Elyssa Lefurgey-Smith M.Mus.
Versatile Canadian violinist Elyssa Lefurgey-Smith grew up in Nanaimo, BC. She began her violin studies at age 5 with an inspiring teacher which led her to a career as a professional violinist. In over a decade of performing with many Toronto ensembles, Elyssa most cherished her time with Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, which inspired her to pursue a specialty in early music. In 2016, Elyssa returned to her island roots, and settled in Victoria to be closer to family. Excited to pursue new opportunities, she was warmly welcomed by her west coast colleagues and now holds permanent positions in local early music ensembles Victoria Baroque and Pacific Baroque Orchestra (Vancouver).
In addition to performing, Elyssa is an enthusiastic and passionate educator and has been involved in teaching, coaching and program development for over 20 years. As an educator in Toronto, Elyssa was the Director of the Strings program at the Kingsway Conservatory of Music, as well as the assistant strings teacher at Havergal College Senior School. Elyssa has been on faculty at the Victoria Baroque Summer Academy since its inception in 2016 and has been invited as a guest coach to the Collegium Ensemble at the University of Victoria. In 2018, Elyssa became the coordinator of the Junior Summer String Academy at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and in 2022, founded the Victoria Baroque Youth Orchestra. Most recently, Elyssa moved to the Cowichan Valley and is excited to be starting a new studio up island, the Cowichan String Academy.
Maria Wang M.Mus.
Maria Wang, a versatile cellist and music teacher from Taiwan, began her musical journey with the cello at age 13. She pursued a Bachelor of Music from West Virginia University in the USA with a full scholarship and later earned a Master of Music at the University of Victoria in 2014. Maria is a dedicated cello instructor, string teacher, and ensemble conductor at various institutions, including Brentwood College School, Harmony Project Sooke, and Victoria Conservatory of Music. She also performs regularly with the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra, the Breakwater Quartet, and local musical projects.