van der Sloot

William van der Sloot has established a reputation as a leader in the development of young artists. His students have won international acclaim, having won prizes in many major national and international competitions, including Grand Prizes at the Canadian National Festival, the Canadian Music Competition, The Alberta Provincial Music Festival, the Montreal Symphony Standard Life Competition, Klein Competition (San Francisco), and prizes at the ASTA Competition (USA), the Michael Hill International Violin Competition (New Zealand), Concertino Praha (Prague), the Menuhin International Violin Competition, the Montreal International Competition, and the Tchaikovsky Competition (Moscow). His students are heard on concert stages throughout Canada and abroad. They have performed often as guest soloists with many of Canada’s major symphony orchestras. He is in demand as a guest clinician and judge at music schools and competitions in North America, China, and Europe. Mr. van der Sloot has given many masterclasses for major music organizations in Canada, the United States, Germany, Russia, Poland, Serbia, and China. He is a regular guest artist at the Central Conservatory (Beijing), the San Francisco Conservatory, Northwestern University (Chicago) and the Medicine Hat College Conservatory. He will again be a faculty member at Mount Royal College’s international Morningside Music Bridge program this summer, and is co-artistic director of the Valhalla Summer School of Music in Silverton, BC. Invitations for this season include The San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the Meadowmount Summer School of Music (NY), the Central Conservatory (Beijing), The Chopin University (Warsaw), Escuela Superior de Musica de Catalunya in Barcelona, as well as invitations to the jury of the Hong Kong International Violin Competition, the Johannes Brahms International Chamber Music Competition, and the Wieniawski Competition.
 
William van der Sloot began his violin studies at the age of seven. His principal teachers include Mary Shortt, Dr. Lise B. Elson, and Gerardo Ribeiro. He also worked in extensive masterclass seminars with Max Rostal, Tibor Varga, Yehudi Menhuin, Joseph Gingold, and members of the Juilliard, Hungarian, and Alban Berg String Quartets.
 
As a former violinist of the Villa Marteau Quintet (artist in residence at the Haus Marteau in Germany), he has toured extensively in Eastern and Western Europe and North America and has recorded for German, American, and Canadian National radio. Before moving to Calgary to teach at Mount Royal, he was instrumental in the development of the Conservatory at Medicine Hat College and its program for gifted youth. Mr. van der Sloot is presently Manager of The Academy for Gifted Youth, Choral Programs, and is the distinguished instructor of violin at Mount Royal University, Calgary and joined Carnegie Mellon University as Assistant Teaching Professor of Violin in fall, 2017.

Canadian musician Michael H. J. van der Sloot (b. 1991) enjoys a unique and independent career in which he excels as an educator, creator, performer, collaborator, and curator. Celebrated for his enthusiasm, skill, and versatility, Mr. van der Sloot has earned a growing reputation as a genuine jack-of-all-musical-trades.

Canadian violinist Maria van der Sloot enjoys a diverse career as a performer and educator. She has been a grand prizewinner in chamber music at the Canadian Music Competition and a finalist in the National Music Festival, and she has appeared as soloist with the Calgary Philharmonic and National Arts Centre Orchestra. She has performed extensively throughout North America, including for Music for Food, NPR’s From the Top, the Boston Symphony Prelude series, the Virginia Arts Festival, the Berkeley Piano Club, and the Calgary Philharmonic Emerging Artists series, and she has participated in the Banff, Orford, Tanglewood, and Morningside Music Bridge summer festivals. She has worked closely with members of the Cleveland, Borromeo, Concord, Kronos, St. Lawrence, Juilliard, and Telegraph Quartets and performed alongside artists including Dimitri Murrath, Pierre Amoyal, Eugene Izotov, James Ehnes, and Gil Kalish.

Ms. van der Sloot received her B.M. (Honours) from the New England Conservatory of Music, as recipient of the Vernon Scholarship, and her M.M. (Distinction) at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, as recipient of the Osher, Schorr, and Hoefer Scholarships. Her primary mentors include Donald Weilerstein, Ian Swensen, and Cordula Merks, and she is grateful for graduate support from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. In 2019, she joined the first violins of the Calgary Philharmonic and in 2020 was appointed concertmaster of the Calgary Civic Symphony. Equally passionate about chamber music and new music, Ms. van der Sloot joined the acclaimed Land’s End Ensemble in 2022.

A dedicated pedagogue, Ms. van der Sloot is on faculty at the Mount Royal University Conservatory, Calgary Music Academy, and the Valhalla Summer School of Music, and she has worked extensively with El Sistema programs across North America to provide equitable access to music education. In her spare time, she can be found in a kitchen, garden, or along the nearest body of water.

Paul van der Sloot recently graduated with an Artist Diploma in Cello Performance from the Glenn Gould School. He previously earned his undergraduate degree in cello from the University of Calgary. Now a member of the Colorado Symphony, Paul is known for his technical skill and expressive performances, contributing his talents to the vibrant classical music scene.

Julya van der Sloot, originally from Calgary, Alberta, recently graduated with a degree in poetry from the University of Victoria. Combining her love for language and humor, she has carved out a successful career as a stand-up comedian, performing in multiple cities. Known for her witty and insightful performances, Julya continues to captivate audiences with her unique comedy.

Thomas van der Sloot was born in Calgary, AB and developed an early interest in science and innovation. This curiosity led him to pursue a B.Sc. in Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia, where he became involved in research initiatives.

Academic and Research Career:

During his time at UBC, Thomas joined the Cembrowski Lab, where he focuses on the differentiation of specific neurons in the cortex. His work contributes to a deeper understanding of neuronal behavior and its implications for neuroscience.

Thomas’s passion for research and innovation extends beyond the lab. He founded BioInnovate UBC, a platform designed to foster collaboration and entrepreneurship among students interested in biotechnology and life sciences. Under his leadership, BioInnovate UBC has grown into a vibrant community that supports innovative projects and connects students with industry professionals.

Professional Experience:

In addition to his academic pursuits, Thomas has gained valuable experience through internships at Satori Health in Calgary. Over three summers, he has contributed to various projects, bolstering his passion for improving healthcare solutions

Contributions and Impact:

He has also built strong connections within the biotech and life sciences industries. His work in this area has further expanded his network and influence, particularly through his involvement with BioInnovate UBC.

Personal Life:

Outside of his professional endeavors, Thomas is known for his passion for staying fit, being outdoors, and community engagement. He enjoys exploring new ideas and sharing his knowledge with others, always striving to make a positive impact on the world around him.