"... Mr. Baluyev simply played with an intelligence and honesty that matched the music energy and verve ... He's Bruch was formidable, emotionally complex and sensitive..."
The Reporter 2008
Max Baluyev, Director began taking music lessons at the age of four, first playing piano and then violin. During his studies, he won a number of junior violin competitions, which led to opportunity to perform in St. Petersburg's most prestigious concert halls. After spending his freshmen and sophomore years at the Rimsky-Korsakov music College, he and his family moved to the United States. He then continued his education in New York, studying with celebrated violinist and pedagogue, Albert Markov, of the Manhattan School of Music, and then continued his education at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, with Zaven Melikian, Concertmaster of the San Francisco Symphony and the San Francisco Opera and Ballet Orchestras. Since 1992. Mr. Baluyev has been an active participant in the musical life of the Bay Area, giving numerous solo and chamber music recitals, including solo appearances with the San Francisco Concerto Orchestra, Russian Chamber Orchestra and Solano Symphony. He has been a member of Sacramento Philharmonic, Stockton Symphony, Vallejo Symphony, Mendocino Music Festival, Bear Valley Music Festival and many other groups. Over the years, Mr. Baluyev has performed with many world renown artists such as Luciano Pavarotti, Andre Watts, Sarah Brightman, Dave Brubeck, Stephanie Chase, Jon Nakamtsu, Elmar Oliveira and many others. Presently Mr. Baluyev holds position of Concertmaster of the Solano Symphony.