Bryan Holt

Cello

Known for his artistic versatility, whether it be as a classical, jazz or contemporary music, cellist Bryan Holthas performed on three continents and appeared in numerous alternative venues. Though chamber music is his greatest love, he is very active as an orchestral musician and recital soloist. Bryan prides himself on making classical music accessible in any environment. He has been described as "...a rising young cellist imbued with passion, daring and a faultless technique. Not to be missed!"

Mr. Holt is currently a member of Pocket Concerts - a new in-home recital series, as well as a member of the Thin Edge New Music Collective, and will play several concerts with both ensembles during the 2013-2014 season. As a recitalist Bryan has presented various cutting edge programs including "The Notorious B, I & G" (July 2013), "Arpeggio" (September 2013) and his most recent "North American Power Hour" (January 2014), all of which include music of our time. He will also be making appearances in the cello section of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Esprit Orchestra and Soundstreams as well as other professional orchestras and ensembles in Ontario.

Bryan spent the 2012-2013 season as a member of the Thunder Bay Symphony where he was also the cello coach for the Thunder Bay Symphony Youth Orchestra. In the spring of 2013 he travelled to India as a mentor to help form the Canada-India Youth Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Alain Trudel. In October 2013 he travelled south of the border as a member of the all-cello ensemble "Uccello" to join his former teacher Matt Haimovitz in premiering "Angel Heart: A Musical Story Book" in California and at New York's Carnegie Hall.

Bryan completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, where he was a two time recipient of the Felix Galimir Award in Chamber Music Performance (Persephone Trio and Trio Danzka). He also holds a masters degree from McGill University in Solo Cello Performance. Bryan is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Music in Cello Performance at the University of Toronto studying with Shauna Rolston. He is highly sought after as a teacher and maintains a private studio in the downtown core of Toronto while also visiting several schools as a guest coach.