A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, William Shookhoff has enjoyed a long musical career as pianist, conductor and music educator. Specializing in opera and music theatre, his experience also includes solo piano, chamber music, and orchestral conducting.
Connor Doyle has been working in the film, tv, and video game industries in Toronto for almost a decade. After studying film production at Ryerson University he found he was drawn more to scoring and sound work than producing or directing. Connor began to work in Foley, live set recordings, before moving on to score for film, TV, and video games. Since then Connor has scored films that have debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival, composed and recorded soundtracks for video games, and has produced, written, and recorded many albums in a variety of styles.
Toronto-based pianist Gregory Millar made his professional debut at age 18 with a solo recital in his hometown of Lachine, QC, after winning that city's prestigious mérite culturel award. Gregory is the recipient of prizes in the Sinfonia Toronto International Concerto Competition, Jessie Kneisel Lieder Competition and the Felix Galimir Chamber Music Prize.
Miriam Kemppainen began piano and violin studies at a young age, her talents nurtured by active support from her parents. As a tribute to all music educators, Miriam also credits her junior high and high school music teachers, Mrs. Zena Miller and Mr. Ian Grant, for instilling in her the love and joy of music. A part of this early journey included successful participation in local and regional music competitions, both in the orchestra and as a soloist.
Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, Lyssa Pelton began violin at age eight with Michelle Stewart and later Rachel Handman. There she studied at the Stringendo Orchestra School of the Hudson Valley and performed with the Strawberry Hill Fiddlers. After moving to Toronto, Lyssa studied with Marie Bérard at The Glenn Gould School of The Royal Conservatory of Music for six years.
Megumi started playing the piano in Japan at the age of three and studied at the Toho School of Music since early childhood. Having moved to the U.S. at the age of twelve, she has won numerous awards, including first place in Young Artist's Competition at Bozeman State University, first place in Yamaha Music Competition in State Division, and Gold and Silver winner in Spokane Arts and Music Festival. She was a guest soloist performing with Glacier Symphony Orchestra and with Billings Symphony Orchestra. In 2010 She performed with University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Toronto-based cellist Amahl Arulanandam is known for his musical versatility and ability to adapt to many different genres. From baroque music to heavy metal, in studios, small clubs and large concert-halls, Amahl hopes to convey that musical expression is beyond genres and labels.
Meredith Wanstall has been teaching piano, voice, and theory for many years. She is completing her Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Toronto this year, specializing in Music Education and Voice. She currently studies voice with Mark Daboll. Past teachers include Penelope Dale (voice), Tina Torlone (voice), Arden Broadhurst (piano), and David Stone (theory). Meredith has earned two ARCT certifications in Piano and Vocal Performance.
Octavian Iacob is an accomplished musician and teacher with over 15 years of experience. He has many areas of expertise, including conducting choir and instrumental ensembles, compositing and arranging, as well as solo performing and accompaniment
His musical journey began in Romania at age 5, studying piano and theory at the Public Music School with Angela Nemesh. HIs first public composition event was winning the first prize for “Youth Music Festival” performing his own Fantasia for Organ on a B-A-C-H Theme at the age of 15.
Joanna Chapman-Smith has been singing and performing since the age of six. She has toured across Canada, Europe and the US many times as a folk singer and songwriter. She has released three solo albums to date, and has received international recognition from the Independent Music Awards for her songwriting in 2010. She also received recognition at home as a performer from the Canada Council for the Arts, the CBC and National Public Radio in the States.
Joanna studied Music and English at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, graduating with her Bachelor of Music degree in 2006.
