Our Conductor

Tak Kwan is an award-winning violinist, conductor, educator, adjudicator, GRAMMY® Voting Member, and JUNO Awards Delegate whose career spans more than three decades of artistic leadership and professional excellence. Recognized for his versatility as a performer, conductor, and educator, he has established an international reputation for musical excellence, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to developing the next generation of musicians.

As a violinist, Tak served as Concertmaster for over twenty years, leading various orchestras while performing an extensive repertoire ranging from the great classical masterworks to contemporary compositions. As a concerto soloist, he has performed many of the violin repertoire's most celebrated works, including concertos by Brahms, Sibelius, Beethoven, Bruch, Paganini, and Vivaldi. He was also honoured to perform for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during royal engagements in Canada.

In addition to his performing career, Tak has earned recognition as an accomplished conductor and artistic leader. As Music Director and Conductor of the Kawartha String Orchestra, he is known for inspiring musicians through artistic vision, disciplined preparation, and collaborative leadership. His conducting reflects a deep belief that music is built upon communication, trust, and shared purpose, principles that continue to shape both his rehearsals and performances.

A passionate advocate for music education, Tak has devoted more than thirty years to teaching and mentoring musicians of all ages. His commitment to educational excellence has been recognized through multiple Royal Conservatory of Music Teacher Certificates of Recognition, while his students have earned numerous Gold Medals and distinguished examination results from beginner through ARCT levels. He also serves as an Examiner for The Royal Conservatory of Music, is a member of the Examiner College, and is a member of the Canadian Music Festival Adjudicators' Association.

Tak's professional contributions extend beyond the concert stage and classroom. As a GRAMMY® Voting Member and JUNO Awards Delegate, he actively participates in recognizing and celebrating excellence within the international recording industry. His dedication to artistic leadership, music education, and community engagement has also been recognized by the City of Markham for his contributions to the arts.

Throughout his career, Tak has remained committed to the highest standards of artistry, leadership, and education. Whether performing on stage, conducting from the podium, adjudicating competitions, or mentoring emerging musicians, he continues to inspire audiences and artists through a belief that musical excellence is achieved through integrity, discipline, collaboration, and a lifelong pursuit of excellence.