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.
PETER MIN
Assistant Conductor & Arranger
Chung Ki Peter Min is a conductor and composer currently pursuing his master’s degree in orchestral conducting at the University of Toronto under the tutelage of Uri Mayer. He holds a Bachelor of Music from the Schulich School of Music at McGill University, with a double major in music composition and theory. Prior to pursuing his musical passions, Peter obtained a pharmacy degree from the University of Alberta and has been practicing as a pharmacist since 2018.
Peter’s compositions have been performed at various festivals, including the Tuckamore Festival in St. John’s, Newfoundland; Zodiac Festival in Valdeblore, France; and the Impulse New Music Festival in Los Angeles. Having studied with the distinguished Canadian composer Brian Cherney, Peter takes a special interest in studying and performing contemporary Canadian repertoire and new music by living composers.
Recent conducting endeavors include performing with the Saratoga Orchestra at the Pacific Northwest Conducting Institute and participating in the Girton Conducting Course in Chichester, England and the Conductor’s Retreat at Medomak, working with the renowned conductor and pedagogue Kenneth Kiesler.
YOUNGGUN KIM
Advisory Director of Music Programs / 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 Orchestra / Violin
● Former violinist of the Dusseldorf Symphony
● Former violinist of the Bucheon Philharmonic
● Former assistant concert master Ontario Philharmonic
● Founder & Artistic Director, York Region Youth Orchestra
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 Internal Affairs / 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
REINA MINSEO KWEON
Creative Strategy Director / 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.
Currently Instructer at Cardinal Carter Academy of Art.
JESSIE ZHOU
Coordinator & Marketer
Jessie Zhou is a Toronto-based flutist and arts administrator. Originally from China, she relocated to Canada three years ago and completed a Master of Music in Flute Performance at the University of Toronto under the mentorship of Canadian flutist Susan Hoeppner.
While performance is an important part of her background, Jessie has developed a strong passion for arts administration. In 2025, she worked with the National Music Festival, where she gained valuable insight into the organizational side of the arts and the role it plays in supporting musicians and engaging communities. This experience inspired her to continue building a career that connects her musical expertise with administrative leadership.
In addition to her work in administration, Jessie is also training as a flute technician at the Ontario Flute Center. By combining her artistic background with interests in administration and instrument care, she brings a multifaceted perspective to the music community and remains committed to supporting musicians both on and off the stage.
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.
Sarah Yunji Moon
Instructor of Flute
Sarah Yunji Moon is a Toronto-based flautist, celebrated for her expressive artistry, technical mastery, and commitment to contemporary music. She has performed as a soloist with esteemed ensembles such as the Seoul Philharmonic and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and has held principal flute positions with Symphony Nova Scotia (2008–2010), the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra (2016–2018), and the Ontario Philharmonic (2018–present).
An advocate for new music, Moon is a member of Blythwood Winds, a chamber group dedicated to modern woodwind repertoire. Ms. Moon's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Flute Performance from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master of Music in Contemporary Performance from the Manhattan School of Music.
As an educator, Sarah serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at Queen’s University, where she directs the Flute Choir and teaches flute performance.
Ms. Moon's dedication to expanding the flute repertoire and her dynamic presence on stage continue to inspire audiences and students alike.
Yoonsil Hur
Instructor of Clarinet
Yoonsil Hur earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Clarinet Performance from Ewha Womans University in Seoul, Korea. During her studies, she was an active member of the Seoul Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, gaining extensive performance experience through subscription concerts, special projects, and chamber music. She later performed as a guest musician with major ensembles such as the Seoul Philharmonic and the Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra. Notably, she appeared as the bass clarinetist in the Bucheon Philharmonic’s landmark performance series of Mahler’s complete symphonies, presented for the first time in Korea.
Following her graduation, Ms. Hur served as Principal Clarinet of the Gimpo Philharmonic Orchestra while also teaching students. Beyond classical repertoire, she expanded her career into film scores and musical theatre, performing in major productions including the original Korean tour of Wicked, where she played clarinet, bass clarinet, and soprano saxophone.
Before moving to Toronto two years ago, she taught clarinet with the Sejong Dream Tree Orchestra, a community program at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts dedicated to supporting children and youth with limited access to culture and the arts. Her deep love for teaching and her dedication to nurturing young musicians continue to inspire her students in Canada today.
Saba Yousefi
Instructor of Violin
Saba Yousefi is an Iranian-Canadian violinist, educator, and concert curator who brings a rich international background to the YRYO faculty.
She holds both a Master of Violin Performance and a Bachelor of Violin Performance (minor in Philosophy) from the University of Toronto, where she also studied at the Pedagogy School.
Saba is passionate about guiding young musicians with healthy technique and mindful practice habits. She has devoted her research to helping professional and student players prevent and recover from physical injuries and to developing mental-wellness strategies for musicians.
A versatile performer, she has appeared as soloist and chamber musician with ensembles such as the Ontario Philharmonic and has toured across Canada, the Middle East, and China.
She co-founded LyreIran, a nonprofit platform offering free, accessible music-education resources to students worldwide, and was also a founding member of Chaam Trio, known for blending Persian traditional music with contemporary Western styles.
In addition to her teaching at YRYO, Saba remains active in the contemporary-music scene recently performing at Salle Bourgie Hall (Montreal, 2024), curating the Women, Art & Resilience concert series (Toronto & Aurora 2025), and participating in festivals such as Bang on a Can 2025.
Saba looks forward to sharing her artistry and experience with the YRYO violin section, inspiring the next generation of young string players.
Benjamin Law
Instructor of Brass
Benjamin Law is a passionate music educator and French hornist dedicated to making music education accessible, enjoyable, and empowering for young musicians.
He began his career as an elementary music teacher, revitalizing school music programs and building vibrant concert bands and choirs. Over the years, he has served as a band clinician for the York Region Enrichment Band Camp and the National Music Camp of Canada, inspiring students across the province.
Now a secondary music educator, Ben has taught at Markham District High School, Stouffville District Secondary School, and Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School. He is also one of the conductors of the Markham Young Winds, where his ensembles have earned top distinctions at the Ontario Band Association Festival, the Toronto Concert Band Festival, and the Markham Winds Festival.
As an active French horn performer, Ben plays with ensembles across the GTA, including the Korean Canadian Symphony Orchestra, the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra, and the York Symphony Orchestra. His private horn studio has nurtured students who have gone on to perform with prestigious groups such as the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Denis Wick Canadian Wind Orchestra, and the Ontario Provincial Honour Band.
Ben holds a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from the University of Toronto and a Master of Teaching from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), specializing in instrumental music education and French horn under the mentorship of Christopher Gongos.
At YRYO, Ben brings his performance expertise and classroom experience together to inspire students, helping them grow as confident musicians on and off the stage.