2025 Adjudicators

Kate Unrau

Kate Unrau

Strings

Violinist Kate Unrau maintains an active schedule as a freelance violinist; her diverse experience spans solo, chamber and orchestral playing in many styles. She has performed with orchestras near and far, including the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Esprit Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, Symphony New Brunswick and the Charlottetown Festival Orchestra. She also served for a deccade as principal second violin of the Kingston Symphony, where she was frequently featured as a concerto soloist.

Kate has worked with an abundance of wonderful artisits, including Placido Domingo, Hugh Jackman, Paul Anka, Marvin Hamlisch, Jeremy Dutcher, Mary J. Blige, Herbie Hancock, Sarah McLachlan, Michael Bolton, Roger Hodgson and the Canadian Tenors. She's also had the pleasure of joining several Broadway touring orchestras in Canada, including 'Chicago', 'South Pacific' and 'A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder'. Keen viewers might have spotted her "pretending" to be a violinist on TV, too ('Reign', 'Private Eyes', 'The Umbrella Academy').

Kate also works as a freelance editor for The Royal Conservatory's publishing division, editing music, text books and online courses. She was involved in the development of The RCM's Online Strings Teacher Course: Teaching Elementary Violin. She is also a regular coach for the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Kate holds a master's degree in violin performance from the University of Toronto.