106
49
Students Faculty Members
14
10
Graduates Graduates who will be studying music at the post-secondary level
15
4,800+
Average Age Hours of Instruction
79
183
Master Classes Public Performances (includes 115 self-directed outreach performances)
Director’s Message
Dear friends,
It has been another extraordinary year at The Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists. Our talented students have reached remarkable milestones, captivated audiences and demonstrated the transformative power of music. Supported by an incredible community, our young artists have truly flourished. Reflecting on the past year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the many moments of brilliance and inspiration.
In the following pages, you can read about a few highlights from the year. One I wanted to mention is our relationship with Kronos Quartet, and particularly with founding member David Harrington, which continues to grow.
Earlier this year, I sent David a recording of our Academy Chamber Orchestra (ACO) performing works by Osvaldo Golijov and Rhiannon Giddens. He responded with a heartfelt note, expressing how these musicians were “changing the world”. When he later visited Toronto to perform with Kronos Quartet, we arranged a special session for the ACO to receive his coaching. It was truly magical, with everyone sharing youthful energy
and enthusiasm for music. David never treated them as students during the session. Instead, he spoke as a collaborator, saying, “Hey, we’ve got work to do. I love what you’re doing, and I tried this, and it worked better.” It was a thrilling and transformative experience for everyone involved and a powerful reminder that music transcends age and nationality, uniting us as artists.
As a donor, you too are part of that uniting force. Thank you for your generosity over the past year. Our students represent the future of music, culture, and humanity in our community and beyond, and their journey is most worthy of our continued support.
Best regards,
Barry Shiffman Director,
The Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists
Watch Barry Shiffman tell the story about the session with David Harrington.
Concerto Competition Brings Out the Best in Students
Past Winners Include:
EMA NIKOLOVSKA – Rising operatic star and BBC New Generation Artist
MATTHEW CHRISTAKOS – New York
Philharmonic Associate Principal Cello
VIVIAN KUKIEL – Los Angeles Philharmonic Violinist
ALEXANDER VOLKOV – Detroit Symphony Orchestra Violinist
ERIC GUO – Winner of the 2023 Chopin Competition on Period Instruments
JJ JUN LI BUI – 6th Prize and youngest laureate in the 2020 International Chopin Piano Competition
TONY YIKE YANG – 5th Prize and youngest-ever laureate in the history of the International Chopin Piano Competition
Watch Senior Concerto Winner Junia Friesen perform Vivaldi
Angela Yuan
Kevin Chen
Andrew Bao
Frederick Zi Tian Huang
“It is imperative for young musicians to have the opportunity to play with those they look up to in a setting where they have to shine, convince, collaborate and truly see what it is like in the professional world. The amount they learn from such an experience is unparalleled and can be the defining springboard to their career.
— Mayumi Seiler, Faculty Member
“It was an amazing opportunity to be able to play as a soloist in Koerner Hall and I had so much fun onstage making music alongside faculty.
Junia Friesen, Sr. Violin, Winner
“The Concerto Competition stands as an unparalleled and exhilarating opportunity to showcase exceptional artistry while collaborating with world-class musicians in Toronto's most prestigious concert halls.
Michael Berkovsky, Faculty Member
“I was really excited about the possibility of performing with an orchestra [ . . .] as the prize for winning the competition was very motivating. Writing my own cadenza was a step outside my comfort zone and overall, I learned a lot. I enjoyed the final performance a lot and hearing the orchestra while I was playing, as if the whole piece fit into place.
Connor Mahon, Jr. Piano, Winner
What the Competitors Said
“The Taylor Academy Concerto Competition was such a wonderful learning opportunity, and it sparked great inspiration! I had an incredible time performing in Koerner Hall, and I was happy to be able to share this lovely Mozart flute concerto with such a big audience! I have learnt a lot from the rehearsals with the orchestra, and being able to perform alongside the Taylor Academy faculty was very special. It will be an experience I will treasure forever!
— Karen Kobayashi, Sr. Flute, Winner
Karen Kobayashi
A Day of Music Making
May 18, 2024 - 10 AM to 4 PM
The Playathon not only showcased our young musicians’ exceptional talent but also had a profound impact on the community.
Hundreds of people walking by on Bloor Street stopped to listen and enjoy the music.
Students loved hearing their peers perform repertoire they have heard many times before as well as new and unexpected works.
Students got to perform in t-shirts and sneakers and practice focusing while crowds formed, and truck drivers honked in support.
The young musicians experienced the power of their gift and the transformative nature of music.
The Playathon not only achieved its fundraising goals, thanks to the incredible kindness of Phil and Eli Taylor with their matching funds, but also reinforced the importance of music in our community.
Beyond Individual Talents THE ACO
By Min-Jeong Koh, Faculty Member, ACO Coach The
musicians in the Academy Chamber Orchestra (ACO) aren’t old enough to vote, and yet they possess the ability to perform with the emotional depth of a veteran ensemble - all the while playing without a conductor. This remarkable achievement is challenging even for professionals, and yet, each year, the ACO defies logic and presents profoundly moving performances for Koerner Hall audiences.
Their passion and commitment to every piece they performranging from J.S Bach to Arvo Pärt - is a testament to their versatility and musical maturity. During rehearsals, they learn to listen, take turns to lead and follow, negotiate musical ideas, and most importantly, they learn to trust each other.
Each member of the ACO is a brilliant instrumentalist, having spent countless hours individually to hone their skills. When they come together, they become one powerful entity, without any egos or reservations, to present a unified idea. Each person realizes their ability to contribute to the group with infectious energy while working towards a common goal.
In a society where success is defined by individual achievements, the ACO is the antithesis of the solo game. We all need ACOs in our lives, especially for our young musicians, as we equip them with the tools and inspiration to change the world.
ACO performs Shubert Death and the Maiden
ACO performs Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3
Alumni of Note
This past year, three recent Taylor Academy graduates took significant steps in their young careers. We congratulate them for their outstanding achievements.
Dale Jeong (2020): appointed Associate Principal Cello, Donald I. & Janet Moritz and Equitable Resources, Inc. Chair, Pittsburgh Symphony
“The Taylor Academy was a crucial part of my growth, and I am so excited to be a part of Pittsburgh Symphony!
Vivian Kukiel (2019): appointed Second Violin section, Los Angeles Philharmonic
“The Taylor Academy taught me discipline, and a lot about communication. It made me realize that if I can do this with music, I can do anything.
Matthew Christakos (2019): appointed Associate Principal Cello, The Paul and Diane Guenther Chair, New York Philharmonic
“Being a student at The Taylor Academy really propelled me head-first into my career...by preparing students to be able to meet any artistic challenges through the high-calibre training it provides in all major aspects of professional musicianship - with lessons, classes and, of course, ensemble playing, which teaches some of the most valuable skills, like how to listen and collaborate.
Congratulations Class of 2024!
Joining The Taylor Academy was one of the best decisions I made during my teenage years and has reformed my life in ways I could never have imagined. Whether providing a nurturing community of fellow music enthusiasts or helping me uncover meaning and motivation, my days at the RCM have always been a highlight of my week.
Before bringing my musical endeavours to The Taylor Academy, music was merely a hobby and extracurricular activity to me. Here though, through enlightening master classes and unique performance experiences on top of a supportive circle of peers and mentors, music has become an indispensable part of my life. I never imagined that I would be pursuing post-secondary studies in music today. With the diverse opportunities and courses offered by this pre-college program, I have been able to explore various fields in music, allowing me to develop a clearer sense of where to expand my horizons in the years to come. The conducting course and chamber music components in particular
have encouraged me to pursue further studies in collaborative performance.
These four years in The Taylor Academy have given me both valuable education and unique orchestral and collaborative work experiences, but perhaps the most noteworthy part of my time here has been the cherished memories made with the Taylor Academy community. Having also been a part of other music communities, The Taylor Academy has constantly stood out to me as one of ambition and mutual respect. Everybody strives to be their best self, yet nobody gets left behind. We approach things as a community and celebrate our achievements as a collective.
Studying at The Taylor Academy has been an honour and pleasure, and I hope to spread the passionate atmosphere here to wherever the future may take me.
Natalie Yu, Piano
A breathtaking Mendelssohn performance from the 2024 Graduation Recital
What's Next For Our Grads?
THE GLENN GOULD SCHOOL
Audrey Franssen Keenan, soprano
Frederick Zi Tian Huang, piano
Rowan Sawarna-Small, piano
EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Irene Huang, piano
NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY
Kevin Wang, piano
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
Ophir Strumpf, violin
WESTERN UNIVERSITY
Eden Silverberg, violin
Yui Hei Rosa Lai, piano
We wish our Taylor Academy graduates every success in the next stage of their academic careers!
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Deren Ji, piano
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO AND THE GLENN GOULD SCHOOL
Yoanna Haeun Jang, violin
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Natalie Yu, piano
RICE UNIVERSITY
Angelina Sievers, viola
COLBURN SCHOOL
Adriel Sloss, violin
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
Tiffany Mok, violin
