IN MEMORY OF YEHONATAN BERICK (1968-2020)
Yehonatan was a frequent performer and Artistic Advisor for the series since 2011. We miss his infectious energy and humour, and his brilliant artistry.
Prizewinner at the 1993 Naumburg competition and a recipient of the 1996-97 Prix Opus, Yehonatan Berick was a soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, and pedagogue. Performances as soloist include Quebec, Winnipeg, Windsor, Ann Arbor, Jerusalem and Haifa Symphonies, and the Israeli, Cincinnati, Montreal and Manitoba Chamber Orchestras, Thirteen Strings and Ensemble Appassionata. Recital offerings included the complete Paganini Caprices, and the complete Solo Sonatas and Partitas by Bach. He collaborated with many of the world's most renowned artists. Festival and chamber series including Marlboro, Ravinia, Seattle, Ottawa, Great Lakes, and Music@Menlo. He toured extensively worldwide, in the world's most important venues, including Carnegie Hall and Wigmore Hall. On CD, Berick recorded for the Acoma, Albany, Centaur, Equilibrium, XXI-21, Gasparo, Summit, and Helicon labels. On video, he can be seen on a BluRay dvd Paganini: 24 Caprices and his recordings won rave reviews in the press. Equally sought after as violin teacher and chamber music mentor, Berick served as Professor of Violin at the University of Ottawa from 2013-2020, as well as the University of Michigan and McGill Schulich School of Music. He was invited as teacher and artist-in-residence at many festivals, and featured in masterclasses worldwide. His students hold leading positions in major orchestras, ensembles, and music schools. Yehonatan played a 1761 violin by Carlo Ferdinando Landolfi, generously on loan from the University of Ottawa, as well as violin by Honoré Derazey Père from 1852, and a viola by Stanley Kiernoziak from 2003.
www.yehonatanberick.com
Yehonatan was a frequent performer and Artistic Advisor for the series since 2011. We miss his infectious energy and humour, and his brilliant artistry.
Prizewinner at the 1993 Naumburg competition and a recipient of the 1996-97 Prix Opus, Yehonatan Berick was a soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, and pedagogue. Performances as soloist include Quebec, Winnipeg, Windsor, Ann Arbor, Jerusalem and Haifa Symphonies, and the Israeli, Cincinnati, Montreal and Manitoba Chamber Orchestras, Thirteen Strings and Ensemble Appassionata. Recital offerings included the complete Paganini Caprices, and the complete Solo Sonatas and Partitas by Bach. He collaborated with many of the world's most renowned artists. Festival and chamber series including Marlboro, Ravinia, Seattle, Ottawa, Great Lakes, and Music@Menlo. He toured extensively worldwide, in the world's most important venues, including Carnegie Hall and Wigmore Hall. On CD, Berick recorded for the Acoma, Albany, Centaur, Equilibrium, XXI-21, Gasparo, Summit, and Helicon labels. On video, he can be seen on a BluRay dvd Paganini: 24 Caprices and his recordings won rave reviews in the press. Equally sought after as violin teacher and chamber music mentor, Berick served as Professor of Violin at the University of Ottawa from 2013-2020, as well as the University of Michigan and McGill Schulich School of Music. He was invited as teacher and artist-in-residence at many festivals, and featured in masterclasses worldwide. His students hold leading positions in major orchestras, ensembles, and music schools. Yehonatan played a 1761 violin by Carlo Ferdinando Landolfi, generously on loan from the University of Ottawa, as well as violin by Honoré Derazey Père from 1852, and a viola by Stanley Kiernoziak from 2003.
www.yehonatanberick.com
CAITLIN BOYLE, VIOLA & CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
A Hamilton based violin and viola performer and pedagogue, Caitlin Boyle is a member of the Isabel String Quartet, Sinfonia Toronto, the Niagara Symphony Orchestra, and teaches at the Hamilton Suzuki School of Music. Her passion for music education has led her to teach at the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto, Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts, Taylor Academy at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Festival of the Sound Music Scores Program, Toronto District School Board, Central Okanagan School District, in addition to having taught students across the US, Spain, UK, Italy, and the UAE. She currently coordinates and coaches the chamber music program at Mooredale Youth Orchestras. A JUNO-nominated performing artist, Ms. Boyle concertized extensively for thirteen years with the Cecilia String Quartet. She has won several international awards including Banff, Bordeaux, and Osaka String Quartet Competitions.
RACHEL DESOER, CELLO
Rachel Desoer is a cellist from Hamilton, Ontario. She studied at the Juilliard School, Oberlin College, McGill University and the Banff Centre. She graduated from Oberlin in 2008 with a Bachelor of Music degree. Rachel was the cellist of the Cecilia String Quartet from 2010 to 2018. In this ensemble Rachel toured extensively around the world, recorded 4 albums on the Analekta label and taught chamber music at the University of Toronto. Touring has brought Rachel to inspiring venues such as Wigmore Hall, The Concertgebouw (Amsterdam), Konzert Haus Berlin and many more. The Cecilia Quartet also made educational programming a priority and performed hundreds of presentations for schools. In 2014 the quartet created a concert series called Xenia concerts specifically designed for children on the autism spectrum and their families. Exemplifying their commitment to the equal representation of women in music, Rachel spearheaded the commissioning of 4 string quartets by Canadian women composers in 2016. Throughout her schooling and career Rachel has also played recitals and concertos with orchestra. She has also worked in other orchestras, most notably, the National Arts Centre Orchestra and the Canadian Opera Company. She is currently the acting principal cellist of Symphony Nova Scotia.
SUSAN HOEPPNER, FLUTE
Canadian-born flutist Susan Hoeppner is highly regarded for her deeply lyrical phrasing, dazzling virtuosity and a “no holds barred” approach in her performances. She is an established international soloist, recitalist and chamber musician, with appearances that include numerous venues spanning the continents of North America, South America, throughout Europe, Japan and China. Ms. Hoeppner has inspired Canadian composers such as Christos Hatzis, Alice Ping Yee Ho and Gary Kulesha among others to write music for her and was nominated for a JUNO, Canada’s highest musical award, for Classical Album of the Year. Her numerous recordings are available digitally on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and on labels including Marquis Classics, EMI, Centrediscs/Naxos and Grammophon BIS. Ms. Hoeppner enjoys giving masterclasses far and wide and is a Member of Faculty at the Glenn Gould School, The Taylor Academy for young gifted artists at the Royal Conservatory of Music, and at the University of Toronto. Every summer she joins the woodwind faculty at the International Music and Dance Academy at Domaine Forget de Charlevoix in Canada and the Campus Internazionale della Musica d’Arte in Italy. Susan is a founding member of the new annual online CanAmerican Flute Symposium and Young Artist Competition, as well as hosting an online Insightful Performer Masterclass Series. Susan Hoeppner has been appointed a Wm.S.Haynes Artist by the Boston-based flute company. She resides in Toronto.
www.susanhoeppner.com
Canadian-born flutist Susan Hoeppner is highly regarded for her deeply lyrical phrasing, dazzling virtuosity and a “no holds barred” approach in her performances. She is an established international soloist, recitalist and chamber musician, with appearances that include numerous venues spanning the continents of North America, South America, throughout Europe, Japan and China. Ms. Hoeppner has inspired Canadian composers such as Christos Hatzis, Alice Ping Yee Ho and Gary Kulesha among others to write music for her and was nominated for a JUNO, Canada’s highest musical award, for Classical Album of the Year. Her numerous recordings are available digitally on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and on labels including Marquis Classics, EMI, Centrediscs/Naxos and Grammophon BIS. Ms. Hoeppner enjoys giving masterclasses far and wide and is a Member of Faculty at the Glenn Gould School, The Taylor Academy for young gifted artists at the Royal Conservatory of Music, and at the University of Toronto. Every summer she joins the woodwind faculty at the International Music and Dance Academy at Domaine Forget de Charlevoix in Canada and the Campus Internazionale della Musica d’Arte in Italy. Susan is a founding member of the new annual online CanAmerican Flute Symposium and Young Artist Competition, as well as hosting an online Insightful Performer Masterclass Series. Susan Hoeppner has been appointed a Wm.S.Haynes Artist by the Boston-based flute company. She resides in Toronto.
www.susanhoeppner.com
YOSUKE KAWASAKI, VIOLIN
Yosuke Kawasaki currently serves as Concertmaster of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra. His versatile musicianship allows him to pursue a career in orchestra, solo and chamber music. His orchestral career began with the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra and soon led to Mito Chamber Orchestra, Saito Kinen Orchestra and Japan Century Orchestra all of which he led as Concertmaster. His solo and chamber music career spans five continents, collaborating with artists such as Seiji Ozawa, Pinchas Zukerman and Yo-Yo Ma and appearing in the world's most prestigious halls such as Carnegie Hall, Suntory Hall and The Royal Concertgebouw. Kawasaki's current regular ensembles are Trio Ink and the Arkas String Quartet. His passion for chamber music led to his appointment as Music Director to the Affinis Music Festival in Japan. He is also an artistic advisor to a brand new chamber music festival in Bulgaria called Off The Beaten Path. As an educator Kawasaki has given masterclasses and performed side by side with students in schools across Canada. Well versed in the string quartet literature he was entrusted by Seiji Ozawa as the youngest faculty member of the Ozawa International Chamber Music Academy at the age of 26. He is currently an adjunct professor of violin at the University of Ottawa School of Music. Mr. Kawasaki began his violin studies at the age of six with his father Masao Kawasaki and continued with Setsu Goto. At the age of ten he was accepted into The Juilliard School Pre-College Division and further continued his education and graduated from The Juilliard School in 1998 under the tutorship of Dorothy DeLay, Hyo Kang, Felix Galimir and Joel Smirnoff.
Yosuke Kawasaki currently serves as Concertmaster of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra. His versatile musicianship allows him to pursue a career in orchestra, solo and chamber music. His orchestral career began with the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra and soon led to Mito Chamber Orchestra, Saito Kinen Orchestra and Japan Century Orchestra all of which he led as Concertmaster. His solo and chamber music career spans five continents, collaborating with artists such as Seiji Ozawa, Pinchas Zukerman and Yo-Yo Ma and appearing in the world's most prestigious halls such as Carnegie Hall, Suntory Hall and The Royal Concertgebouw. Kawasaki's current regular ensembles are Trio Ink and the Arkas String Quartet. His passion for chamber music led to his appointment as Music Director to the Affinis Music Festival in Japan. He is also an artistic advisor to a brand new chamber music festival in Bulgaria called Off The Beaten Path. As an educator Kawasaki has given masterclasses and performed side by side with students in schools across Canada. Well versed in the string quartet literature he was entrusted by Seiji Ozawa as the youngest faculty member of the Ozawa International Chamber Music Academy at the age of 26. He is currently an adjunct professor of violin at the University of Ottawa School of Music. Mr. Kawasaki began his violin studies at the age of six with his father Masao Kawasaki and continued with Setsu Goto. At the age of ten he was accepted into The Juilliard School Pre-College Division and further continued his education and graduated from The Juilliard School in 1998 under the tutorship of Dorothy DeLay, Hyo Kang, Felix Galimir and Joel Smirnoff.
CARISSA KLOPOUSHAK, VIOLA
Based in Ottawa, violinist Carissa Klopoushak is a proud member of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra. A laureate of the 2018 Canada Council for the Arts Instrument Bank Competition, Carissa performs on the beautiful Maggini model 1851 Jean Baptiste Vuillaume violin. She is also the founder and artistic director of the Ritornello Chamber Music Festival in her hometown of Saskatoon, artistic director of Ottawa Chamberfest, and, with the Ironwood Quartet, served as co-director of the Classical Unbound Festival in Prince Edward County. Carissa holds a doctorate in violin performance from McGill University, where she focused on the little-known classical violin repertoire by Ukrainian composers. Her debut recording, SOUNDWORLDS, was released in 2016 with Canadian pianist Philip Chiu.
www.carissaklopoushak.com
Based in Ottawa, violinist Carissa Klopoushak is a proud member of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra. A laureate of the 2018 Canada Council for the Arts Instrument Bank Competition, Carissa performs on the beautiful Maggini model 1851 Jean Baptiste Vuillaume violin. She is also the founder and artistic director of the Ritornello Chamber Music Festival in her hometown of Saskatoon, artistic director of Ottawa Chamberfest, and, with the Ironwood Quartet, served as co-director of the Classical Unbound Festival in Prince Edward County. Carissa holds a doctorate in violin performance from McGill University, where she focused on the little-known classical violin repertoire by Ukrainian composers. Her debut recording, SOUNDWORLDS, was released in 2016 with Canadian pianist Philip Chiu.
www.carissaklopoushak.com
CSABA KOCZO, VIOLIN
Hungarian-born violinist Csaba Koczó began his studies in Yugoslavia and then continued in Hungary at the Richter Conservatory in Gyor and the Béla Bartók Conservatory in Budapest. After attaining his bachelor’s degree with distinction at the College of the Franz Liszt Academy of Music, he continued his studies in Toronto with Lorand Fenyves and Erika Raum at the Glenn Gould School and the University of Toronto, where he was the recipient of the H. Carter scholarship. Mr. Koczó enjoys a prolific career as a chamber musician and soloist both in Canada and abroad. He has shared the stage with such illustrious musicians as Mayumi Seiler, Steven Isserlis, Scott St.John, Douglas McNabney, Yehonatan Berick and the St. Lawrence String Quartet. As a soloist, he has been featured with the Sandor Frigyes Chamber Orchestra and has also had the opportunity to perform the Beethoven Violin concerto and Vivaldi's Four Seasons. As a founding member of the Banff Competition prizewinning and Dora award nominated Tokai String Quartet, Mr. Koczó has toured across Canada and the US and some of his performances have been broadcast on the CBC and the Hungarian National Radio. He has performed at the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival, and the Toronto Summer Music Festival where he has worked with Ian Swensen and the Leipzig String Quartet. Mr. Koczó has taught at the Universities of Stanford, Toronto, Kingston, Halifax and Acadia in Wolfville NS, and spends every summer as a faculty member of Music at Port Milford in Picton, ON. In addition, Mr. Koczó was one of the founding members of the Via Salzburg Chamber Orchestra, and is currently Assistant Principal Second Violin of the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, and holds a position with the Canadian National Ballet Orchestra where he has been Acting Concertmaster.
www.tokaiquartet.com
www.tokaiquartet.com
MIN-JEONG KOH, VIOLIN
Praised for her “simply unbeatable beauty of tone” (Berliner Zeitung), Min-Jeong Koh maintains a busy schedule as concert violinist, violist, and educator. As first violinist of the Cecilia String Quartet, Ms. Koh won First Prize at the Banff International String Quartet Competition, 2nd Prize at the Osaka International Music Competition, and the Prix de la Sacem at the Bordeaux String Quartet Competition. Their latest recording was chosen as Gramophone Magazine’s “Editor’s Choice”, “Top 10 Mendelssohn Recordings” and was nominated for a JUNO Award for Best Classical Album. With the ensemble, Ms. Koh has performed across Europe, Asia, and North America at such celebrated stages as London’s Wigmore Hall, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, Berlin Konzerthaus, Beethoven-haus, Prague’s Rudolfinum, Library of Congress, La Jolla Music Society, Stanford Live, among others. A passionate educator, she is on faculty at The Glenn Gould School and The Taylor Academy at The Royal Conservatory of Music where she also co-directs the RCM Violin Symposium. Previously, she has served as Associate Professor of Violin at University of Oklahoma, Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto, along with teaching posts at McGill University, San Diego State University, and Wilfrid Laurier University. A sought-after teacher, she has been invited as faculty to the Indiana University Summer String Academy, The Banff Centre, MISQA, Chamber Music at Port Milford, Innsbrook Institute, Madeline Island Chamber Music, and Austin Chamber Music Center. In addition, she is co-founder of Xenia Concerts, a series dedicated to presenting concerts designed specifically for children on the autism spectrum, and has co-curated concerts for Hanvoice, a series of performances to benefit North Korean refugees. She is currently a member of the Houston-based ROCO, an innovative music ensemble that connects communities across multi-generations and breaks down barriers to make music accessible to all. Since 2009, she plays on a ca.1767 Joannes Baptista Guadagnini violin on loan from a generous benefactor, and a viola made in 2021 by Mark Schnurr.
www.minjeongkoh.com
Praised for her “simply unbeatable beauty of tone” (Berliner Zeitung), Min-Jeong Koh maintains a busy schedule as concert violinist, violist, and educator. As first violinist of the Cecilia String Quartet, Ms. Koh won First Prize at the Banff International String Quartet Competition, 2nd Prize at the Osaka International Music Competition, and the Prix de la Sacem at the Bordeaux String Quartet Competition. Their latest recording was chosen as Gramophone Magazine’s “Editor’s Choice”, “Top 10 Mendelssohn Recordings” and was nominated for a JUNO Award for Best Classical Album. With the ensemble, Ms. Koh has performed across Europe, Asia, and North America at such celebrated stages as London’s Wigmore Hall, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, Berlin Konzerthaus, Beethoven-haus, Prague’s Rudolfinum, Library of Congress, La Jolla Music Society, Stanford Live, among others. A passionate educator, she is on faculty at The Glenn Gould School and The Taylor Academy at The Royal Conservatory of Music where she also co-directs the RCM Violin Symposium. Previously, she has served as Associate Professor of Violin at University of Oklahoma, Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto, along with teaching posts at McGill University, San Diego State University, and Wilfrid Laurier University. A sought-after teacher, she has been invited as faculty to the Indiana University Summer String Academy, The Banff Centre, MISQA, Chamber Music at Port Milford, Innsbrook Institute, Madeline Island Chamber Music, and Austin Chamber Music Center. In addition, she is co-founder of Xenia Concerts, a series dedicated to presenting concerts designed specifically for children on the autism spectrum, and has co-curated concerts for Hanvoice, a series of performances to benefit North Korean refugees. She is currently a member of the Houston-based ROCO, an innovative music ensemble that connects communities across multi-generations and breaks down barriers to make music accessible to all. Since 2009, she plays on a ca.1767 Joannes Baptista Guadagnini violin on loan from a generous benefactor, and a viola made in 2021 by Mark Schnurr.
www.minjeongkoh.com
JESSICA LINNEBACH, VIOLIN
Appreciating the importance of versatility in today’s world, Jessica Linnebach has successfully built a multi-faceted career. Best known for her “burnt caramel sound, utterly fearless virtuosity...and romantic lyricism” (Artsfile), she has distinguished herself among the next generation of classical artists being lauded on concert stages around the world for her artistry and passion. Jessica made her soloist debut at the age of seven, shortly followed by acceptance to the world-renowned Curtis Institute of Music at the age of ten. She remains one of the youngest Bachelor of Music graduates in the history of the school. While there, Jessica’s primary teachers were Aaron Rosand, Jaime Laredo and Ida Kavafian. At the age of eighteen, she received her Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City where she studied with Pinchas Zukerman and Patinka Kopec. Jessica has been a member of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra since 2003, and was named their Associate Concertmaster in April 2010. She was also a founding member of the Zukerman ChamberPlayers, a string quintet led by Pinchas Zukerman, and toured extensively for almost a decade throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and New Zealand. Currently, she is a member of the Ironwood String Quartet, with whom she shares her strong passion for discovering new and exciting chamber works while performing in more intimate and interactive spaces, allowing her to have a closer connection with her audience. Jessica plays a circa 1840 Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume (Guarnerius del Gésu 1737) violin and bows crafted by Ron Forrester and Michael Vann.
Appreciating the importance of versatility in today’s world, Jessica Linnebach has successfully built a multi-faceted career. Best known for her “burnt caramel sound, utterly fearless virtuosity...and romantic lyricism” (Artsfile), she has distinguished herself among the next generation of classical artists being lauded on concert stages around the world for her artistry and passion. Jessica made her soloist debut at the age of seven, shortly followed by acceptance to the world-renowned Curtis Institute of Music at the age of ten. She remains one of the youngest Bachelor of Music graduates in the history of the school. While there, Jessica’s primary teachers were Aaron Rosand, Jaime Laredo and Ida Kavafian. At the age of eighteen, she received her Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City where she studied with Pinchas Zukerman and Patinka Kopec. Jessica has been a member of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra since 2003, and was named their Associate Concertmaster in April 2010. She was also a founding member of the Zukerman ChamberPlayers, a string quintet led by Pinchas Zukerman, and toured extensively for almost a decade throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and New Zealand. Currently, she is a member of the Ironwood String Quartet, with whom she shares her strong passion for discovering new and exciting chamber works while performing in more intimate and interactive spaces, allowing her to have a closer connection with her audience. Jessica plays a circa 1840 Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume (Guarnerius del Gésu 1737) violin and bows crafted by Ron Forrester and Michael Vann.
RACHEL MERCER, CELLO & CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Principal Cello of the NAC Orchestra in Ottawa and Co-Artistic Director of the "5 at the First" Chamber Music Series in Hamilton, Canadian cellist Rachel Mercer has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician across five continents. Described as a "pure chamber musician" (Globe and Mail) creating "moments of pure magic" (Toronto Star), Rachel plays with the Mercer-Park Duo, and was a member of JUNO-winning Ensemble Made In Canada (2008-20), and the Aviv Quartet (2002-10). An advocate for new Canadian music, Rachel has commissioned over 25 works including a cello concerto by Stewart Goodyear recently premiered with the NAC Orchestra, and an album of Canadian women composers released on Centrediscs. Rachel plays a 17th century cello from Northern Italy.
www.rachelmercercellist.com
www.rachelmercercellist.com
CAMILA MONTEFUSCO, MEZZO-SOPRANO
The Brazilian mezzo-soprano Camila Montefusco is quickly distinguishing herself as a passionate and exciting artist. Since starting her vocal studies in Canada four years ago, she has been awarded several prizes and scholarships. Some of her achievements include an Encouragement Prize from the Metropolitan Opera Council Audition, Second Prize at the Galina Pisarenko Youth Competition (Russia) and the Revelation Prize at the Linus Lerner International Vocal Competition (Brazil). In 2020, Camila debuted in the role of Katisha in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado, and the 2021 season featured her as La Zia Principessa in Puccini’s Suor Angelica and as soloist in Mahler’s Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen with the Western University Symphony Orchestra. Camila’s engagements in 2021-2022 included a scholarship at The Dolora Zajick Institute for Young Dramatic Voices in Nevada, and a fellowship with the Rebanks Family Fellowship and International Residency at the Royal Conservatory. This season Camila performed as Nada in Ana Sokolovic’s Svadba, and Goffredo in Handel’s Rinaldo with the Glenn Gould School. This Spring Camila is excited for a residency at the Britten Pears Young Artist Program in Aldeburgh, and she looks forward to joining the Toronto Summer Music Festival as an Art of Song fellow. Originally from Sao Paulo, Camila holds a master’s degree in Voice Performance from the University of Western Ontario, and a bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance from the University of Sao Paulo.
www.camilamontefusco.com
The Brazilian mezzo-soprano Camila Montefusco is quickly distinguishing herself as a passionate and exciting artist. Since starting her vocal studies in Canada four years ago, she has been awarded several prizes and scholarships. Some of her achievements include an Encouragement Prize from the Metropolitan Opera Council Audition, Second Prize at the Galina Pisarenko Youth Competition (Russia) and the Revelation Prize at the Linus Lerner International Vocal Competition (Brazil). In 2020, Camila debuted in the role of Katisha in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado, and the 2021 season featured her as La Zia Principessa in Puccini’s Suor Angelica and as soloist in Mahler’s Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen with the Western University Symphony Orchestra. Camila’s engagements in 2021-2022 included a scholarship at The Dolora Zajick Institute for Young Dramatic Voices in Nevada, and a fellowship with the Rebanks Family Fellowship and International Residency at the Royal Conservatory. This season Camila performed as Nada in Ana Sokolovic’s Svadba, and Goffredo in Handel’s Rinaldo with the Glenn Gould School. This Spring Camila is excited for a residency at the Britten Pears Young Artist Program in Aldeburgh, and she looks forward to joining the Toronto Summer Music Festival as an Art of Song fellow. Originally from Sao Paulo, Camila holds a master’s degree in Voice Performance from the University of Western Ontario, and a bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance from the University of Sao Paulo.
www.camilamontefusco.com
ANGELA PARK, PIANO & CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Angela Park has established herself as one of Canada’s most sought-after pianists. Praised for her “stunningly beautiful pianism” (Grace Welsh Prize, Chicago), “beautiful tone and sensitivity” (American Record Guide), and for performing “with such brilliant clarity it took your breath away” (Chapala, Mexico), Angela’s versatility as both soloist and chamber musician has led to acclaimed performances across Canada, as well as in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Mexico. She is a founding member of the award-winning Ensemble Made In Canada, the Mercer-Park Duo, the Seiler Piano Trio, and the AYR Trio, and has recorded solo albums, as well as collaborative discs with cellist Rachel Mercer, oboist Linda Strommen, and Ensemble Made In Canada, for labels including NAXOS Canadian Classics, Centrediscs, and Enharmonic Records. She is currently Artist-in-Residence with Ensemble Made In Canada and Assistant Professor of Piano at Western University.
www.angelapark.com
www.angelapark.com
THERESA RUDOLPH, VIOLA
Theresa Rudolph is Assistant Principal Viola of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and a member of the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra. Theresa began her orchestral career as the youngest member of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra at the age of 21. She has also performed with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Cleveland Orchestra. A passionate chamber musician, Theresa has performed throughout North America, appearing in festivals such as the Great Lakes and Santa Fe Chamber Music Festivals, Ottawa Chamberfest, and New Music Detroit. Frequently heard on series throughout Ontario, she performs regularly as a member of the TSO Chamber Soloists, and has been featured on CBC/Radio-Canada. Increasingly sought-after as a teacher, Theresa maintains a robust studio at the University of Toronto, and is the Viola Faculty of the Taylor Academy at the Royal Conservatory of Music. She has been a guest clinician at the Universities of Montreal, Western Ontario, and Ottawa, and is the Viola Coach of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra. Theresa holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where she studied with Robert Vernon. While at CIM, she toured and recorded with the Musicians from Ravinia, was a prizewinner at the prestigious Fischoff Competition, and performed in Carnegie Hall.
MAYUMI SEILER, VIOLIN
A violinist of impeccably tailored artistry, Mayumi Seiler is renowned for her exciting performances of concerto, recital and collaborative works both live and on disc. She has graced stages from New York’s Carnegie Hall to London’s Royal Albert Hall for The Proms, and has appeared as concerto soloist with major symphonies around the globe, including the Royal Philharmonic, Berlin Symphony, Moscow Symphony, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Montréal Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Australian Chamber Orchestra, and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Ms. Seiler founded Toronto’s Via Salzburg, a string orchestra and chamber music series acclaimed as “One of the best roads to our musical hearts” (Toronto Star). An active and passionate teacher, Mayumi Seiler services on the faculty at The Glenn Gould School in Toronto. She has held a professorship at the University Mozarteum in Salzburg, has given masterclasses worldwide and has adjudicated at numerous international violin competitions. Mayumi Seiler performs on the 1684 Croall Stradivarius.
www.mayumi-seiler.com
A violinist of impeccably tailored artistry, Mayumi Seiler is renowned for her exciting performances of concerto, recital and collaborative works both live and on disc. She has graced stages from New York’s Carnegie Hall to London’s Royal Albert Hall for The Proms, and has appeared as concerto soloist with major symphonies around the globe, including the Royal Philharmonic, Berlin Symphony, Moscow Symphony, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Montréal Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Australian Chamber Orchestra, and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Ms. Seiler founded Toronto’s Via Salzburg, a string orchestra and chamber music series acclaimed as “One of the best roads to our musical hearts” (Toronto Star). An active and passionate teacher, Mayumi Seiler services on the faculty at The Glenn Gould School in Toronto. She has held a professorship at the University Mozarteum in Salzburg, has given masterclasses worldwide and has adjudicated at numerous international violin competitions. Mayumi Seiler performs on the 1684 Croall Stradivarius.
www.mayumi-seiler.com
SCOTT ST. JOHN, VIOLIN
Violinist Scott St. John, from London Ontario, is known for his joyful style of music-making and inspiring chamber music coaching. Scott is Concertmaster of the innovative ROCO Chamber Orchestra in Houston, Texas, and returns frequently to the summertime Marlboro Music Festival in Vermont. From 2018 to 2021 he was Director of Chamber Music at The Colburn School in Los Angeles. Early violin success with teacher Richard Lawrence in London Ontario gave Scott a path to the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia and the chance to work with David Cerone, Arnold Steinhardt and Felix Galimir. After winning the Alexander Schneider Competition and playing a Carnegie Hall debut, NYC pulled Scott into its orbit, where Young Concert Artists gave him fabulous opportunities for performance. In addition to a magical year of working at the Disney Store in Times Square, Scott has been Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, and Artist-in-Residence at Stanford University as part of the St. Lawrence String Quartet. Scott has received an Avery Fisher Career Grant and won a Juno Award for recording Mozart with his sister Lara St. John. He has founded two chamber music awards for students: the Felix Galimir Award at University of Toronto and the Ida Levin Award at the Colburn School. Scott loves chamber music, Dvorak, new music, music by less-known composers, and a great espresso. He has been to all the Canadian provinces, 49 of the United States, and would prefer to travel by train when practical. He is married to violist Sharon Wei and they have a 10-year-old daughter named Julia.
www.scottstjohn.com
www.scottstjohn.com
YOLANDA TAPIA, PIANO
Yolanda Tapia is an international prize-winning pianist and a highly sought-after collaborative pianist. A native of Mexico, she has performed as a soloist and as a chamber musician across Mexico, Switzerland, Italy, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Canada, and the United States. She was a staff pianist at the Instituto Superior de Música in Xalapa, Mexico, and pursued graduate studies at Colorado State University, the University of Boulder Colorado, and the University of Western Ontario where she obtained her Doctor of Musical Arts. She was a Fulbright scholar and has won awards at international piano competitions, concerto competitions, and chamber music competitions in Mexico, Costa Rica, USA, and Canada. She has taught master classes at the University of Veracruz, FIM Loja, Ecuador, and the Cambrian College in Ontario. Her most recent project is Collaborativepianists a platform created in 2020 to promote and support the diversity of collaborative pianists around the world. Currently, she maintains a busy performing schedule as a collaborative pianist and vocal coach at the University of Western Ontario, as Music Director of Knox St. Andrews in Dutton, ON, and with other chamber projects such as the carnyx trio.
www.yolandatapia.com
Yolanda Tapia is an international prize-winning pianist and a highly sought-after collaborative pianist. A native of Mexico, she has performed as a soloist and as a chamber musician across Mexico, Switzerland, Italy, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Canada, and the United States. She was a staff pianist at the Instituto Superior de Música in Xalapa, Mexico, and pursued graduate studies at Colorado State University, the University of Boulder Colorado, and the University of Western Ontario where she obtained her Doctor of Musical Arts. She was a Fulbright scholar and has won awards at international piano competitions, concerto competitions, and chamber music competitions in Mexico, Costa Rica, USA, and Canada. She has taught master classes at the University of Veracruz, FIM Loja, Ecuador, and the Cambrian College in Ontario. Her most recent project is Collaborativepianists a platform created in 2020 to promote and support the diversity of collaborative pianists around the world. Currently, she maintains a busy performing schedule as a collaborative pianist and vocal coach at the University of Western Ontario, as Music Director of Knox St. Andrews in Dutton, ON, and with other chamber projects such as the carnyx trio.
www.yolandatapia.com