ECHOS OF ELSEWHERE

Jaeyoung Chong is a versatile Canadian cellist, composer, and researcher based in Montreal, Quebec. His creative practice merges contemporary classical performance, improvisation, and electroacoustic experimentation. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Music Performance at McGill University under the supervision of Brian Manker, his research explores the development of improvisational methodologies for solo cello and live electronics, with a focus on accessibility, embodiment, and innovation in experimental music contexts. Born in South Korea and raised in New Brunswick, Chong began playing the cello at age eight. He is a prizewinner of numerous local, provincial, and national competitions, including the FCMF National Music Festival and the NAC Orchestra Bursary Competition. He has served as principal cellist with the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra and Symphony New Brunswick, and has performed as a soloist with the University of Ottawa Symphony Orchestra and the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Chong holds performance degrees from the University of Ottawa and the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. As an educator, he has worked with Sistema NB and the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra, where he developed a passion for inclusive, creativity-driven approaches to music pedagogy. In 2022, he released Nostalgia, a self-produced debut album blending classical, ambient, and electronic influences. The recording earned “Recording of the Year” at the Music New Brunswick Awards. He continues to explore interdisciplinary performance, collaborating with producers, visual artists, and composers across genres. He has appeared at festivals such as RE:FLUX, where his performances frequently integrate live visuals, improvisation, and immersive sound design. Committed to forging new sonic languages while remaining grounded in classical tradition, Jaeyoung Chong is carving a distinct path at the intersection of technology, expression, and experimentation.

Canadian pianist Luke Bell is known for his nuanced interpretations and commitment to contemporary and Canadian repertoire. Originally from Belleville, Ontario, he holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Ottawa, where he studied with Stéphane Lemelin and David Jalbert, as well as a Master’s degree and Graduate Diploma in Piano Performance from McGill University under Ilya Poletaev. Luke is an active performer throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe. Recent highlights include his debut solo recital at the National Arts Centre (Ottawa), performances of the Grieg Piano Concerto with Quinte Symphony, and chamber appearances with the Rosemont Trio, which he co-founded. He has been featured at festivals such as Westben, Music and Beyond, and Prince Edward County Festival, and performed in cities such as New York and Montreal. Dedicated to collaboration, Luke has worked with prominent artists including oboist Vincent Boilard, clarinettist Sean Rice, violinist Amy Hillis, bassist Ali Kian Yazdanfar, sopranos Elizabeth McDonald and Hélène Brunet, and baritone Gino Quilico. He is especially engaged in performing and premiering works by Canadian composers—both emerging and established—and has collaborated with Juno Award-winner Marjan Mozetich. Luke has also participated in international summer festivals in Canada, the US, and France, and performed in masterclasses for pianists such as Janina Fialkowska, André Laplante, Robert McDonald, and Malcolm Bilson. In 2024, he served as piano adjudicator for the 53rd Quinte Rotary Music Festival. Based in Montreal, Luke maintains an active performing life while also working in the digital marketing sector.