Amely Zhou

I am a dedicated and multifaceted musician, specializing in erhu and guzheng performance, adjudication, and conducting. I graduated from York University with a Specialized Honours BA in Music in 2014 and an MA in Ethnomusicology in 2023. I began learning conducting with Lisette Canton and Mark Chambers at York University, and my conducting experience includes being a fellow at the University of Toronto Wind Conducting Symposium in 2016, the UBC Wind Conducting Symposium in 2017, and the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Conducting Masterclass in 2018 and 2019.

From 2014 to 2016, I served as the conductor of the Toronto Chinese Youth Orchestra. From 2019 to 2020, I served as the music director for the Ontario Multicultural Music Association's Mix Instruments Youth Orchestra, further expanding my commitment to nurturing musical talent within diverse communities. Since 2017, I assumed the role of music director of the Canadian Chinese Orchestra (CCO). Under my guidance, the CCO embarked on tours in China, presenting captivating performances at prestigious venues such as the Markham Theatre, Sony Centre, and Mississauga Living Arts Centre.

My adjudication experience includes participating as a judge for the 16th Chinese Arts and Literary Contest for Youth in 2016, the Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival in 2017 and 2019, MusicFest Canada in 2023, and the Ottawa Kiwanis Music Festival in 2024.

My achievements as a soloist include winning the concerto competition at York University, where I performed "Red Plum Capriccio" as a soloist with the York University Symphony Orchestra. I was also invited to perform a concerto with the Canadian Sinfonietta. Throughout my career, I have performed numerous new works composed for me by international composers and have appeared as a recording artist on over twenty albums, contributing to the global appreciation of Chinese music.

In 2020, I led a multi-ethnic ensemble named Estro-genesis, performing a series of Canadian works for the Toronto Music Garden’s summer music program. Additionally, I directed the Borderless Music project and produced a music documentary through an invitation from the Small World Music Society, exploring and documenting the intersections of different musical cultures. I am also a member of the Labyrinth Ensemble and have extensive experience working with musicians from diverse backgrounds.