CLASSICAL, MODERN POP, TOP-40, HOUSE
Elizabeth Kovalchuk
Elizabeth Kovalchuk, originally from Riga, Latvia, immigrated to Canada during infancy, shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union. Born into an artistic family, Liz’s musical journey began at the age of 9 when she picked up the cello at Runnymede Public School.
Her passion for music led her to pursue undergraduate studies at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, where she had the privilege of studying under the guidance of esteemed Chicago Symphony cellist Richard Hirschl. During her junior year, Liz seized the opportunity to further her musical education at the prestigious Sibelius Academy in Finland. Continuing her academic pursuits, she obtained her Master’s degree from Ball State University, where she studied with and served as a graduate assistant to Dr. Peter Opie.
As a versatile musician, Elizabeth Kovalchuk has showcased her talents as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player across the globe, with performances spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Notable engagements include her tenure as a solo cellist in the International Tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast from 2014 to 2016, as well as serving as principal cellist for the Hollywood Festival Orchestra during their tour of Japan in January 2017. She has collaborated with esteemed professional orchestras such as the New York Chamber Players, the Marion Philharmonic, Anderson Symphony, Muncie Symphony, L’Orchestre de La Francophonie, and the Sibelius Academy Orchestra.
As a soloist, Ms. Kovalchuk has curated and performed numerous solo recitals in esteemed venues worldwide, including Toronto, Chicago, New York City, Moscow, Riga, Cremona, and Helsinki. Her repertoire includes masterpieces such as the Saint-Saens Cello Concerto in Toronto and the Elgar Cello Concerto with the New Westchester Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Elizabeth has lent her talents as a session musician, recording at renowned studios such as Avatar Studios, ManMade Music Productions, and Premier Studios for PBS. She has collaborated with notable figures including YouTube sensation Robyn Adele Anderson and Emmy award-winning musician Katreese Barnes, formerly of Saturday Night Live.
Beyond her performance career, Liz Kovalchuk is deeply committed to music education and mentorship. She has served as a counselor at the Cremona International Academy in Italy and taught undergraduate students at Ball State University. Locally, she has coached chamber music groups, provided lessons at the Lord Lansdowne Music Summer School, and led cello sectionals at the Etobicoke School of the Arts.
Driven by her passion for music and dedication to nurturing young talent, Elizabeth Kovalchuk continues to inspire and uplift audiences and students alike with her exceptional musicianship and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence.
