CelloFest - Victoria Conservatory of Music

About

CelloFest is a three-day event at the Victoria Conservatory of Music featuring renowned cellists and pedagogues Desmond Hoebig (former Professor at Rice University; former Principal Cello of Cincinnati, Houston and Cleveland orchestras) and Dr. Minna Rose Chung (Professor at the University of Manitoba; co-author of CelloMind).

CelloFest begins with the Faculty Concert on Friday, May 22 at 7:30pm in Alix Goolden Performance Hall. Following Friday’s concert, Dr. Chung and Mr. Hoebig will each lead a masterclass for young aspiring cellists on Saturday, May 23 on the stage of AGPH. CelloFest concludes with a Final Concert on Sunday, May 24 featuring the participants of the masterclasses and a cello choir.

Person playing a cello
Schedule of Events
  • May 21: Lessons with Mr. Hoebig and Dr. Chung (limited availability).
  • May 22: Lessons; Cello choir rehearsal 3:45pm; Faculty Concert 7:30pm.
  • May 23: Chung Masterclasses 9:30am-12:30pm; Hoebig Masterclass 2:00-5:00pm.
  • May 24: Cello choir rehearsal 11:00am; soundcheck rehearsals 11:30am-12:30pm; Final Concert 1:00pm and Reception.
Eligibility

For consideration as an active participant in CelloFest 2026, you must be:

  • Between the ages of 8 and 25.
  • Playing at a minimum RCM Grade 7 level.
  • Available to attend all CelloFest events (rehearsals, concerts and masterclasses).
Accommodations

Accommodations for out-of-town participants are not provided, but a 20% discounted rate is available at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Victoria.

Fees
  • Non-refundable application Fee: $20.
  • Program fee for cellists accepted for active participation: $75 (includes ticket to the Faculty Concert).

Pay Application Fee Online

Requirements
  • Application Form (see below).
  • Recording: Upload a video recording (5-10 min) showcasing your best playing on YouTube, Google Drive, iCloud or other cloud storage. Provide a link to the video in your application, making sure that the link is accessible without having to request permission. The recording does not need to be of your masterclass repertoire. Repertoire with accompaniment should be performed with piano.
  • Application fee: $20.

Online application open January 2, 2026
Applications due April 1, 2026

Please be prepared with all the required materials, as this form must be completed in one sitting and information cannot be saved before submission.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Brian Yoon, Artistic Director, at strings.classical[at]vcm.bc.ca.

Pay Application Fee

Contact Information

Name(Required)
Date of birth(Required)
Parent/Guardian name (required for participants under 18)
Teacher's name(Required)

Masterclass Repertoire

Indicate your Collaborative Pianist for the Masterclass and Final Concert, if known (optional)

Recording

Lessons

Dr. Chung and Mr. Hoebig are available for a limited number of one-on-one lessons on May 21 and 22. Lessons are $100 for 45 minutes. If interested, please select all applicable options below. Lessons may be scheduled on May 23 if there is more demand than space allows. All lessons will be scheduled at the discretion of the Artistic Director.

Media waiver

The Victoria Conservatory of Music includes photos/images/recordings/videos of students, faculty, and school activities on its website, in other electronic forms, as well as in printed materials. Please note that the Conservatory cannot take responsibility for any images or digital recordings that might be shared digitally that are not taken by Conservatory staff or photographers. Do you give permission for the Conservatory to use photos/images/recordings/videos of this student?(Required)

Confirmation

If chosen as an active participant, are you able to attend all CelloFest events (May 22, 23, 24)? Priority will be given to those who are able to attend all events.
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