MATHEUS COELHO
Conductor
Brazilian conductor, Matheus Coelho is at Doctorate Music of Arts at the University of Toronto.
Inspired by classical and Brazilian popular music influences, Matheus Coelho is a multi-talented conductor with great versatility and a true passion for music. Depicted in a diverse repertoire, his career includes symphonic, choral and operatic performances not only as a conductor but also as a singer and clarinet player.
Matheus has a Master of Music degree from the University of Manitoba, advised by Naomi Woo. Coelho is a former student of the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra Academy of Music (OSESP), run by the acclaimed American conductor Marin Alsop. Conducting and participating in the Sao Paulo Hall’s daily life, Matheus had the chance to learn from great musicians and renowned conductors, such as Marin Alsop, Sian Edwards, Giancarlo Guerrero, Stefan Blunier, Neil Thomson, Alexander Liebreich, Robert Treviño, among others. Twice fellowship of the Campos Do Jordao International Music Festival, run by the OSESP, Matheus was nominated for the Eleazar de Carvalho Prize.
Matheus founded and was the Music Director of the Experimental Camerata of Campinas, exploring a wide range of classical and popular music repertoire. The ensemble performed in several venues, working not only as a regular orchestra but also as a workshop for young conductors, soloists, educational projects, and so forth. Very active as a conducting student, he served as an assistant conductor in various orchestras, including the UNICAMP Symphony Orchestra and the University of Manitoba Symphony Orchestra.
Under the guidance of maestro Angelo Fernandes, Matheus has built deep connections with the vocal world. As an opera singer, Coelho played the roles Barone Douphol in La Traviata, and Maestro Spinelloccio and Ser Amantio di Nicolao in Gianni Schicchi with the UNICAMP Opera Studio. He also staged the operas Don Gianni, Dido and Aeneas, Die Zauberflöte, and Die Fledermaus as a choir singer. His passion for vocal music led Matheus to be involved with the Campinas Contemporary Choir, performing the traditional music a capella as well as the symphonic repertoire. Moving on with his career, Matheus ended his participation in CCC by conducting Mozart’s Great Mass in C minor.
Matheus Coelho has graduated a doctorate at the University of Toronto, researching the Brazilian composers Chiquinha Gonzaga and Heitor Villa-Lobos. He aims to investigate how both musical and social existing contents in their work may affect the conductors’ preparation and performance, including racism, misrepresentation, indigenous peoples, etc.
YOUNGGUN KIM
Assistant Conductor / Piano
Younggun Kim is a pianist known for his blazing technical capacity and a lush sound supported by a natural phrasing sense (Timothy Gilligan, New York Concert Review), who has performed across North America and Europe. He is active as concerto soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician. As a pedagogue, he teaches at the Queen’s University and the University of Toronto. Younggun has also been closely involved with the Health Arts Society since 2011, playing in their concert series for those who may find it difficult to visit conventional venues.
His recent performances highlights include a solo appearance with Toronto Korean-Canadian Choir/Orchestra playing Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy, solo recital as a part of Faculty Artist Series at Queen’s University, a duo recital with Sophie Dervaux who is a member of the Vienna Philharmonic, and an appearance with the esteemed Isabel Quartet performing Robert Schumann’s Quintet. His upcoming performances include a concerto appearance with Niagara Symphony, recitals in South Korea, and a recital with Sophie Dervaux who is a member of the Vienna Philharmonic.
Younggun is the winner of various prizes including San Antonio International Competition, Concours International de Piano Francis Poulenc, and Doctor of Musical Arts Recital Competition at the University of Toronto. Upon completion of the doctoral degree, Younggun was chosen as the recipient of the Tecumseh Sherman Rogers Graduating Award, which is the largest award offered by the Faculty of Music.
He is a Toronto-based Canadian from South Korea. After changing his career path in his early twenties from French literature to music, Younggun finished his undergraduate degree at the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music, Master’s Degree at Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, and the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree at the University of Toronto. He studied with renowned artists such as Boris Slutsky, Roger Admiral, and the late Marietta Orlov.
STELLA SONG
Director of Strings / Violin
● Former violinist of the Dusseldorf Symphony
● Former violinist of the Bucheon Philharmonic
● Violinist of the Ontario Philharmonic
Stella Hwaeun Song is a violinist who studied under Professor Yang Hae-Yeop at Seoul National University, a prominent figure as the first-generation violinist in Korea. Guided by Professor Yang during her childhood, Stella's musical journey led her to the renowned Robert Schumann Musikhochschule in Düsseldorf, Germany, where she had the privilege of studying with the legendary German musician, Michael Gaiser, based on Professor Yang's recommendation.
Stella, having earned awards in various competitions in Korea, excelled under Professor Geiger's mentorship, graduating with top honors in Konzertexamen. Post-graduation, she achieved recognition by winning the prestigious German competition, Smoltz Bickenbach, and earned praise from experts for her rich and warm tone.
Her performances garnered critical acclaim, establishing her reputation as a talented and dynamic artist. This recognition catapulted her into the limelight as the next generation of young artists in Europe. She served as a soloist with the "George Enescu" Philharmonic Orchestra in Romania, the Brno Orchestra in the Czech Republic, Besteinhaus in Germany, Partika Saal, Kammermusik Saal, and participated in renowned festivals such as the Luxembourg Festival and the Swiss Lugano Festival.
Despite her success, Stella remained humble and committed to her craft. Continuously practicing and studying, she aimed to perfect her technique and broaden her musical horizons. During her orchestra career, which included roles in the Düsseldorf Symphony, Bochum Symphony, and Köln Philharmonic Orchestra, she collaborated with world-class musicians such as Mischa Maisky, Sarah Chang, Gustavo Dudamel, Buchbinder, and Japanese conductor Kamioka, inspiring her to pursue her soloist career.
Upon returning to her hometown of Korea in 2010, Stella joined the Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra, the highest level orchestra in Korea. She dedicated significant time to teaching, serving as a violin performance instructor at Chongshin University and Jeju University. Despite her demanding schedule, Stella performed four recitals at the Seoul Arts Center and the Sejong Art Center, prestigious stages for Korea's top performers.
Currently, Stella passionately engages in chamber music performances, regular recitals, and serves as an assistant concertmaster on symphonic stages throughout the Ontario Philharmonic.
In a recent development, Stella has been invited by a German institution to serve as the top leader for professional guidance for international students in Asia and North America, beginning in 2024.
TRINA JUYOUNG KIM
Director of Woodwind / Oboe
Trina Juyoung Kim is a distinguished figure in the world of classical music, renowned for her exceptional skills as an oboist and her impactful role as a Woodwind Director.
With a stellar musical journey that began at the Sunhwa Art School and Sunhwa Art High School, Trina's passion and dedication were evident from the start, earning her the Excellence Award for Performance.
Trina's pursuit of musical excellence continued at Seoul National University, where she earned her Bachelor of Music degree. Furthering her education, she embarked on an enriching journey at The Royal Conservatory of Music, earning an Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Music Education. Her specialization in Orff and Kodály methodologies further deepened her understanding of music education and its diverse approaches.
A testament to her mastery of the oboe, Trina held the prestigious position of Principal Oboist in the Seoul Symphony Orchestra. Her tenure with the orchestra not only showcased her technical prowess but also affirmed her commitment to musical artistry.
As the Woodwind Director and Oboist Instructor for the York Region Youth Orchestra (YRYO), Trina brings a wealth of experience and a passion for nurturing the next generation of musicians. Her role goes beyond imparting technical skills; it extends to fostering a love for music and instilling a deep appreciation for the art of playing the oboe.
Trina's approach to music education is characterized by a perfect blend of technical rigor and artistic expression. She believes in creating a supportive and inspiring environment where students can not only hone their skills but also discover the joy of making music.
Beyond her contributions to education, Trina remains an active performer, captivating audiences with her expressive oboe playing. Her dedication to both performance and education reflects a commitment to the holistic development of aspiring musicians.
Join Trina Juyoung Kim on a musical journey where every note becomes a stepping stone to excellence. Under her guidance, the woodwind section of YRYO flourishes, creating harmonies that resonate with passion, precision, and artistic brilliance.
#YRYOInstructors #WoodwindExcellence #MusicalMentorship
SIENNA HYUN
Administrative Supervisor
With a profound passion for piano and flute, Sienna Hyun, has embarked on a musical journey that spans continents.
Hailing from South Korea, I honed my musical skills through rigorous training, graduating from renowned institutions and immersing myself in various musical projects.
Her journey began at Busan Arts High School Music Department, where she majored in Classical Piano. Following this, She continued her studies at Dong-Ah Institute of Media and Arts, delving deeper into piano, performing arts, and applied music.
Eventually, She pursued my passion at Dongduk Women's University, majoring in Performing Arts, Applied Music, Jazz Flute, and Vocals.
Throughout her career, she has served as a music instructor, conductor, and composer. In Seoul, South Korea, she instructed flute, vocal choir, and band classes for employees and students alike. Her dedication to music education extended to Hongik Elementary School, where she taught piano to young students and provided accompaniment for their performances.
In addition to her teaching roles, she ventured into the realm of composition, contributing music and vocals for television and radio commercials. Her creative pursuits led her to Toronto, Canada, where she continued to share my passion for music as a private teacher, conductor, and recording artist.
Currently based in Toronto, she continue to thrive as a musician, collaborating with local artists, composing for film projects, and performing in various concert series. Her journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to music and the arts, and she is excited to see where it takes her next.
REINA MINSEO KWEON
Instructor of Flute
Reina Kweon is a dedicated flutist with a passion for both performance and education.
She holds a Master of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Cincinnati, where she honed her skills under the guidance of esteemed instructors. Complementing her education, Reina received additional training at the State University of New York at Oneonta with Linda Chesis and the Mozarteum International Summer Academy with Peter Lukas Graf.
Reina's musical journey began at Sungshin Women’s University in South Korea, where she earned a Bachelor of Music in Woodwind Performance. Her diverse training has equipped her with a strong foundation in flute technique and musicality.
Currently, Reina is an active member of the Korean Canadian Symphony Orchestra, Kindred Spirit Orchestra, and the Prime Chamber Music Society. Through her performances, she captivates audiences with her expressive interpretation and technical proficiency.
In addition to her performing career, Reina is deeply committed to music education. She shares her expertise with aspiring musicians through her private music studio in Toronto, where she inspires and nurtures the next generation of flutists.
With a blend of passion, dedication, and artistry, Reina Kweon continues to make a significant impact on the music scene, both as a performer and a mentor.
HO YIN MICHAEL WONG
Chamber Instructor of Cello
Ho Yin Michael Wong is a classically trained cellist currently completing his Master of Music in Performance at the University of Toronto, studying under the renowned cellist Professor Shauna Rolston. He previously studied with Professor Ray Wang at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, where he earned his Bachelor of Music, Diploma in Music, and completed a Visiting Students Programme in cello performance.
Michael is a recipient of numerous prestigious scholarships and awards, including the University of Toronto Fellowship, Parsons Music Foundation Scholarship, Marie Ho Memorial Scholarship, and the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation Scholarship. His musical artistry has been further shaped through masterclasses and workshops with celebrated musicians such as Steven Isserlis, Jean Barr, Joseph Johnson, The Shanghai Quartet, The Orion Quartet, Jaap van Zweden, Richard Bamping, and others.
He has performed as Principal Cellist with the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and as Solo Cellist for the theatre production The Elephant Man. He also regularly performs as a substitute principal or section cellist with ensembles across Ontario, including the Scarborough Philharmonic, Etobicoke Philharmonic, Niagara Symphony, Orchestra Toronto, Ontario Philharmonic, and more.
Prior to moving to Canada, Michael performed extensively in Hong Kong as a member of the Pan Asia Symphony Orchestra, Hong Kong Strings, and as Principal Cellist of the HKIIM Chamber Orchestra. He also toured Europe as both a cello coach and performer with the Hong Kong Children’s Symphony Orchestra.
As an educator, Michael has taught cello and chamber music at various institutions, including The Hong Kong Winds Academy, Maryknoll Secondary School, and the Music Children Foundation. He also served as Teaching Assistant at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music and was the Coordinator of String Departmental Advancement at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, managing academic scheduling and performance logistics.
Michael is passionate about guiding young musicians in their artistic growth and is dedicated to sharing his rich performance experience and international training with the next generation of cellists.
Kwangwon Kim
Instructor of Perccussion
A graduate of the Department of Music at Seoul National University, [Instructor Name] brings decades of experience as a professional musician and educator. For 20 years, they served as a full-time member of the renowned Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra, contributing to numerous critically acclaimed performances both in Korea and internationally.
Their extensive orchestral experience has included collaborations with world-class conductors and soloists, further refining their artistry and technical expertise. As an educator, they are passionate about nurturing the next generation of musicians, focusing on both technical precision and fostering a deep appreciation for music.
Now based in Toronto, [Instructor Name] is actively involved in performance and education, serving as a dedicated faculty member of YRYO. They aim to inspire young musicians to reach their fullest potential while instilling in them a lifelong love of music.
Crystal Cheung
Instructor of Cello
Crystal is a passionate musician with extensive experience in performance, conducting, and music education. She holds a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Cello Performance from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, where she studied under Professor Ray Wang, Head of the Strings Department. Throughout her studies, she received multiple scholarships, earned a place on the Dean’s List, and achieved the DipABRSM at a young age. Her dedication to music has also led her to numerous competitions wins and a full scholarship at the Collegium Musicum summer program in Germany.
As a former Music Officer at the Music Office under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the Hong Kong Government, Crystal played a vital role in music education and program development. She designed structured training curricula, organized large-scale student concerts, and mentored young musicians. In addition, she conducted the Island Youth Strings, leading an orchestra and guiding them through rehearsals and performances.
Crystal is also an accomplished educator. She has trained numerous students who have achieved top results in music examinations and competitions. Her commitment to excellence in teaching has been recognized with multiple Outstanding Teacher Awards.
Alongside her work in education, Crystal has been an active performer, previously playing with the Hong Kong String Orchestra, Gustav Mahler Symphony Orchestra, and Global Symphony Orchestra. Whether on stage or in the classroom, she strives to inspire the next generation of musicians while continuing to grow as an artist herself.