Adjudicators
Marc Djokic
Violin
Marc Djokic, currently a concertmaster of the Orchestre classique de Montréal (2024 Juno Winner for Album of the Year) and Music Director of ART CRUSH, is a celebrated violinist and chamber musician. One of Canada's most accomplished violinist. As a soloist, he performed with the Orchestre Classique de Montréal, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra as well as the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Winner of the Mécénat Musica Prix Goyer, Prix Opus, and the 2020 ECMA Classical Recording of the Year for Solo Seven, he will release his second solo album, Solo Eight, in early 2025.
A frequent performer in Canada, the U.S., and Europe, Djokic has upcoming tours with Trio Tangere and Air, Strings, and Keys. As a soloist, he has played with major orchestras like the Toronto Symphony and recently toured Robert Rival's violin concerto. In 2025, he will premiere Tim Brady's new work.
Djokic is active in mentorship and community outreach, leading projects like Mini-Concerts Santé and workshops blending music, dance, and visual arts. A Halifax native, he studied with Philippe Djokic and top U.S. violin pedagogues. He performs on rare instruments, including a 1740 Guarnerius violin, and teaches masterclasses at universities and festivals.
Dr. Chunson Park
Piano
Dr. Chunson Park is a distinguished piano pedagogue with over four decades of experience, renowned as one of Ottawa's most sought-after educators. She received her training at prestigious institutions such as the University of British Columbia, Juilliard, and Boston University, studying under renowned mentors including Dr. Robert and Ellen Silverman, Herbert Stessin, and Hung-Kuan Chen.
Dr. Park's early musical talent earned her first place in the Tong-Il National Competition in South Korea at age 12. She has since performed on international stages, including solo and chamber recitals at iconic venues such as Lincoln Center's Paul Hall, Citibank, and IBM in New York, as well as in Seoul, Boston, Victoria, and Ottawa. She has also performed with major orchestras including the Inje Orchestra, UBC Orchestra, and Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra.
A committed educator, Dr. Park has taught at Inje University, Lakehead University, and Carleton University. She is deeply involved in Ottawa's musical community, holding leadership roles in organizations such as the Ottawa Young Musicians' Concert and the Ottawa West Junior Club. She has mentored numerous students who have won top prizes in competitions like the Canadian Music Competition, Kiwanis Music Festival, and the Steinway Competition, with many going on to perform at Carnegie Hall and with the National Arts Centre Orchestra.
Dr. Park’s teaching philosophy emphasizes posture, technique, and fostering students' full potential. Her students have won numerous national and provincial awards, and she has been honored with multiple accolades, including the 2019 RCM Teacher of Distinction Award, Steinway Top Music Teacher Awards (2016, 2017, 2024), and the 2021 ORMTA OCTA Award.
Dr. Feihong Nan
Guzheng
Dr. Feihong Nan, founder of the Canadian division of the Yuan Yin Group, has led over 300 performers annually in organizing workshops and concerts to support the community, including initiatives like the ‘Youth Leader for Music and Health Program.’ Recognized for her contributions to Chinese music, Dr.Nan has recorded for Grammy-nominated albums and received awards such as the Heritage Legacy Award and the Senator Victor Oh Legacy Award.
Li Wang
​Guzheng
Li Wang has been studying guzheng since she was a child. She graduated from the School of Yangtze University with a bachelor's degree, majoring in guzheng. Li Wang is a member of Hubei Provincial Musicians Association. In 2006, she immigrated to Canada and founded Li Wang Guzheng Studio in Montreal. In the past two decades, her teaching has tended to be more systematic, standardized and professional. Her students have achieved excellent results in the overseas guzheng professional examinations of the Central Conservatory of Music over the years. The repertoire selected by her studio won the collective category award at the 2022 Global Chinese Youth Instrumental Music Performance. She has won the title of "Excellent Instructor" many times.
Xuan Liu
Yang qin
Liu Xuan, a Master’s graduate from Nanjing University of the Arts, has been dedicated to the yangqin since childhood and also minored in piano. She combines exceptional performance skills, rich stage experience, and a strong foundation in music education and theory, including Chinese music aesthetics.
She performed extensively with the Nanjing National Orchestra for over a decade and founded an ensemble in 2005 to explore innovative music interpretations. Since immigrating to Canada in 2012, Liu established "Xuan Music Studio," teaching piano and yangqin while collaborating with artists to promote diverse musical traditions.
Liu has also played a key role in organizing cultural events, including Montreal’s first Arts and Culture Festival in 2015 and two major 2024 galas, where her performance of "Dragon Soul Rhythm" received widespread acclaim.
