Premier Prix Concours from the Conservatoire de Music de Montreal. Masters of Music Performance (Honours) from the New England Conservatory of Music. Music director and conductor of two orchestras. Guest appearances all over the world. Countless awards, including the Queen's Jubilee Medal and a Grammy.

Don't be fooled by his lofty credentials: Victor Sawa is as comfortable talking about Mike Myers as he is about Mahler. A true maestro of the people, his greatest joy (along with family, movies, sports and strong coffee) is winning over those who have never set foot near a classical concert.

Maybe that's because he can relate. Growing up in an east-end Montreal apartment, there was no money for extras. Victor didn't pick up an instrument until grade nine music class, where he shared a clarinet with two other students. In just six months, he was asked to join the senior band. Scholarships opened the door to McGill and Victor fell madly in love... with classical music.

In 10 years with the RSO, he has attracted younger faces to classical performances and introduced wildly successful pops and special concerts - including the annual outdoor extravaganza complete with fireworks and cannonfire, Mozart in the Meadow.

When not rehearsing or performing with his two orchestras (Regina and Sudbury), Victor likes playing Nintendo Wii or building model ships with his children.

"Conducting and kids are what keep me young. I might be good for another 50 years," he laughs.

Thousands and thousands of fingers are crossed.