“Toronto cellist Bryan Holt lifts his technically demanding part off the page with accuracy and panache.” – The WholeNote
“Holt nudges the audience to tears with his technical finesse shining bright under a single spotlight.” – The Vancouver Arts Review
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, Thin Edge New Music Collective, 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, and the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, among others.
Bryan is also one half of the acclaimed VC2 Cello Duo (vc2celloduo.com), performing alongside longtime collaborator Amahl Arulanandam. Known for their innovative programming and bold performances, the duo has been featured at Toronto Summer Music Festival, Music Toronto, Ottawa Chamberfest, 21C Music Festival, New Works Calgary, Women’s Musical Club of Winnipeg & Toronto, the Prairie Cello Institute, and the soundSCAPE Festival in Italy. 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, and MusicFest Canada Nationals.
Outside the concert hall, you can find Bryan following every move of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays.
Want to hear more? Check out Bryan’s interview on the Podcast “Talkin Blues”
As a cello teacher, my goal is to inspire and support each student through a structured, engaging, and personalized approach. I bring extensive experience preparing students for Royal Conservatory of Music examinations, with a strong record of success across all levels. Lessons typically include technical work, carefully selected repertoire, and a focus on developing effective practice habits—skills that empower students to make meaningful progress between lessons. Repertoire is tailored to suit each student’s level, interests, and musical goals.
In addition to a wide-ranging performance career, I have served as an adjudicator at both provincial and national competitions, providing students with valuable insight into the standards of high-level performance. I also bring significant expertise in online teaching, having worked virtually since 2012—a subject I explored in depth during my doctoral research.
I teach from a private studio in downtown Toronto and work with students online across North America and internationally. I am also available for group classes, coachings, and masterclasses.
To find out more, please use the contact form or send an email to [email protected].
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