Benjamin Linton

Ben has been an active member of the Calgary music community since a young age as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral musician. He is currently a student of Fiona Carnie and has previously studied with Theresa and Jeff Plotnick. Ben spent his early years performing with the Mount Royal University Conservatory Orchestras and the Amici String Program, String Camp and Stringfest, which allowed him to study extensively with acclaimed musicians such as Kai Gleusteen, Catherine Ordronneau, the Viano String Quartet, the Rolston String Quartet, the New Orford String Quartet and more, alongside Amici’s regular faculty, whom he considers his second family. Currently, Ben shares the position of Concertmaster in the Calgary Youth Orchestra and on May 12, 2024, will perform Mahler’s 2nd Symphony in that capacity. In the fall of 2024, Ben will be attending the McDuffie Center for Strings in Macon, Georgia, where he will be studying with violinists Amy Schwartz-Moretti, Robert McDuffie, and David Kim.

Chanan Ngo

Canadian violinist Chanan Ngo  obtained his ARCT in piano performance with first class honour at age 13, and subsequently his ARCT in violin performance with distinction at age 15.  His violin studies, commencing with Fiona Carnie, have led him to receive awards at local, provincial, and national music competitions. His most recent honours include the Frank Simpson Concerto Competition (1st place, 2024), the Mary Gardiner Award of Performance Excellence through the Alliance of Canadian New Music Project (2024), Rose Bowl at the Calgary Performing Arts Festival (2023), and the Canada West Performing Arts Festival (1st place, 2023).  A two-time winner of the Calgary Concerto Competition (2022, 2024), Chanan made his solo debut with the Calgary Civic Symphony in 2022.  He is excited to perform with the Civic Symphony again in June 2024.  Chanan will also perform with the Calgary Youth Orchestra as soloist in November 2024.  Chanan’s soloist performances have taken him to venues across Alberta such as the Jack Singer Concert Hall, the Winspear Centre, and the Bella Concert Hall. 

Austin Gao

16-year-old Canadian pianist Austin Gao was born and raised in Calgary. Introduced to music at a young age, he was captivated by his older sister’s piano playing from the age of five. Inspired by this, Austin began playing the piano at seven and has since diligently worked to enhance his musical abilities. His journey in music has been greatly influenced by mentors like John Lam, who sparked his passion for music, and Marilyn Engle, under whose tutelage he currently studies to further develop his musicianship and nurture his passion.

Sacha Jorba-Wu

Sacha is an 11 year old Canadian Violinist who started lessons at age 5, and made his Solo debut (age 6) right here at Olympic Plaza. He has been a member of 5 orchestras, including the Elgar Orchestra (2023) where he performed alongside Concertmasters Andrew Wan (Montreal) and Jonathan Crow (Toronto). He is the founder of Trio-Magico, a Senior Violinist at Mt Royal, and works on his Solo repertoire with mentor, Concertmaster Diana Cohen.