Origin Story.
Everyone has one! And everyone’s is unique, shaping who they are today!
Mine began in rural Canada, in a northern Ontario mining town where cultural influences were scarce. My first exposure to classical music came from my grandpa, with vivid memories of him playing Chopin and Bach late into the night after family gatherings.
Our town was fortunate, thanks to the vision of Metro and Mary Kozak, who established a strings program, youth orchestra, and semi-professional orchestra, transforming our cultural landscape. I joined their strings program because it was fun and social. Their impact still inspires me to make music in my own community today.
Early Influences.
I caught the "violin bug" in my teens at the Meadowmount School of Music in New York. From there, I fast-tracked through the Royal Conservatory of Music pre-college, University of Toronto for my undergraduate, and Mannes College of Music for my master's, studying with renowned teachers like David Zafer, Lorand Fenyves, and Felix Galimir.
Along the way, I earned Canada Council artist grants, won national competitions, toured Canada, performed concertos from New York to Newfoundland, and joined the Schleswig-Holstein Orchestra, performing across Europe under legendary conductors like Leonard Bernstein.
After my training, I joined the Canadian Opera Company and became deeply involved in opera, serving as Principal Second Violin with the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, playing with the Santa Fe Opera, and performing Wagner's Ring Cycle with Arizona Opera. I later became concertmaster of Opera Boston.
During my time in Toronto, I also began to play period instruments with Aradia Baroque Ensemble, toured New Zealand, recorded for Naxos, and explored Toronto’s studio session scene, backing commercials, films, and popular artists.
Present Journey.
Eventually moving to Boston, I quickly integrated into the early music scene, joining the Handel and Haydn Society and Boston Baroque. I became a regular with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project and Alea III, staying connected with influential composers.
My pop side thrived with the Boston Pops, performing alongside legends like Bernadette Peters, the Beach Boys, Trey Anastasio, and John Williams. I also founded the QX String Quartet, now part of the Worcester Chamber Music Society, where I've been lead violinist for nearly two decades.
Boston’s diverse music scene, influenced by Berklee College of Music, inspired me to explore improvisation and folk music, expanding my musical range. This curiosity has sparked my "instrument addiction," with each new arrival in my studio calling me to master it and bring its unique voice to life!