Elyssa’s musical studies began at the age of five under Heilwig von Koenigsloew at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music in British Columbia. After completing studies with violinists Lorand Fenyves in Toronto and Ian Swensen in California, Elyssa moved to Toronto in 2007 and worked for a decade as baroque violinist, chamber musician, teacher and coach before most recently moving to Vancouver Island, BC in 2016.
Elyssa is a founding member of the Elixir Baroque ensemble which has been actively performing in Toronto and abroad since 2007. The group has been a frequent guest on series at Toronto’s Metropolitan United Church, Musically Speaking Series and St. Barbaras United Church in addition to the group’s self presented wine and cheese concerts at the Bellwoods Academy of Music. Elixir was also invited as guest artists at the University of Fredonia and was named a finalist in the Early Music America baroque competition in 2014. In addition to her own projects with Elixir Elyssa has also been a member of the Aradia Baroque Ensemble since 2007 on both the orchestral and chamber music series, and has made several recordings with the group under the Naxos Label. She appears regularly with Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, Opera Atelier, Talisker players, Opera in Concert and the Hamilton Philharmonic. Elyssa has been invited to perform as a guest artist with the IFURIOSI Baroque Ensemble and the Windemere Quartet and has appeared as a soloist with the Corktown Chamber Orchestra, Georgetown Bach Chorale, Community Baroque Orchestra of Toronto and the Alicier Arts Concert series. Her international tours have included performances in Russia, Australia, France, Ireland and Italy.
Elyssa has recently relocated to Vancouver Island to be closer to family along with husband Michael and one year old daughter Isla Pepper. She is enjoying the island life but will be back in Toronto for several performances and teaching engagements in the 2016-17 season.
