Strings Overview
Perform with distinction. Learn from and play with eminent teacher-artists and visiting members of internationally celebrated string quartets. U of T Strings offers students extraordinary opportunities for making music with some of the world’s most accomplished string musicians.
Expect to Play
Learning
Separate weekly performance classes for violinists, violists, cellists, and double bassists centre the U of T strings undergraduate and graduate student experience. Students play for faculty and peers as well as for guest artists conducting inspirational masterclasses. The faculty hosts up to eight distinguished visitors annually. An additional weekly chamber class exposes students to the string quartet and strings and piano repertoires.
Performance
Out-of-class, extracurricular performance contributes definitively to the U of T Strings experience. String students figure prominently in the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the U of T Campus Philharmonic Orchestra. They also perform in an unconducted string orchestra and various chamber music groups in venues around Toronto.
Programs
Connect with Excellence
U of T Strings is taught by accomplished faculty with extensive experience in diverse genres and styles. The area’s strong reputation regularly attracts visitors of the stature of Steven Isserlis and the New Orford String Quartet. It also attracts an annual String Quartet-in-Residence. New York’s Calidore String Quartet is a recent example.
Live Large
Studying in Toronto comes with extraordinary benefits.
Concert Going
Opportunities for hearing amazing string musicians playing incredible music are boundless. As well as attracting visits from prominent international performers, the city is home to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company, and the National Ballet of Canada. Countless smaller groups and ensembles can also be heard in venues across the city.
Music Making
The city offers students performing opportunities of their own. They can work as section players or guest soloists with local community orchestras. Some students have their own teaching studios.
Upcoming Events
Past Events
News
Make an Impact
U of T alumna Rachel Mercer has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician across five continents. Grand prize winner of the 2001 Vriendenkrans Competition in Amsterdam, Mercer is Principal Cello of the National Arts Centre Orchestra. She is also cellist of the Mercer-Park Duo, and Artistic Director of the “5 at the First” Chamber Music Series in Hamilton. Mercer has given masterclasses across North America.
Featured Media
Have a question?
Contact our Strings Area Head for more information about our Strings area and programs.