In Christopher Young’s world, the melody never stops. It’s about playing music that resonates deeply, sharing its beauty with the local community, dancing with unbridled joy, and crafting culinary delights shared with family and friends.
If you were to spend a day with Chris, you’d quickly realize his life is a symphony of passion and creativity. From the moment he wakes up, the sound of music fills the air as he plays his trumpet, letting the notes flow.
Raised in Fort St. John, where few people are strangers to country dancing, much of Chris’s time in Edmonton was spent perfecting his moves in both country two-step and line dancing. He’s not just a spectator; Chris can teach you a new line dance or take you for a spin, literally!
When it comes to culinary adventures, Chris’s skills are nothing short of remarkable. Influenced by his mom—a very talented baker—he gained an appreciation for making things from scratch. If you’re lucky, you might score a slice of his famous apple pie before it’s devoured within minutes! During his months backpacking across Europe, Chris immersed himself in the culinary arts of different cultures. These experiences left a lasting impression, inspiring his approach in the kitchen. You can find him skillfully preparing classics such as carbonara and Caesar salad from scratch, honouring traditional recipes and techniques.
So if you ever find yourself in Christopher Young’s world, be prepared for a day filled with music, dance, and delicious homemade meals—a true celebration of life’s simple pleasures.
-Written by Christina Rapacz, partner
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Which ’hood are you in?
I currently spend most of my time in Downtown Kamloops. When I’m back in Vancouver, I am at my apartment right at the heart of Cambie, near City Hall. My partner and I have an immaculate view of the city and the mountains to the north that just takes your breath away every time.
What do you do?
I’m the Executive Director of the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra & KSO Music School. My job is to make sure that great live music is able to flourish across the BC Interior. This means that I get to do everything from crunching budget numbers to connecting with community members at concerts featuring world-class artists to watching the smiles of kids as they leave their music lessons at our new home at the Kelson Hall Centre for Arts & Education. And every once in a while, I try to share my own music and experience the stage to remind myself of the dedication and hard work my team brings to every performance.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working with my team to get the launch of our 2024/25 Season across the finish line while we focus on our upcoming concerts. Before the end of this season, we’re presenting a symphonic graphic novel about the life of Vienna’s muse and mistress, Alma Mahler-Werfel; an evening of Pink Floyd, Mozart’s Requiem with an (almost) world-premiere of Sri-Lankan Canadian composer Dinuk Wijeratne’s Two Pop Songs led by Vancouver-based conductor Gordon Gerrard, and a performance with Jeremy Dutcher featuring brand new arrangements of the Indigenous artist’s own music with both symphony and a full 60-piece choir!
Where can we find your work?
My work can be seen and heard through the dozens of musicians across the province who support their local artistic communities, and who come together at the heart of Kamloops to share their passion and joy for music. My work can be seen and heard through the hundreds of children and families who enter Kelson Hall and discover who they are through the power of music. And my work can be seen and heard in the laughter and applause of audiences in Kamloops and Salmon Arm as they celebrate as a community of music lovers.
