emerged as a versatile conductor and educator, captivating
audiences and musicians across the world with his passion and expertise. He currently holds positions as
Music Director for the Palisades Symphony Orchestra, the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic, and the UC Santa
Barbara Chamber Orchestra. He also leads the Irvine Classical Players Youth Orchestra and co-directs the
Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Chorale in Los Angeles.
Dr. Kuzin’s path began in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, where he honed his skills at the prestigious
Lysenko Specialized Boarding Music School and the Tchaikovsky National Musical Academy of Ukraine,
completing advanced studies in both choral and orchestral conducting. He later earned a Doctorate of
Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting from UCLA, studying under Neal Stulberg. His experience in
Ukraine included working closely with leading institutions such as the Tchaikovsky National Music
Academy and the Reinhold Glier Institute of Music. He also led the Opera Program at the Dnipro Glinka
Conservatory overseeing the artistic development of young talent.
Throughout his career, Dr. Kuzin has led some of Eastern Europe’s most prestigious orchestras, including
the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, the National Philharmonic Orchestra, and the National
President's Orchestra further extending his guest conducting to the National Symphony Orchestra of
Georgia and the Vladivostok Philharmonic in Russia, to name a few. His passion for contemporary music
led him to become Music Director for the Ricochet New Music Ensemble in Kyiv, Ukraine, bringing
annually a wide variety of modern compositions to major Ukrainian music festivals like Music-Fest (Kyiv),
Two Days & Two Nights (Odesa), Kontrasty (Lviv). While in Los Angeles, Dr. Kuzin continued his
modern music engagements with Hear Now Music Festival dedicated to celebrating the works of living
composers.
Opera, operetta, and musicals have always been a significant part of Dr. Kuzin’s career. He has conducted
over twenty productions, from classics like Rossini’s "The Barber of Seville" and Leoncavallo’s
“Pagliacci” to Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus and Lehár’s "The Merry Widow" to Walton’s “The Bear” and
Stravinsky’s “Mavra” among others. His work has spanned historic theaters across Ukraine, Russia, and the
United States.
Dr. Kuzin has also demonstrated a long-standing commitment to fostering young musicians. As Head of
the Instrumental Division of the Colibri International Arts Competition for Young Performers, and his
active role in the young artist competitions of both the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic and the Palisades
Symphony Orchestra, many young talents offering performance opportunities and valuable guidance to the
next generation of artists. His dedication to education was also evident through his involvement with the
Philadelphia International Music Festival, where he conducted orchestras, coached chamber ensembles,
and taught music theory alongside musicians from The Philadelphia Orchestra.
A recipient of the Elaine Krown Klein Fine Arts Scholarship Award and recognized as an "Emerging
Artist" by Symphony Magazine of the League of American Orchestras, Dr. Kuzin also showcased his
versatility by being invited to conduct "Dancing with the Stars" TV show in Ukraine. In addition, his
Harvard University lecture, titled "Opera: Why Do We Either Love or Hate It?" showcased his ability to
connect with diverse audiences, exploring the profound appeal and complexity of opera. Dr. Kuzin's
journey reflects his dedication to both artistic excellence and the nurturing of future musical talent, making
him an artist who continually inspires those around him.
Dr. Maxim Kuzin's professional career is marked by versatility, dedication to artistic excellence, and his
commitment to nurturing future generations of musicians establishing him as an artist whose influence
continues to inspire and uplift those around him.
Dr. Maxim Kuzin, originally from Ukraine, is a dynamic conductor and music educator based in Los
Angeles. He currently serves as Music Director for the Palisades Symphony, Thousand Oaks Philharmonic,
UC Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra, Irvine Classical Players Youth Orchestra, and the Hankuk
University of Foreign Studies Chorale.
With a rich musical background, Kuzin trained at Kyiv’s top institutions and earned a Doctorate from
UCLA under Neal Stulberg. He has led prestigious orchestras across Eastern Europe, including Ukraine’s
National Symphony and National Philharmonic, and is known for his dedication to contemporary music,
conducting ensembles like Ricochet New Music in Kyiv and participating in L.A.'s Hear Now Music
Festival.
His opera work includes over 20 productions in Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S., from Rossini and
Leoncavallo to Stravinsky. An advocate for young musicians, he heads the Instrumental Division at the
Colibri Arts Competition, mentors young artists through the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic, and serves as
faculty at the Philadelphia International Music Festival.
Dr. Kuzin’s achievements have earned him recognition, including the Elaine Krown Klein Fine Arts
Scholarship Award and a feature as an Emerging Artist by Symphony Magazine. His career reflects a blend
of artistic excellence, dedication to new music, and a strong commitment to developing future talent.
Dr. Maxim Kuzin, a Ukrainian-born conductor, leads the Palisades Symphony, Thousand Oaks
Philharmonic, UC Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra, Irvine Classical Players Youth Orchestra, and
Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Chorale in LA. Educated in Kyiv and holding a Doctorate from
UCLA, he has worked with major Eastern European orchestras and renowned U.S. ensembles, including
opera and modern music productions.
Known for his commitment to young artists, he heads the Colibri Arts Competition’s Instrumental Division
and contributes to various music festivals and competitions. Recognized by Symphony Magazine as an
Emerging Artist, Dr. Kuzin's career highlights both his artistic passion and his dedication to mentoring
future talent.