Winona Zelenka Cello

Winona Zelenka is one of Canada’s finest cellists on the scene today. As a soloist, she has performed with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (Strauss’ Don Quixote Suite), and has performed with the Mississauga Symphony, the Scarborough Philharmonic, and the Huronia Sinfonietta. Ms. Zelenka, a proponent of new music, performed the world premiere of “Invocation II’” for cello and orchestra (with Huronia Sinfonietta), a work written for her by Canadian composer Michael Pepa.

Ms. Zelenka is currently serving as Acting Principal of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and has held that position since the 2004/2005 season. She has also been Assistant Principal of the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra since 2005, and served as Principal during the summers of 2007 and 208. Winona is a dedicated recitalist and chamber musician, who regularly performs on several series in Toronto. She recently formed Trio Arkel with violinist Marie Bérard and violist Teng Li. Ms. Zelenka is pleased to work with Mr. Pepa again, who will compose a work for cello and percussion for his Les Amis series in Toronto in the 2009/2010 season.

Other ongoing projects include summer performances at the Music Garden Series at Toronto’s waterfront, and playing major solos in film scores such as Atom Egoyan’s “Adoration” (2008) and István Szabó’s “Being Julia” (2004). Upcoming projects include her debut recording in the spring of 2009 of Bach Cello Suites No’s 1, 2, and 6 and the launch of Ms. Zelenka’s website www.winonazelenka.com.

She obtained her Bachelor of Music and Artist Diploma at the University of Indiana, and studied with the legendary Janos Starker. Ontario born and raised, Ms. Zelenka’s main teachers included William Findlay, Vladimir Orloff and William Pleeth.

Winona plays the “Starker Guanerius”, formerly owned by Janos Starker. It is on loan to the TSO for Ms. Zelenka’s use thanks to the generosity of Dr. Edward Pong. Winona’s debut CD was recorded on this cello.

www.winonazelenka.com

2010/11 Concerts
Korngold: Source & Inspiration | Robert Schumann 1810-2010

2009/10 Concerts
Brasil