Lambda Professors (2020 Faculty)
The Lambda faculty comprises a team of fine musicians and artists, who are outstanding in their area of expertise, as well highly experienced in teaching. Our professors are passionate in sharing their love for music and arts with their students. We also have an established track record of helping students succeed, far exceeding their expectations.
Dr. Gabriel Prynn (Cello)
Born and raised in the UK, cellist Gabriel Prynn is a founding member of the Trio Fibonacci, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019. His most influential teachers were Clive Greensmith and David Finckel. During his career as a soloist, as a member of the Trio Fibonacci, and as a guest artist with diverse ensembles, notably the Ensemble Alternance in Paris, Gabriel has both resurrected forgotten masterpieces and premiered over sixty new works. Gabriel has performed at Toronto’s St. Lawrence Centre, Merkin Hall in New York, at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris in association with IRCAM and Radio-France, at the Aldeburgh Festival (UK) and at the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing. He has been both a resident artist and Chamber Music Coordinator at the Atlantic Music Festival (Maine, USA) since 2016.
Dr. Prynn is passionate about teaching, and in addition to his position as Visiting Assistant Professor of Cello at Ohio University, USA, from 2016-2019, he has given masterclasses, coached chamber music, and given workshops at such prestigious institutions as the École Normale de Musique (Paris), University of South Africa, University of Curitiba (Brazil), Royal Academy of Music (UK), Conservatory of Belgrade (Serbia), Conservatory of Nagoya (Japan), Hochschule Hanns Eisler (Berlin, Germany) and at the University of Oxford (UK). Dr. Prynn has collaborated with some of the most respected composers of our time, notably Mauricio Kagel, Pascal Dusapin, Jonathan Harvey, Georges Aperghis, Hannah Lash, George Tsontakis, Pierre Jalbert and Henri Pousseur. Gabriel’s doctoral research at the University of Montreal led to his book Taming the Cello: a handbook of contemporary cello for performers, teacher and composers. Excerpts were published in the December 2018 edition of The Strad.
Born and raised in the UK, cellist Gabriel Prynn is a founding member of the Trio Fibonacci, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019. His most influential teachers were Clive Greensmith and David Finckel. During his career as a soloist, as a member of the Trio Fibonacci, and as a guest artist with diverse ensembles, notably the Ensemble Alternance in Paris, Gabriel has both resurrected forgotten masterpieces and premiered over sixty new works. Gabriel has performed at Toronto’s St. Lawrence Centre, Merkin Hall in New York, at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris in association with IRCAM and Radio-France, at the Aldeburgh Festival (UK) and at the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing. He has been both a resident artist and Chamber Music Coordinator at the Atlantic Music Festival (Maine, USA) since 2016.
Dr. Prynn is passionate about teaching, and in addition to his position as Visiting Assistant Professor of Cello at Ohio University, USA, from 2016-2019, he has given masterclasses, coached chamber music, and given workshops at such prestigious institutions as the École Normale de Musique (Paris), University of South Africa, University of Curitiba (Brazil), Royal Academy of Music (UK), Conservatory of Belgrade (Serbia), Conservatory of Nagoya (Japan), Hochschule Hanns Eisler (Berlin, Germany) and at the University of Oxford (UK). Dr. Prynn has collaborated with some of the most respected composers of our time, notably Mauricio Kagel, Pascal Dusapin, Jonathan Harvey, Georges Aperghis, Hannah Lash, George Tsontakis, Pierre Jalbert and Henri Pousseur. Gabriel’s doctoral research at the University of Montreal led to his book Taming the Cello: a handbook of contemporary cello for performers, teacher and composers. Excerpts were published in the December 2018 edition of The Strad.
Chad Linsley (Jazz Piano)
Chad Linsley is one of Montreal’s most sought after collaborators “in the service of the songs”. A “discreet and delicate pianist” with “layered poignancy”, he has performed and recorded with the legendary Ranee Lee and can be heard on Mike Rud’s Notes On Montreal with vocalist Sienna Dahlen, winner of the 2014 Juno award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. This past summer saw the release of Impossible: Live at Musideum with vocalist Renée Yoxon. As an accomplished arranger, he has done well over a hundred arrangements for Musicnotes.com, the world’s largest e-commerce sheet music retailer and publisher.
Since his early years, Chad was already very active in the local music scene in his home province of Saskatchewan. His first band The Jazz Ambassadors opened for Peter Gzowski’s final broadcast of Morningside on CBC Radio. In 1998, Chad moved to Montreal to study at McGill University where he performed, recorded, and toured with the McGill Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Gordon Foote. Among his teachers included Jan Jarczyk, Tilden Webb, Wray Downes, Jeff Johnston, Andre White, and Tom Plaunt. In 2004, he traveled to China with Juno award-winning drummer Jim Hillman and bassist Brian Hurley. In 2009, Chad performed at the Festival international de jazz de Montréal, nominated for the General Motors Grand Jazz Award and the CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award for his debut album of original compositions entitled “Slideshow”. His work as an educator has earned him a teaching award from McGill’s Schulich School of Music and he has been a course lecturer at Brandon University. Chad is now based in Montreal with his wife, Marie-Claire Saindon, an award-winning composer. He teaches at Vanier College and McGill University.
Chad Linsley is one of Montreal’s most sought after collaborators “in the service of the songs”. A “discreet and delicate pianist” with “layered poignancy”, he has performed and recorded with the legendary Ranee Lee and can be heard on Mike Rud’s Notes On Montreal with vocalist Sienna Dahlen, winner of the 2014 Juno award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. This past summer saw the release of Impossible: Live at Musideum with vocalist Renée Yoxon. As an accomplished arranger, he has done well over a hundred arrangements for Musicnotes.com, the world’s largest e-commerce sheet music retailer and publisher.
Since his early years, Chad was already very active in the local music scene in his home province of Saskatchewan. His first band The Jazz Ambassadors opened for Peter Gzowski’s final broadcast of Morningside on CBC Radio. In 1998, Chad moved to Montreal to study at McGill University where he performed, recorded, and toured with the McGill Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Gordon Foote. Among his teachers included Jan Jarczyk, Tilden Webb, Wray Downes, Jeff Johnston, Andre White, and Tom Plaunt. In 2004, he traveled to China with Juno award-winning drummer Jim Hillman and bassist Brian Hurley. In 2009, Chad performed at the Festival international de jazz de Montréal, nominated for the General Motors Grand Jazz Award and the CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award for his debut album of original compositions entitled “Slideshow”. His work as an educator has earned him a teaching award from McGill’s Schulich School of Music and he has been a course lecturer at Brandon University. Chad is now based in Montreal with his wife, Marie-Claire Saindon, an award-winning composer. He teaches at Vanier College and McGill University.
Sebastian Di Bin (Piano Masterclasses)
Sebastian Di Bin was born in 1981 in Udine (Italy) and began his musical studies at the age of 7. He made its official debut at 11 in a concert with the orchestra Slovenicum of Ljubljana in the hall of the Parliament of the Castle of Udine and since then he has been working to build his international reputation as one of the greatest pianists of his generation.
He has won numerous important national and international awards:
(2015-2020) Recorded four CDs with Centaur Records, see below.
(2014) 1st Prize Gold Medal at the San Jose International Piano Competition in California (U.S.A.).
(2013) 3rd Prize at the 7th "Fausto Zadra" International Piano Competition.
(2013) 1st prize at the "Ischia" International Piano Competition.
(2013) 3rd Prize at the International Piano Competition “Sergey Rachmaninov”.
(2013) 3rd Prize at the International Piano and Orchestra Competition “Città di Cantù”(Italy).
(2012) 4th Prize at the 12th UNISA International Piano Competition in Pretoria (South Africa).
(2011) Prize for the best interpretation of Spanish music tracks on the 25th Concurso Internacional de Piano de Ferrol (Spain).
(2011) "New Cup Pianists of Italy" in Osimo, absolute 1st prize.
(2011) 2nd Prize (1st prize not awarded) at the 27th International Piano Competition Valsesia Music (Italy).
(2011) 2nd Prize at the International Competition "Neue Sterne" Wenigerode (Germany).
(2010) Absolute First Prize and Special Prize "Lazar Berman" at the IX Piano Competition San Giovanni Teatino-Chieti (Italy).
(2010) 3rd Prize at the IV International Piano Competition Campillos-Malaga (Spain).
(2010) Special Mention for best performer at the 26th International Competition “Valsesia Musica” (Italy).
(2003) The “Premio Venezia”, reserved for the best graduated from conservatories in Italy at the theatre La Fenice in Venice.
(2003) Special Prize at the International Competition "Pecar" in Gorizia (Italy).
(1996) Special Prize at the International Competition "Marizza" in Trieste.
(1990) International Competition Mozart in Bologna.
Moreover :
In 1991 was appointed UNICEF Ambassador for artistic merit and represented Italy, together with Luciano Pavarotti, at the Gala World UNICEF "Danny Kay" in Amsterdam (Netherlands).
In 2003 he received the Medal of the President of the Italian Republic and the Silver Plaque of the Senate, Italy.
He has performed as a soloist with the following orchestras:
Orchestra Slovenicum of Ljubljana;
AFOS Foundation Toscanini conducted by Julian Kovatchev;
"Cantiere Musicale di Udine" directed by Paul Paroni;
"Virtuosi di Aquileia" directed by Alfredo Barchi;
Camerata Gigli di Recanati directed by Lorenzo Di Bella;
Philharmonische Chamber Orchestra directed by Christian Fitzner in Germany;
The Romanian Philharmonic Orchestra M. Jora Bacau directed by Emin Guven Yaslicam in Milan and directed by Ovidiu Balan in Varallo;
The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Tamas Vásáry in Pretoria (South Africa).
He has performed in a duet with world famed violinist Luigi Alberto Bianchi and participated in numerous solo recitals at important festivals and musical events: Salzburg Festival 2004 and 2008; Piano Festival "Giovani interpreti e grandi maestri” in the Teatro Verdi in Trieste; at the International Piano Festival "Mario Ghislandi" by Cream; the " Chopin Marathon " Auditorium Verdi in Milan organized by Maestro Abbado; at the International Piano Festival in Osimo; at the International Festival William Walton in Ischia; the concert for the Catholic Press of Italy and the Vatican, in Rome, always receiving high praise from the public and the press.
During his concert career, he performed in concerts in prestigious theatres in Italy (Teatro Malibran and Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Oratory of St. Philip Blacks in Bologna, Auditorium Verdi in Milan, Teatro Alighieri in Ravenna, Teatro Comunale di Monfalcone, Teatro Giovanni da Udine in Udine, Auditorium Verdi in Trieste, Conservatory of Rovigo, Castromediano Museum of Lecce, Auditorium Maximum of Rome, "Fazioli Concert Hall" Sacile, Sala Bossi of Bologna, Palermo Villa Whitaker, Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista in Venice, Sala Santa Maria delle Grazie in Mestre, Ajax room of the Municipality of Udine, Udine Palamostre Theatre, Museum of Rivoltella Trieste, Teatro Comunale di Imola) and abroad (Holland, Switzerland, France, Slovenia, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Spain, USA, South Africa.).
A number of his performances have been broadcast on national and international televisions: RAI 1, RAI 2, RAI 3, Channel 5, Tele Montecarlo, and abroad (U.S.A., Netherlands, Malta, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, South Africa). Other performances have been broadcasted on radio stations such as Rai Radio 3, Radio Pretoria and several American stations as well as in Germany and Spain.
He has recorded Four CDs with the prestigious American label Louisiana Centaur Records:
2015 - F. Liszt's Transcendental Etudes, (The whole series of the 12 Etudes).
2017 - 12 Piano Etudes from opus 10 and 12 Piano Etudes from opus 25 of F. Chopin’s Etudes.
2017 - Russian Music with music of S. Rachmaninov, P. I. Tchaikovsky, S. Skrjabin e S. Prokofiev repertoire.
2020 - « Soul Movies... » With some of his original compositions and interpretations of famous songs for the piano.
In July 2016, “Edizioni Musicali Wicky EM” of Milan published the book entitled “Sogni di suoni” (Dreams of Sounds) with 15 of his musical compositions, together with a CD with his own interpretation of the pieces.
Education
He graduated with honor at the Conservatorio "G. Rossini "of Pesaro in 2002 and then he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma at the Advanced International Piano Academy in Imola with Maestro Franco Scala . Later he completed his piano studies at the Accademia delle Marche "Beniamino Gigli" in Recanati with Maestro Gianluca Luisi and Maestro Lorenzo Di Bella.
In 2009 he studied with the Maestro Vincenzo Balzani in Milano. At the same time he studied experimental composition with Marco Di Bari and Remo Vinciguerra. In 2012 he got a Master degree in Music Composition for films at the Faculty of Humanities at Udine University and at the Conservatory J. Tomadini in Udine. Sebastian further developed his musical talents by participating in a series of masterclasses with very talented artists such as Lonquich, Lortie, Jasinskj, Howard, Dalberto, Lucchesini, Margulis, Berman, Berhoff, Kravchenko, Soriano, Balzani, Morales and Rivera.
In July 2012 he was invited to give a masterclass at the Colorado International Piano Academy, University of Northern Colorado (USA).
Sebastian Di Bin was born in 1981 in Udine (Italy) and began his musical studies at the age of 7. He made its official debut at 11 in a concert with the orchestra Slovenicum of Ljubljana in the hall of the Parliament of the Castle of Udine and since then he has been working to build his international reputation as one of the greatest pianists of his generation.
He has won numerous important national and international awards:
(2015-2020) Recorded four CDs with Centaur Records, see below.
(2014) 1st Prize Gold Medal at the San Jose International Piano Competition in California (U.S.A.).
(2013) 3rd Prize at the 7th "Fausto Zadra" International Piano Competition.
(2013) 1st prize at the "Ischia" International Piano Competition.
(2013) 3rd Prize at the International Piano Competition “Sergey Rachmaninov”.
(2013) 3rd Prize at the International Piano and Orchestra Competition “Città di Cantù”(Italy).
(2012) 4th Prize at the 12th UNISA International Piano Competition in Pretoria (South Africa).
(2011) Prize for the best interpretation of Spanish music tracks on the 25th Concurso Internacional de Piano de Ferrol (Spain).
(2011) "New Cup Pianists of Italy" in Osimo, absolute 1st prize.
(2011) 2nd Prize (1st prize not awarded) at the 27th International Piano Competition Valsesia Music (Italy).
(2011) 2nd Prize at the International Competition "Neue Sterne" Wenigerode (Germany).
(2010) Absolute First Prize and Special Prize "Lazar Berman" at the IX Piano Competition San Giovanni Teatino-Chieti (Italy).
(2010) 3rd Prize at the IV International Piano Competition Campillos-Malaga (Spain).
(2010) Special Mention for best performer at the 26th International Competition “Valsesia Musica” (Italy).
(2003) The “Premio Venezia”, reserved for the best graduated from conservatories in Italy at the theatre La Fenice in Venice.
(2003) Special Prize at the International Competition "Pecar" in Gorizia (Italy).
(1996) Special Prize at the International Competition "Marizza" in Trieste.
(1990) International Competition Mozart in Bologna.
Moreover :
In 1991 was appointed UNICEF Ambassador for artistic merit and represented Italy, together with Luciano Pavarotti, at the Gala World UNICEF "Danny Kay" in Amsterdam (Netherlands).
In 2003 he received the Medal of the President of the Italian Republic and the Silver Plaque of the Senate, Italy.
He has performed as a soloist with the following orchestras:
Orchestra Slovenicum of Ljubljana;
AFOS Foundation Toscanini conducted by Julian Kovatchev;
"Cantiere Musicale di Udine" directed by Paul Paroni;
"Virtuosi di Aquileia" directed by Alfredo Barchi;
Camerata Gigli di Recanati directed by Lorenzo Di Bella;
Philharmonische Chamber Orchestra directed by Christian Fitzner in Germany;
The Romanian Philharmonic Orchestra M. Jora Bacau directed by Emin Guven Yaslicam in Milan and directed by Ovidiu Balan in Varallo;
The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Tamas Vásáry in Pretoria (South Africa).
He has performed in a duet with world famed violinist Luigi Alberto Bianchi and participated in numerous solo recitals at important festivals and musical events: Salzburg Festival 2004 and 2008; Piano Festival "Giovani interpreti e grandi maestri” in the Teatro Verdi in Trieste; at the International Piano Festival "Mario Ghislandi" by Cream; the " Chopin Marathon " Auditorium Verdi in Milan organized by Maestro Abbado; at the International Piano Festival in Osimo; at the International Festival William Walton in Ischia; the concert for the Catholic Press of Italy and the Vatican, in Rome, always receiving high praise from the public and the press.
During his concert career, he performed in concerts in prestigious theatres in Italy (Teatro Malibran and Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Oratory of St. Philip Blacks in Bologna, Auditorium Verdi in Milan, Teatro Alighieri in Ravenna, Teatro Comunale di Monfalcone, Teatro Giovanni da Udine in Udine, Auditorium Verdi in Trieste, Conservatory of Rovigo, Castromediano Museum of Lecce, Auditorium Maximum of Rome, "Fazioli Concert Hall" Sacile, Sala Bossi of Bologna, Palermo Villa Whitaker, Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista in Venice, Sala Santa Maria delle Grazie in Mestre, Ajax room of the Municipality of Udine, Udine Palamostre Theatre, Museum of Rivoltella Trieste, Teatro Comunale di Imola) and abroad (Holland, Switzerland, France, Slovenia, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Spain, USA, South Africa.).
A number of his performances have been broadcast on national and international televisions: RAI 1, RAI 2, RAI 3, Channel 5, Tele Montecarlo, and abroad (U.S.A., Netherlands, Malta, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, South Africa). Other performances have been broadcasted on radio stations such as Rai Radio 3, Radio Pretoria and several American stations as well as in Germany and Spain.
He has recorded Four CDs with the prestigious American label Louisiana Centaur Records:
2015 - F. Liszt's Transcendental Etudes, (The whole series of the 12 Etudes).
2017 - 12 Piano Etudes from opus 10 and 12 Piano Etudes from opus 25 of F. Chopin’s Etudes.
2017 - Russian Music with music of S. Rachmaninov, P. I. Tchaikovsky, S. Skrjabin e S. Prokofiev repertoire.
2020 - « Soul Movies... » With some of his original compositions and interpretations of famous songs for the piano.
In July 2016, “Edizioni Musicali Wicky EM” of Milan published the book entitled “Sogni di suoni” (Dreams of Sounds) with 15 of his musical compositions, together with a CD with his own interpretation of the pieces.
Education
He graduated with honor at the Conservatorio "G. Rossini "of Pesaro in 2002 and then he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma at the Advanced International Piano Academy in Imola with Maestro Franco Scala . Later he completed his piano studies at the Accademia delle Marche "Beniamino Gigli" in Recanati with Maestro Gianluca Luisi and Maestro Lorenzo Di Bella.
In 2009 he studied with the Maestro Vincenzo Balzani in Milano. At the same time he studied experimental composition with Marco Di Bari and Remo Vinciguerra. In 2012 he got a Master degree in Music Composition for films at the Faculty of Humanities at Udine University and at the Conservatory J. Tomadini in Udine. Sebastian further developed his musical talents by participating in a series of masterclasses with very talented artists such as Lonquich, Lortie, Jasinskj, Howard, Dalberto, Lucchesini, Margulis, Berman, Berhoff, Kravchenko, Soriano, Balzani, Morales and Rivera.
In July 2012 he was invited to give a masterclass at the Colorado International Piano Academy, University of Northern Colorado (USA).
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Jacinta Ionno - Fine Arts (Oil Painting)
Jacinta Ionno is the founding professor and advisor of the Lambda Graphics Arts program since 2008. Jacinta has been a professional artist for more than 23 years, has been actively involved in the art community and is a member of the Canadian Federation of Artists and the Artist Association of Dollard. She participates in numerous juried and non-juried shows. She has also held solo exhibitions at Pierrefonds, Kirkland, Beaconsfield and Roxboro libraries. She has received several awards for her works. Prof. Ionno holds a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University and a Commercial Arts Degree. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Concordia University. |
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Jy Hyeon Lee - Piano, Music Theory, Ear training
Jy Hyeon Lee was born and raised in Seoul, Korea. She started learning piano at the age of four. When she was in middle school, she was taught by the pianist Han Tong-il. She demonstrated outstanding aptitude in piano performance and has been chosen for gifted education from an art high school. Jy Hyeon moved to Montreal in 2005, and continued her piano studies with Hei-kyung Bang at Vincent-d’Indy. She won numerous prizes from Concours Inter-Élève de Vincent-d’Indy and from Festival de musique classique de Montréal. Jy received her Bachelor in Music performance (class of Professor Maneli Pirzadeh) at the University of Montreal. She has been teaching piano since she was at the Marianopolis College in Music program. With a rich background in music, Jy Hyeon helps and encourages her students to develop their basic techniques and musical expressions. Jy has many successes in her teaching, including helping students win the Gold Medal in RCM examinations, and paving students for a solid foundation and subsequently helping them win prizes at international competitions. |
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Dora Cojocaru - Music Theory, Harmony, Music History, Composition
Dr. Dora Cojocaru completed her studies in Romania and Germany, where she received her Ph.D. degree in musicology and stylistics. As a composer, Dr. Cojocaru has received numerous prizes and grants, including the Paul Sacher, Socrates, Gaudeamus, D.A.A.D., European Community, Heinrich Böll grants, as well as several grants from Canada Council for the Arts and Conseil des arts et des lettres du Quebec. Her compositions have been published by Müller&Schade AG in Bern/Switzerland, and are performed worldwide (“World Music Days”-I.S.N.M./Luxembourg, Schoenberg Centre/Vienna, Marianischer Saal/Luzern, Deutschlanfunk/Köln, Sumida Triphony Hall/Tokyo, CUMS Conference/Lethbridge, UNAM/Ciudad de Mexico etc.) As an associate professor at the Music Academy in Cluj-Napoca, Dora Cojocaru has taught composition, music history and theory. She has also been invited to give lectures, workshops and conferences in major Canadian universities as well as in Europe. Dora Cojocaru has published two books, and a number of articles in various musical journals. She has also adjudicated many musical competitions and collaborated with the “Westdeutscher Rundfunk” in Germany. |
Thelonius Garcia - Jazz Piano, Piano
Thelonius Garcia is a French-Dominican pianist born in Paris, France. He graduated from McGill University in Piano Jazz Performance, Bachelor of Music where he learned the piano with the renowned pianist Marianne Trudel and other jazz Canadian masters. He has spent the last 2 years between New York City and Montreal. In France he began studying classical piano, music theory, music analysis, chamber music at age 9 at the conservatory with Muriel Blaisse, a renowned teacher who studied with Menahem Pressler in the USA. Then at 19 he decided to study Jazz and improvised music at the Conservatory of Jazz during 4 years where he met jazz masters of Paris. Outside of his musical career, he has always been active in teaching and has been active in various musical styles and projects.
Thelonius Garcia is a French-Dominican pianist born in Paris, France. He graduated from McGill University in Piano Jazz Performance, Bachelor of Music where he learned the piano with the renowned pianist Marianne Trudel and other jazz Canadian masters. He has spent the last 2 years between New York City and Montreal. In France he began studying classical piano, music theory, music analysis, chamber music at age 9 at the conservatory with Muriel Blaisse, a renowned teacher who studied with Menahem Pressler in the USA. Then at 19 he decided to study Jazz and improvised music at the Conservatory of Jazz during 4 years where he met jazz masters of Paris. Outside of his musical career, he has always been active in teaching and has been active in various musical styles and projects.
Hugo Duguay - Piano, Music Theory
Hugo Duguay started the piano at the age of 9 before studying at the École de musique de l’Outaouais and the Conservatoire de Gatineau. He completed his Bachelor and Master Degree at the Ottawa University with David Jalbert. Through his studies he participated at numerous masterclasses with artists like Malcom Bilson, Marilyn Engle and Jean-Paul Sevilla as well as participing at the summer programs of Orford Music Academy and Domaine Forget Music Academy. Among his public performances Hugo Duguay played for the Maison de la Musique of Sorel-Tracy, the Nexus music Festival of the Ottawa University, Oasis Musicale Concert Serie and had, in 2016, the second prize in the Canadian Music Competition. He is currently doing Doctorat Degree in music at the Université de Montréal with Maneli Pirzadeh and Jimmy Brière.
Tian Zhuang
Piano Performance (Classical), Music Theory, Ear Training, Sight-reading
Tian Zhuang earned her first Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from Bowling Green State University, where she studied with Laura Melton. Tian completed the second Master of Music degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma, where she studied piano with Jeongwon Ham and piano pedagogy with Jane Magrath and Barbara Fast.
As a piano soloist, Tian performs recitals in China, the United States and Austria. Through the years, Tian has played in masterclasses for great pedagogues and pianist such as Jane Magrath, Peter Mack, Alan Chow and Jeremy Samolesky.
Tian is also an active chamber pianist, including playing piano trios, piano duet and duo recitals in China and the United States. As a passionate and patient piano teacher, Tian aims to help students of all ages and levels to develop a comprehensive understanding of music that let them play the piano with enjoyment and musicality.
Piano Performance (Classical), Music Theory, Ear Training, Sight-reading
Tian Zhuang earned her first Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from Bowling Green State University, where she studied with Laura Melton. Tian completed the second Master of Music degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma, where she studied piano with Jeongwon Ham and piano pedagogy with Jane Magrath and Barbara Fast.
As a piano soloist, Tian performs recitals in China, the United States and Austria. Through the years, Tian has played in masterclasses for great pedagogues and pianist such as Jane Magrath, Peter Mack, Alan Chow and Jeremy Samolesky.
Tian is also an active chamber pianist, including playing piano trios, piano duet and duo recitals in China and the United States. As a passionate and patient piano teacher, Tian aims to help students of all ages and levels to develop a comprehensive understanding of music that let them play the piano with enjoyment and musicality.
Ruihan Wang - Piano, Music Theory, Note reading
Ruihan Wang, originaire de la Chine, débute l'étude du piano à 5 ans. Arrivée au Québec en 2012, elle poursuit ses études de piano avec Justine Pelletier, Jean Saulnier et Jimmy Brière ainsi que de théorie avec Thierry Montpetit. Diplômée de l'école de musique Vincent-d'Indy et présentement à l’Université de Montréal dans la classe de Jimmy Brière, elle a eu la deuxième place au concours de musique de la Capitale en 2016, le premier prix au Concours de musique du Canada en 2017 et le quatrième prix au concours de Lanaudière classe concerto-provincial en 2018. Elle a aussi obtenu la bourse d'excellence Archambault, le prix Monik Grenier, le prix Monique Labadie, la bourse de la Fondation Fournier-Éthier, le prix de programme de musique, Fonds de Bourses des étudiants de la faculté de musique de l'Université de Montréal et le prix Christine Harkness et Pierre Lapointe.
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Kimberly Durflinger - violin
Originally hailing from San Diego, California, Kimberly Durflinger holds a Master’s Degree in Violin Performance from the Schulich School of Music of McGill University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance from the world renowned Eastman School of Music. Her teachers include section leaders of major orchestras such as Andrew Wan, Alexander Read, Mikhail Kopelman, Lynn Blakeslee, and Jing Yan. While studying at McGill, she was selected as one of the five members of the 2018 Canadian Opera Company Orchestra Academy and performed with a professional orchestra for one month. In 2017, she was chosen as the soloist and concertmaster with the Vermont Mozart Festival Orchestra. Due to her love of orchestral playing, she has held numerous leadership positions including Principal 2nd Violin of the McGill Symphony Orchestra and Associate Concertmaster of the Eastman Philharmonia. Kimberly has performed at various international music festivals such as Académie Orford, Bowdoin, and PRISMA where in 2013 she won 3rd prize in the concerto competition. Additionally, she has had the opportunity to play in masterclasses for famous violinists such as Irvine Arditti, Hae-Sun Kang, Soyoung Yoon, and member of the Julliard String Quartet. Kimberly is also passionate about being involved with genres of music outside the realm of traditional classical music. She has performed contemporary music with the Ossia New Music Ensemble and the Empire Film Music Ensemble at Eastman, been hired to play in Eastman jazz concerts, can be heard on the soundtrack for a Star-trek episode, performed punk-rock music at the House of Blues in San Diego, played in the orchestra for Montréal's 375th Anniversary concert (which included artists like: Rufus and Martha Wainwright, Patrick Watson, Isabelle Boulay, Coeur de pirate, Pierre Lapointe, DJ Champion and Diane Dufresne), performed in the orchestra for a Klô Pelgag concert, has been concertmaster for several musical productions, recorded the theme song to the video game Renaine which will be released on the Nintendo Switch, and is currently composing and recording violin parts for the rock band Vaerisa, based in Toronto. Kimberly’s teaching career is relatively new as upon graduation from McGill she has begun teaching students from ages 3-70 whom she teaches according to their individual needs and personalities. Kimberly’s teaching philosophy is that she hopes to inspire students to build confidence in themselves through their musical progress, and that through their own self-expression they may flourish in all aspects of their lives. |
Stef Jackson - Saxophone
Finding his passion for music at the age of 7 when he started piano with Jacques Harvey, Stef discovers classical music at a young age. Opting for the saxophone at the age of 12 years old, he discovers a new world of music all over again and takes pleasure in learning about jazz and instruments like percussion, drums, electric bass, the guitar, and even softwares for sound and composition. Stef has 3 years of self taught experience when he passes the audition at the Conservatoire de musique de Montreal, to study with Claude Brisson, student of the renowned Marcel Mule and Daniel Deffayet.
Stef Jackson has since completed his Bachelor's Degree in music, completed his 'Concours' recital at the Conservatoire de Musique de Montréal with a distinctive '1er Prix à l'unanimité avec distinction' and has worked with great masters of the saxophone like Arno Bornkamp, Vincent David, Jan Schulte-Bunert, Jean Yves-Fourmeau, Marie-Bernadette Charrier and Peter Weniger. He has also participated in various competitions and has won nearly a dozen awards, including a 2nd place at the well known Canadian Music Competition and has been a recipient of the Bourse de la Fondation du Conservatoire. Aside from his projects of electronic music, chamber music, recording and composition, Stef Jackson is preparing a unique program for the International Saxophone Congress of 2015 in Strasbourg and is working as a teacher and artist in residence for the Fondation Musicart.
Finding his passion for music at the age of 7 when he started piano with Jacques Harvey, Stef discovers classical music at a young age. Opting for the saxophone at the age of 12 years old, he discovers a new world of music all over again and takes pleasure in learning about jazz and instruments like percussion, drums, electric bass, the guitar, and even softwares for sound and composition. Stef has 3 years of self taught experience when he passes the audition at the Conservatoire de musique de Montreal, to study with Claude Brisson, student of the renowned Marcel Mule and Daniel Deffayet.
Stef Jackson has since completed his Bachelor's Degree in music, completed his 'Concours' recital at the Conservatoire de Musique de Montréal with a distinctive '1er Prix à l'unanimité avec distinction' and has worked with great masters of the saxophone like Arno Bornkamp, Vincent David, Jan Schulte-Bunert, Jean Yves-Fourmeau, Marie-Bernadette Charrier and Peter Weniger. He has also participated in various competitions and has won nearly a dozen awards, including a 2nd place at the well known Canadian Music Competition and has been a recipient of the Bourse de la Fondation du Conservatoire. Aside from his projects of electronic music, chamber music, recording and composition, Stef Jackson is preparing a unique program for the International Saxophone Congress of 2015 in Strasbourg and is working as a teacher and artist in residence for the Fondation Musicart.
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Fairouz Oudjida - Voice (Classical, Pop), Music Initiation
Fairouz est reconnue pour son timbre exceptionnel et sa maîtrise de plusieurs répertoires, dans différentes langues, dont le français, l’italien, le russe, l’espagnol, le berbère et l’arabe. Elle excelle dans le répertoire classique universel. Elle a interprété les opéras de grands compositeurs, dont ceux de Mozart, Rossini, Donizetti, Tchaïkovski, Bizet et Massenet, en Italie, notamment, où elle a eu l’honneur d’être choisie par la famille de Luciano Pavarotti afin d’interpréter Arie religiose antiche, à la Parocchia San Marco de Milan, en mémoire du grand ténor. Récompensée par plusieurs distinctions à l’international et sacrée « Diva » par le public algérien, Fairouz a un parcours exceptionnel. Cette ancienne soliste de l’Orchestre symphonique national est la première Algérienne à représenter son pays en Russie et en Italie dans le domaine du chant classique. Elle est également la première femme à interpréter l’hymne national algérien (lors du Sommet africain 2016). Interprète universelle fière de son héritage, elle se distingue par ses créations et par le puissant hommage qu’elle rend aux chants traditionnels algériens, maghrébins et arabes. Son concert intitulé Fairouz chante Fairouz a été présenté à guichets fermés devant un public enthousiaste dans le cadre du Festival du monde arabe de Montréal. Établie à Montréal, Fairouz collabore avec le talentueux pianiste et accompagnateur Dominic Boulianne, avec qui elle forme un duo exceptionnel. |
Olga Murysina - Violin, String Ensemble
Olga Murysina began teaching in 2002 in Helmer Sinisalo Musical School in Petrozavodsk (Karelia, Russia). From 2009 until 2012 she was a Head of String Instruments department. In 2010 she has worked during 3 months in Oslo, (Norway) in Russian-Norwegian Cultural Center.
In 2012 Olga was invited to Jinan (China) to the private musical school to organize violin class. Some of her students are continuing their education in Central Musical School of the Conservatoire in Beijing, in Tchaikovsky Moscow musical college of the Conservatoire and also in Petrozavodsk musical college.
In her opinion, even if a person won’t be a professional musician, music could be their passion through all their life. Olga teaches in the best Russian violin school traditions.
Olga has a lot of performing experience at the various concerts and festivals in different places, as a member of an orchestra as well as a soloist.
Olga Murysina began teaching in 2002 in Helmer Sinisalo Musical School in Petrozavodsk (Karelia, Russia). From 2009 until 2012 she was a Head of String Instruments department. In 2010 she has worked during 3 months in Oslo, (Norway) in Russian-Norwegian Cultural Center.
In 2012 Olga was invited to Jinan (China) to the private musical school to organize violin class. Some of her students are continuing their education in Central Musical School of the Conservatoire in Beijing, in Tchaikovsky Moscow musical college of the Conservatoire and also in Petrozavodsk musical college.
In her opinion, even if a person won’t be a professional musician, music could be their passion through all their life. Olga teaches in the best Russian violin school traditions.
Olga has a lot of performing experience at the various concerts and festivals in different places, as a member of an orchestra as well as a soloist.
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Anna Ivanova - Violin, Viola, Music Theory
Dr. Anna Ivanova was born in a small city of Russia, Yoshkar-Ola. She began to play the violin at the age of 6. Ms. Ivanova, received her bachelor and master’s in Russia, at the Saratov Conservatory. She studied with honored artist of Russian Federation and a professor Edward Gavrilenkov. After graduation she was invited to work with Syktyvkar Philharmonic String Quartet. Later Ms. Ivanova decided to continue her education in the USA. In August 2018 Ms. Ivanova received her Doctorate degree in the viola performance from Louisiana State University where she studied with Dr. Elias Goldstein. Dr. Ivanova participated in different festivals, including international festivals in Finland and Norway, Marrowstone music festival, and Brevard music festival. In 2016 Anna was invited to play with the International Chamber Orchestra of Puerto Rico, and in 2018 Anna won an associate member position with CIVIC orchestra of Chicago. She has performed the recitals in different cities of Russia and USA, and also she is a winner of international and national competitions. Besides performing Dr. Ivanova has an extensive experience in teaching children and adults. She worked with such organizations as Music Tree Prep School, Kids Orchestra, and AWSOM music school. |
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Justine Ledoux-Hutchinson - Voice, Flute, Ukulele, Guitar, Introduction to Piano
Justine is currently pursuing a Bachelor degree in classical vocal performance at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal. Justine started studying voice at a very young age, allowing her to acquire a taste for many different instruments, such as piano, rhythmic guitar and flute, which she played in a youth orchestra for 6 years. Although her technique is primarily classical, she has mastered other genres: jazz, Broadway and pop. Justine believes that music should be a way of expressing your emotions, while always improving your technique. She loves to share her passion with others, and does so by teaching voice as well as other instruments, such as flute, ukulele, guitar and piano. Her lessons focus on having fun, singing fun yet challenging songs, and also discovering new techniques and repertoire. She listens to her students’ needs and is open to suggestions. She believes that, while maintaining a healthy and comfortable technique, voice should be about having fun and getting out of our comfort zone. |
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Andrew Wong - Introduction to Piano / Beginners' Piano Program
Andrew took an interest in piano after having heard his sister play for years. At the age of 6, he started learning classical music. He studied with Michael McAuley for 11 years. During his musical education, he has successfully completed his RCM practical and theory examinations. He has performed at numerous concerts hosted by St. Columba church most notably the Kids Helping Kids concert. Andrew enjoys teaching because he wants to pass on his knowledge to other students. He focuses on developing students’ hand technique, tone and musical expression while incorporating energy into lessons. Andrew has a strong passion for classical music and still enjoys playing and learning new pieces. Aside from music, Andrew also has a passion for physics and mathematics. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Concordia University. He is also working towards becoming an actuary. Andrew has participated in the Troitsky Bridge Building Competition 2018 and has won 10th place with his team of five, which is the current highest record for Concordia. |
(Ballet & Contemporary Dance, Chinese Classic and Folk Dance)
Professional dancer, choreographer and dance teacher for over 16 years. Cynthia Deng began her performing Career as professional dancer and choreographer in famous art group of Guangxi in China. She has many years of experience teaching children and adult focus on fun and musicality while introducing basic technique of Classical Chinese dance.
Cynthia Deng established her Dance Studio in 2017 and became President and artistic director of the Sanyuesan Artist Troupe of Canada since 2018. The Troupe started on the Montreal scene with an excellent original dance score by her choreography.
Over one year, more than a dozen original dance choreographed by Cynthia Deng have been performance in the major stage and -large-scale events in Montreal . The new original Dance "Millenary Tour" won The Dance Creation Gold Award and the Group Performance Diamond Award in the Canadian Parliament Hill Chinese - Canadian Cultural Festival and the 2019 Canadian National Youth Music and Dance Festival .
Cynthia Deng was also awarded the 2019 Outstanding Artistic Contribution Award. Recently, she is engaged as Artistic Director of YMDF Canada National Youth Arts Festival.
Receptionist - Cindy Chong
Cindy graduated from business management in Simon Fraser University. She takes care of all scheduling, basic administrative duties and communications with parents.
Cindy moved to Canada with her family in 2000. Cindy is also an artist at heart. She loves drawing, painting, violin and is also a amateur chef. Cindy loves working with artists, musicians and helping parents and students.
Cindy graduated from business management in Simon Fraser University. She takes care of all scheduling, basic administrative duties and communications with parents.
Cindy moved to Canada with her family in 2000. Cindy is also an artist at heart. She loves drawing, painting, violin and is also a amateur chef. Cindy loves working with artists, musicians and helping parents and students.