Victor Herbiet studied saxophone with Peter Smith and Noël Samyn and composition with Steven Gellman at the University of Ottawa where he obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in saxophone performance. After serving with the Canadian Forces music branch between 1999 and 2011, Victor reoriented his career towards solo performance, education and composition. By blending the idioms of twelve-tone music with other styles such as French impressionism, Canadian folk, American jazz and Latin music, Victor creates a musical language that is accessible and interesting for diverse audiences. His works have been performed in North and South America, Europe and East Asia and have received accolades from performers and audiences alike. His most recent compositions for solo saxophone and clarinet were featured as compulsory works for the 2019 Saxiana International Competition in France, to which he was invited as adjudicator. 

 

In 2018, Victor was awarded bursaries from the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts to record his original chamber works featuring the saxophone. The album titled The Road to the Ethereal Gate received glowing reviews in North America and Europe being referred to as audacious, virtuosic, bewitching and magnificent. 

 

Victor is currently adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa’s School of Music. He publishes his compositions through Gérard Billaudot, Dorn Publications and the Canadian Music Centre.Victor has been playing principal saxophone with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra since 2007.