2026 Adjudicators

Bryan Holt is a dynamic and versatile cellist whose performances have taken him across North America and beyond -- from traditional concert halls to genre-defying alternative venues. Based in Toronto, Bryan has performed with many of the city's leading ensembles, including Continuum Contemporary Music, Art of Time Ensemble, Against the Grain Theatre, Soundstreams, and Tapestry Opera. As an orchestral player, he has appeared as an extra in the cello sections of the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, National Ballet of Canada Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Esprit Orchestra, among others.

Bryan is also one half of the acclaimed VC2 Cello Duo, performing alongside longtime collaborator Amahl Arulanandam. Known for their innovative programming and bold performances, the duo has been praised by CBC Radio as "a tight unit, with excellent intonation and expression," VC2 champions the creation of new works -- particularly by Canadian composers. Their debut album, Beethoven's Cellists, features five newly commissioned pieces inspired by Beethoven's cello sonatas, while their 2023 follow-up album, I and Thou (Leaf Music), earned a nomination for Classical Album of the Year at the 2024 East Coast Music Awards. The duo are proud alumni of Debut Atlantic and Prairie Debut touring networks.

Bryan holds a Doctorate of Music in Cello Performance from the University of Toronto, where his doctoral research examined the efficacy of online cello instruction. He also earned a Master's degree from McGill University's Schulich School of Music, and completed undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, where he twice received the Felix Galimir Award in Chamber Music. His mentors have included Shauna Rolston, Matt Haimovitz, David Hetherington, Simon Fryer, Paul Widner, Matt Brubeck, and Charita Holod.

An active educator, Bryan maintains a private teaching studio in downtown Toronto and regularly serves as a guest coach in schools across the GTA. He is a Royal Conservatory of Music Certified Teacher and a member of the RCM College of Examiners. His adjudicating work includes appearances at the Ontario Strings Association Orchestra Festival, Golden Horseshoe Music Festival, Canada West Performing Arts Festival, and MusicFest Canada Nationals. Bryan is a member of the Canadian Music Festival Adjudicators' Association.