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OTTO TAUSK , Symphony Artistic Director, VSO Institute

Dutch conductor Otto Tausk is the Music Director of the Vancouver Susan Graham, Alina Ibragimova, Gidon Kremer, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Symphony Orchestra, now in his second season, and serves as Artistic Daniil Trifonov and Dawn Upshaw. Advisor of the VSO School of Music. Until spring 2018, Tausk was Music Director of the Theatre and Tonhalle orchestra St Gallen. He Tausk has recorded with the Concertgebouw Orchestra (Luc Brewaeys, appears as a guest with such as Concertgebouw Orchestra, and an animated version of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf), Tonhalle Rotterdam Philharmonic, Danish National Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Orchestra St Gallen (Korngold and Diepenbrock), BBC Scottish Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi, , Melbourne (Mendelssohn) and the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (Gavin Symphony, the Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theatre, the orchestras of Perth, Bryars) amongst others. His Prokofiev disc with Rosanne Philippens also Tasmania, Auckland, BBC Scottish Symphony and BBC National Orchestra received BBC Music Magazine Concerto Disc of the Month (2018). of Wales, with whom he made his BBC Proms debut last season. Born in Utrecht, Otto Tausk initially studied and then Tausk is a hugely respected musical personality in his native Holland, with Jonas Aleksa. Between 2004 and 2006, Tausk was assistant conductor working with all its major orchestras and composers. In the 2019/2020 to with the Rotterdam Philharmonic a period of study that season, Tausk continues guesting relationships with Lahti Symphony, had a profound impact on him. In 2011 Tausk was presented with the ‘de Orquesta Sinfonica de Galicia, Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Olifant’ prize by the City of Haarlem. He received this prestigious award Stuttgarter Philharmoniker, and makes debut appearances with for his contribution to the Arts in the Netherlands, in particular his Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Orchestre symphonique de Québec and extensive work with Holland Symfonia serving as Music Director 2007 to Orchestre philharmonique de Monte-Carlo. 2012. In reflecting on their work together in The Netherlands, Valery Gergiev paid particular tribute to Tausk on this occasion. In Vancouver, programming highlights include celebrating Beethoven’s 250th birthday with BeethovenFest in spring 2020, and soloists such as www.ottotausk.nl JONATHAN GIRARD Assistant Conductor, VSO Institute Artistic Director, UBC Chamber Orchestra Festival

American-born conductor Jonathan Girard is one of the rising stars of his Shostakovich. The 2014-2015 season featured Bartok’s Concerto for generation. A passionate musician committed to engaging audiences Orchestra and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, and culminated in two with thrilling performances, he continues to gain a reputation as a performances of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 with 300 musicians on stage. musical force equally versed in Highlights of 2013-2014 season included a landmark performance of Le symphonic repertoire, opera, and new music. As the Director of Sacre du printemps to mark the 100th anniversary of the work’s Orchestras at the University of School of Music, Mr. première, and a tour of Western with Canadian violinist David Girard dedicates himself to raising the standard of orchestral training in Gillham, featuring the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto, Beethoven’s Western Canada. Symphony No. 5 and Strauss’ Don Juan.

The UBC Symphony’s 2015-2016 season celebrated the University https://www.jonathangirard.com centennial year with a world première by Jared Miller, Soundscape for a https://music.ubc.ca Century Past, and the ninth symphonies of Beethoven, Schubert, and https://music.ubc.ca/chamber-orchestra-festival NICHOLAS WRIGHT , Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Nicholas Wright addition collaborated with film composers John Williams and Alexandre is a native of England. His engagements as soloist, chamber and Desplat. orchestral musician have taken him to most of the major concert halls in As a chamber musician Nicholas regularly takes part in series such as the Europe, Asia and North America. He has performed concertos with Mainly Mozart Festival, Ribble Valley Festival, LSO and VSO chamber orchestras worldwide including the BBC Concert Orchestra, the Royal players and Vancouver's Music on Main. He has performed in venues Oman Symphony and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. His such as LSO St Luke's and has collaborated with many renowned artists repertoire spans works from Handel to premieres by composers such as including Martin Roscoe and Simon Wright. Prior to his appointment as Kelly-Marie Murphy and Jocelyn Morlock, whose works he recently concertmaster of the VSO, he was first violinist of the critically acclaimed recorded for the Naxos label. He made his solo debut with the York Vancouver based Koerner Quartet. Guildhall Orchestra playing the Dvořák Romance, which was recorded for BBC Radio 3. His concerts and recordings have also been featured on Nicholas received his training as a scholar at the Royal College of Music CBC Radio (Canada) and Radio 4 (Hong Kong). in London, studying with Itzhak Rashkovsky and Rodney Friend. In addition to winning prizes at the Royal College, Nicholas has been As an orchestral musician, Nicholas has worked with the world's most generously supported by grants from the Martin Musical Fund, the renowned conductors including Bernard Haitink, Sir Simon Rattle, Valery Craxton Memorial Fund and the Royal Overseas League. This has Gergiev and . He has performed extensively with enabled him to study with many eminent musicians including Ruggiero the major chamber and symphony orchestras in London including the Ricci and Gil Shaham. Nicholas enjoys teaching and has given many English Chamber and London Philharmonic Orchestras, and has masterclasses internationally. He is on the faculty of the VSO School of appeared as guest concertmaster with orchestras such as the Music. Nicholas plays on a violin by Stefan-Peter Greiner. Bournemouth Symphony, BBC Concert and Ulster Orchestras. In 2003, he was appointed as the youngest member of the London Symphony ' wonderfully judged with seemingly effortless projection of tone…..It Orchestra where he held the first violin sub-principal position, and in was a triumph. ‘ ~ The York Press KAREN GERBRECHT Associate Principal Second Violin, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Karen began playing the violin at the age of three, influenced by four After settling in Vancouver, Karen was appointed to the faculty of the generations of musicians in her family. She studied at the Vancouver Vancouver Academy of Music, and taught there from 1990 - 2002. As Academy of Music until leaving BC to pursue a post-secondary both a chamber musician and an orchestral player, Karen has education at the North Carolina School of the Arts. Graduating first in performed throughout Europe, Canada, the US and Asia, and she her university class, Karen was awarded the single highest scholarship continues to count traveling as one of her favorite pursuits. Since awarded by NCSA; the Sarah Graham Kenan Scholarship. joining the VSO, Karen has been named a McBride Scholar at Bryn Mawr in Philadelphia and has twice attended the Banff Centre for the After graduation, while performing as Associate Concertmaster of the Arts as an Artist-in-Residence. In 2012, Karen is delighted to appear as a Spoleto Festival Opera Orchestra (Spoleto, Italy) Karen was named member of the Nomidi Trio, and is particularly honoured to be working Director of at Davidson College, (Davidson, NC) and and performing with Nomidi and the iconic Canadian dancer Margie remained in that post for two years until winning a position in the Gillis. Vancouver Symphony, where she is Associate Principal Second. Karen is very good at making her son laugh. EMILIE GRIMES Associate Principal , Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Originally from Ottawa, Emilie Grimes holds a Master of Music degree Vancouver, including the VSO Chamber Players, UBC’s Wednesdays at from the Juilliard School, where the studied with Michael Tree and Noon, Classics at the Gordon Smith Gallery, the Vancouver Chamber Steven Tenenbom. She completed her Undergraduate degree at the Music Society, and has performed as a guest with the NU:BC new music University of under the tutelage of Neal Gripp. ensemble. She was appointed Adjunct Professor of Viola at the University of British Columbia from 2017 to 2019. As an orchestral and chamber musician, Emilie has performed in venues worldwide. She toured with the Schleswig-Holstein Festival Emilie joined the viola section of the Vancouver Symphony in 2012, and Orchestra in Germany, and appeared on Hong Kong’s Radio 4 with the was recently appointed Assistant Principal Viola. She currently holds the Vancouver based Koerner Quartet. She has also appeared on WQXR in position of Acting Associate Principal Viola. New York, playing baroque viola with Juilliard’s historical performance ensemble, and was featured in the National Arts Centre’s “My First NAC” showcase concert series. She regularly takes part in series around ZOLTAN ROZSNYAI Associate Principal , Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Zoltan Rozsnyai was born into a musical family. Both his parents and many years in the Canadian Opera Company and National Ballet grandparents were professional musicians. He studied piano and violin, orchestras, as well as performing as soloist and chamber musician before taking up the cello at the age of six. He joined the Windsor throughout Ontario. Zoltan also spent a year in India with his electric Symphony at 15, then left to attend the University of two years cello, traveling and collaborating with musicians. In 1999 he joined the later. Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and has been the Assistant Principal cellist since 2001. While in Toronto, he studied with Vladimir Orloff and Daniel Domb. Zoltan also took masterclasses at the Banff School of Fine Arts, studying Zoltan maintains an active and varied musical life in Vancouver, and with Aldo Parisot, Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi, and Janos Starker. He played for lives with his wife and young son. OLIVIA BLANDER Cello, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Originally from Ottawa, Olivia Blander completed her Masters of Music at the Banff Centre for the Arts, and the fellowship program of the degree at in the studio of professor Aldo Parisot. She Tanglewood Music Centre. received her Bachelors degree from the Harid Conservatory (Boca Raton, Florida) where she studied with Canadian cellist Johanne Perron. After returning to Ottawa from the US in 2000, Olivia enjoyed four months working with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, and joined Olivia has appeared frequently as a soloist and chamber musician on the Vancouver Symphony in September 2001. CBC radio, including the nationally broadcast \"Debut Series\". She has been a participant in several major summer festivals including classes Ms. Blander is a faculty member at the VSO School of Music. DYLAN PALMER Principal Bass, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Dylan Palmer joined the Mr. Palmer received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University Vancouver Symphony as Principal in January, 2010. Prior Of North Texas, where he studied with pedagogue Jeff Bradetich. to joining the VSO, Dylan was a member of the New World Symphony, in Miami Beach, Florida. Mr. Palmer is also on faculty at the Vancouver Academy of Music, the VSO School of Music and a clinician in the VSO Elementary and Mr. Palmer has participated in the Spoleto (USA), Domaine Forget, and Secondary Connects program . Sarasota music festivals. He attended Tanglewood Music Center in 2005 and 2008, where he performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra as a fellow. CHRISTIE RESIDE Principal , Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

A native of Calgary, Christie Reside began her career in the Vancouver Ms. Reside is currently the Principal Flute of the Vancouver Symphony Symphony Orchestra as second flute at the age of 19. She received her Orchestra, a position she has held since 2004, and is a proud member formal training with Timothy Hutchins at McGill University in Montreal, of the Vancouver-based Standing Wave Ensemble, which recently won and continued her training at the Banff Centre for the Arts. Ensemble of the Year at the 2017 Western Canadian Music Awards. She has previously held the position of Principal Flute of the Seattle As an enthusiastic chamber musician, Ms. Reside has been invited to Symphony and has also performed as Principal Flute with the Malaysian participate in several festivals around the world, including the Spoleto Philharmonic Orchestra and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Music Festival in Italy, the Bellingham Music Festival, and the Mountain View International Festival of Song and Chamber Music. She has Ms. Reside teaches at the University of British Columbia, as well as at the collaborated with artists such as Rudolf Jansen, Jonathan Crow, Yegor Vancouver Academy of Music. Dyachkov, and Matt Haimovitz. She frequently performs as a soloist and has appeared with most major Canadian symphony orchestras. ROGER COLE Principal , Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Roger Cole was appointed Principal Oboist of the Vancouver many times. He has recorded a CD for CBC Records with his VSO Symphony by Maestro Kazuyoshi Akiyama in 1976. At age 22 he was colleague, pianist Linda Lee Thomas entitled "The Expressive Oboe". the youngest principal player of the VSO. Today he is the oldest principal player. Mr. Cole teaches at the University of British Columbia, the Vancouver Academy of Music and the VSO School of Music He has given master From 1976-2008 he was also the principal oboist of the CBC Radio classes across North America and Asia. Orchestra.Mr. Cole received his early musical training in Seattle, Washington and went on to become a scholarship student at Yale In June 2003 Mr. Cole was named Music Director and Senior Orchestra University and The Juilliard School where he studied with the renowned Conductor of the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra. Under his American oboist, Robert Bloom.Mr. Cole has participated in the guidance the VYSO has flourished and is considered one of the finest summer music festivals of Aspen, Tanglewood, and Marlboro. He has Youth Orchestras in Canada. The VYSO has performed many times recently taught, conducted and performed at the Marrowstone Music along side the VSO under Maestro Bramwell Tovey. Festival (Bellingham, Wa.) and the PRISMA Music Festival (Powell River, From 1998-2012 he was the principal oboist of the Carmel Bach BC). He performs regularly in solo and chamber music recitals and has Festival in California. appeared as soloist with the VSO and the CBC Vancouver Orchestra JEANETTE JONQUIL Principal Clarinet, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Jeanette Jonquil has been the principal clarinetist in the Vancouver Germany, Pacific Music Festival in , Spoleto Festival USA, Symphony Orchestra since 2005. She has performed as guest principal Chautauqua Music Festival in New York and was a fellow at Tanglewood clarinetist with the Minnesota Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony and New where she was awarded the Gino B. Cioffi Memorial Prize for most Zealand Symphony. Before moving to Vancouver, she was the principal outstanding woodwind playing. clarinetist in the Charleston Symphony Orchestra (South Carolina) where she was first featured as a soloist in her second month with the Ms. Jonquil is originally from Utica, New York where she began playing orchestra. Prior to that, she performed with the New Zealand Symphony the clarinet in her school band program. She received her Bachelor of Orchestra in Wellington and was also a member of the Milwaukee Music degree from Northwestern University and her Master of Music Symphony Orchestra. degree from Yale University. Her primary teachers were Russell Dagon and David Shifrin. Some of her other accomplishments include winning For several summers, Ms. Jonquil was the principal clarinetist of the the Woolsey Hall Concerto Competition and the Daniel Nyfenger Colorado Music Festival Orchestra in Boulder. She has also performed Memorial Prize for Excellence in Woodwind Playing (both at Yale) and at the Pender Harbour Chamber Music Festival, Blueridge Festival, winning first prize at the Coleman Chamber Music Competition in Los Quadra Island Chamber Music Festival and Spoleto Festival USA. As a Angeles. student, she attended the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival in SOPHIE DANSEREAU Assistant Principal , Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Born in Sorel-Tracy, Sophie Dansereau obtained the \"Prix avec Grande Pinchas Zukerman, , Yannick Nézet-Séguin, and Charles Distinction à l'unanimité\" in bassoon and chamber music from the Dutoit. Sophie has been awarded many prizes in major national and Conservatoire de Musique du Québec as well as a Masters of Music international competitions and was featured as a soloist on many from Yale University. Her main teachers are Richard Gagnon, Frank occasions with the APO and the VSO. A sought after bassoonist in Morelli, Christopher Millard and Stéphane Lévesque. chamber music, she is a member of the Admare Quintet.

Contrabassoonist and assistant principal bassoonist of the Vancouver Sophie, who had received the Governor General Medal for Academic Symphony and principal bassoonist of the CBC Radio Orchestra, Sophie Merit in 1992, has also served on the faculty of the University of British has performed with the Auckland Philharmonic (New Zealand), the New Colombia. She is now teaching at the Vancouver Academy of Music and World Symphony, the National Art Centre and l'Orchestre Symphonique is the instructor for the . de Québec, as well as several major music festivals around the world. She has worked on several occasions with the finest conductors, such as Besides her full work schedule, Sophie is an enthusiastic runner and Bramwell Tovey, , , Michael Tilson Thomas, swimmer. OLIVER DE CLERCQ Principal , Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Oliver de Clercq was introduced live to Vancouver Symphony Orchestra University Summer Band Camp, Hiroshima Symphony 'Road to Peace,' audiences as Principal Horn in January, 2001. He has recorded award Kamloops Interior Summer School of Music, New England Conservatory winning music for Film, Television, Game Soundtrack, and Pop/Classical Youth Philharmonic Orchestra Brazil Tour, Vancouver Symphony Albums. Mr. de Clercq performed the World Premiere of 'Mosaic' by Orchestra 2008/2009/2013 Tours, and 2010 Winter Olympics National Knudson, the Albanian Premiere of Strauss's First Concerto, and in Anthems. various concerti with the Albanian Radio Television Orchestra, Boston Pops, Boston University Symphony Orchestra, Okanagan Symphony, After receiving a Bachelor of Music Degree in Brass Performance from Vancouver Philharmonic, Vancouver Symphony, and West Coast Boston University, Mr. de Clercq attended the Juilliard School for one Symphony. semester.

Mr. de Clercq has participated in the Arizona Music Festival, Aspen He plays instruments by Conn, Paxman, and Schmid. Music Festival, Boston University Tanglewood Institute, Cannon Music Camp, Chautauqua Institution, Eastern Music Festival, Florida State LARRY KNOPP Principal , Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Larry Knopp began his career as Acting Principal Trumpet of the As an educator and conductor with a Bachelor of Education Degree, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra at the age of 20. He has also held Larry has directed ensembles from junior high to university levels, and positions as Principal Trumpet with Orchestra London, the Hamilton has recently finished appointments as visiting Professor of trumpet at Philharmonic, the CBC Radio Orchestra, as well as the Malaysian the Eastman School of Music and the Northwestern University School Philharmonic Orchestra, and is currently Principal Trumpet of the of Music. Larry is active as a clinician throughout North America, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Larry has performed and recorded Australia and Asia. As a faculty member at many summer festivals, Larry with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, as attracts numerous students to Vancouver, teaching at the University of well as the three tenors. British Columbia.

Larry completed his Master's degree at Northwestern University, where Larry has performed as a soloist and recitalist on television as well as he played in the Chicago Civic Orchestra, and studied with Vincent CBC local and national radio, including solo performances with the Cichowicz. He has finished the academic work for his Doctoral degree Edmonton Symphony, Orchestra London, the Hamilton Philharmonic, at the Eastman School of Music where he studied with Barbara Butler. the Vancouver Symphony, the CBC Vancouver Orchestra, and the Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra. BRIAN WENDEL Principal , Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Brian Wendel joined the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) as As a teacher, Brian is passionate about working with students of all Principal Trombone in 2017. Winner of the Alessi Seminar Asia ages and backgrounds. In 2018, he mentored students at the Alessi Competition (2018) and two International Trombone Association Seminar Asia and then returned in 2019 as Associate Instructor for the competitions (2014 and 2016), Brian has performed with the seminar. Since joining the VSO, he has enjoyed teaching at the VSO Philadelphia Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, New York Philharmonic, and orchestral institute as well as with VSO Connects, an outreach program the New York Philharmonic Brass Ensemble, and has appeared as a for high school musicians in British Columbia. soloist with the Juilliard Trombone Choir. He has worked with conductors Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Valery Gergiev, Bramwell Tovey, Esa- Since 2017, Brian has collaborated with VSO Bass Trombonist, Ilan Pekka Salonen, David Robertson, Alan Gilbert, and Jaap Van Zweden, Morgenstern, forming educational and performance programs for among others. trombone players in the lower mainland as well as around North America including the highly successful Vancouver Trombone Week The 2019/20 season highlights include Brian’s debut performances as (VTW) and Holiday Slides. soloist with both the Vancouver and Prince George Symphonies, as well as recital performances and clinics at the Jacobs School of Music Starting on the piano at age six and the trombone at age nine, Brian at Indiana University and the University of British Columbia (UBC) studied both classical and jazz music from an early age. Growing up in School of Music, where he is adjunct professor of trombone. the rural town of Conway, Massachusetts, he was a student at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School in high school. Some of In the realm of chamber music, performances have taken him to Brian’s early musical mentors include David Sporny, Norman Bolter, venues including the United Nations; the Russian Embassy in Andy Jaffe, and his dad, Renato Wendel. Brian received his bachelor’s Washington, DC; Madison Square Garden; and Rogers Arena. He degree from The Juilliard School, where he was a scholarship student enjoys performing with the VSO Brass Quintet and engaging with of Joseph Alessi. Brian is a performing artist for the Edwards audiences through a more intimate setting. Instrument Co. www.brianwendelmusic.com. ILAN MORGENSTERN Bass Trombone, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Ilan began his musical studies at the municipal youth conservatory in the National Repertory Orchestra. In addition, Ilan has won numerous his hometown of Rehovot, Israel, and at the age of 18 he joined the awards for his playing including the Alessi Seminar Solo Competition, Israel Defense Forces as a trombone and player in the IDF Jeju International Brass and Percussion Competition, Baur Competition, Army Band. Following completion of his service, Ilan earned degrees Zellmer-Minnesota Orchestra Competition, Van Haney Bass Trombone from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (BM) Philharmonic Prize, National Solo Competition at the Eastern Trombone and from the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance Workshop, and the National Repertory Orchestra's Concerto (MM). Competition.

Prior to his current positions, Ilan has held positions with the Houston Ilan can be heard on recordings with the Cincinnati Pops, Kansas City Grand Opera Orchestra, Jacksonville Symphony and Kansas City Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, and Philadelphia Orchestra. His debut Symphony, and in addition has performed with the Philadelphia recording project It's Alive!! New Music for Bass Trombone, a Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Utah Symphony, collaboration with composer Robert Denham and pianist David Houston Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Virginia Symphony, New Israeli Gilliland was released in May of 2016 and is available for purchase Opera, and the Israel Philharmonic. from itsalivecd.com.

As a soloist, Ilan has performed concertos with the with the San Antonio For more go to ilanmorgenstern.com. Symphony, United States “Pershing's Own” Army Orchestra, Millennium Orchestra (Seoul, Korea), Jeju Symphony Orchestra (Jeju, Korea), and PEDER MACLELLAN Principal , Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Peder MacLellan is Principal Tuba with the Vancouver Symphony Peder has performed throughout Canada and the United States in Orchestra and is also a sessional lecturer at UBC where he teaches low various chamber music settings, symphony orchestras, wind ensembles, brass and coaches chamber ensembles. In the past, Peder has been big bands and small group jazz ensembles. A native of , principal tuba with the South Bend and Lafayette Symphony Orchestras, Manitoba, he earned his Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from and was the Associate Instructor of Tuba and Euphonium at Indiana The University of Manitoba. Peder holds a Master's Degree from Indiana University. University Bloomington and is in the process of completing a Doctorate. Before moving to Vancouver, Peder maintained a successful career as a freelance musician in the U.S. and was an active studio musician in Peder is a Buffet Group Tuba Artist and Clinician. He performs Indianapolis. exclusively on B&S instruments. AARON MCDONALD Principal , Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Aaron McDonald is Principal Timpanist of the Vancouver Symphony and the Lake Tahoe Summerfest Orchestra. He currently teaches at the Orchestra and the Lake Tahoe Summerfest Orchestra. Prior to joining UBC School of Music and the VSO School of Music. the VSO he was timpanist with the West Virginia Symphony and performed and toured with the Cleveland Orchestra, Los Angeles Aaron received his Masters in Orchestra Performance from the Philharmonic, Indianapolis Symphony, and the Buffalo Philharmonic. Manhattan School of Music where studied with Chris Lamb of the New York Philharmonic and Duncan Patton of the Since moving to Vancouver he has performed with the VSO Chamber Orchestra. He then moved to Cleveland to Study with Tom Freer of the Players, Turning Point Ensemble, Music on Main Concert Series, UBC Cleveland Orchestra. Music festivals he has participated in include the Noon Hour Concert Series, and the Vancouver Film Orchestra. As a Music Academy of the West, Tanglewood, and the Israel International soloist he has performed concertos with the VSO, Calgary Philharmonic, Symphony Orchestra. VERN GRIFFITHS Principal Percussion, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Vern Griffiths is a dynamic and versatile performer who joined the Vern is a member of the award-winning new music group Standing Vancouver Symphony as Principal Percussionist in 1997. He has been a Wave, and has performed many times with the Turning Point Ensemble, featured soloist with the orchestra many times on many different series, the Music on Main All-Star Band, the VSO Chamber Players, and faculty but 2019 saw his first full-length concerto performance in the world concerts at UBC. He has also played on soundtracks for Disney, premiere of the percussion concerto Perxploitation by award-winning Dreamworks, ABC, IMAX, EA Sports, NFB, Universal Pictures. A composer and video artist Nicole Lizée. He has also appeared as committed educator, Vern has been on faculty at the School of Music at soloist over 50 times all across Canada in a kids show with orchestra UBC since 1997, and also teaches at the VSO School of Music. that he wrote called Wall to Wall Percussion. He has performed Wall to Wall Percussion with the Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Born and raised in North Vancouver, Vern has degrees in both Toronto Symphonies, and also the Calgary Philharmonic, including 11 Commerce and Music from the University of British Columbia, studying performances this season in Vancouver, Victoria, and Winnipeg. Also percussion with John Rudolph. Vern then earned his Master of Music new this season is that Vern will be making his Vancouver Symphony degree in Orchestral Performance from the Manhattan School of conducting debut in performances with Holly Cole, Magic Circle Mime, Music, as a student of Chris Lamb of the New York Philharmonic and and Lemony Snickett. Duncan Patton of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Other studies include the Aspen Music Festival, National Youth Orchestra of Canada, the National Orchestral Institute (Maryland), and the Altenberg Music MICHAEL JARRETT Percussion, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Percussionist Michael Jarrett joined the Vancouver Symphony the West; he is known as a virtuosic and enthusiastic musician Orchestra in 2017. in all of these roles.

Prior to joining VSO, he was a percussion fellow at the New Michael is a faculty member at the VSO School of Music and a World Symphony. As a guest percussionist, he has been clinician in the VSO Secondary and Elementary Connects fortunate enough to perform with The Cleveland Orchestra, program. New York Philharmonic, and Toronto Symphony. During the summers, he has been a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center, National Repertory Orchestra, and Music Academy of ELIZABETH VOLPÉ BLIGH Principal Harp (retired), Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Elizabeth Volpé Bligh became the Vancouver Symphony’s Principal professional harpists and harp teachers. Her teaching career has Harpist in 1982, after six seasons as the Principal Harpist of the National included teaching privately and at institutions such as the VSO School Ballet of Canada Orchestra. She retired formally from the VSO in 2018. of Music, UBC, VSOIW, PRISMA, Vancouver Academy of Music, A graduate of University of Toronto’s Bachelor of Music program in Vancouver Community College and many others. She has had students 1975, she studied with Judy Loman (Toronto Symphony), Alice from all over the world come to study with her including from Hong Chalifoux (Cleveland Orchestra) and Edna Phillips (Philadelphia Kong, Singapore, Ireland, Germany and France. She taught and Orchestra). performed at the 6th International Harp Workshop in Sanctuaria del Crea in Italy.Ms. Volpé has had articles published in Harp Column, Ms. Volpé’s career includes concerto performances with the VSO and Teachers’ Forum of the American Harp Journal, Dutch Harp Journal, the other orchestras, chamber music concerts, movie soundtracks and New Zealand Harp Association newsletter, and online. She has given recordings. She is featured in The Greater Vancouver Album, a master classes in China, Italy, New Zealand, the USA and across Canada. collection of works by Michael Conway Baker, and performed the Harp Concerto that he wrote for her with the VSO. She premiered a Her compositions for solo harp, several of which are included in the commissioned piece by Scott Good, Sonata for harp and strings at the 2008 Royal Conservatory of Music and Trinity UK Syllabuses, are being World Harp Congress in Sydney, Australia in 2014, and repeated the taught and performed all over the world. They are available on Harp performance with the VSO. Many of Elizabeth’s students have won Column Music and Canadian Music Center. awards such as the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, Edith Lando Gifted Youth Scholarship, and RCM Medals, “unparalleled purity and subtlety” ~ David Gordon Duke, Vancouver and four students have been members of the National Youth Orchestra Sun of Canada. She has enjoyed watching her students become successful https://www.elizabethvolpebligh.com