Inspire Arts Concert Series

Derek Zhi Guang Chiu is a highly acclaimed Canadian pianist, music educator, and consultant, renowned for his versatility as a performer, educator, clinician, and adjudicator. His extensive career spans across international stages, having performed in Canada, Europe, and the United States. Chiu has collaborated with esteemed musicians such as Roberto Cani, Saul Bitran, and Istvan Loga, and has been involved in orchestral engagements with groups like the Windsor Community Orchestra and the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra.

Chiu is also passionate about contemporary music, having worked closely with living composers, including Canadian Vince Ho. In 2022, he premiered Ho's composition The Twelve Chinese Zodiac Animals, Book 1, in Canada, followed by performances in Germany, Italy, and the United States. His dedication to new music is reflected in his work with composers like Michalis Andronikou and Margaret Boswell-Senyshen.

As a music educator, Chiu has earned numerous accolades, including the Steinway & Sons Top Piano Teacher Award. His expertise in online music education gained particular prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he assisted other music teachers in transitioning to virtual platforms. He is also a sought-after clinician and has presented at various institutions, including Colorado State University, The Colburn School, and Lakehead University.

Chiu runs a successful private piano studio in Calgary, where his students have achieved significant success, earning scholarships and winning national and international awards. He also teaches at the Cremona International Music Academy and Festival (Italy) and the Vancouver Island Music Academy. Chiu has been recognized with the Odyssey Award by the University of Windsor Alumni Association for his outstanding contributions to the field of music.

A passionate and dedicated educator, Chiu's students have flourished both in Canada and abroad, and his contributions to the arts extend beyond performance into transformative music education. He is also an Ambassador for the Royal Conservatory of Music and a member of their College of Examiners.

When not immersed in music, Chiu enjoys wine, particularly French Bordeaux and Italian Barolo, as well as the strategic dynamics of basketball.

Kevin A. Lefohn is an internationally acclaimed violinist, conductor, and music educator. He has performed as a recital soloist, chamber musician, and conductor, earning praise for his frequent chamber music collaborations and numerous recital performances across Australia, Europe, Japan, New Zealand, the United States, and Southeast Asia.

He is a National Recording Artist for Radio New Zealand Concert and has appeared regularly on All Classical Radio's Thursdays at Three live performance show.

"There is a youthful freshness and vibrancy in Lefohn's playing, well complemented by fine technique. He is not afraid to take risks with his interpretations." - The Star, New Zealand

"Lefohn's abilities as a barnstorming violin exponent were never in doubt, not even with Heifetz' show-offy figurations which he negotiated with intensity and spirit." - Flying Inkpot, Singapore

"The soloist delivered a flawless performance full of beauty, wit, style, and emotion, which from start to finish had the audience on the edge of their seats." - 4barsrest.com

Kevin has studied with renowned musicians like Dorothy DeLay and Kurt Sassmannshaus while studying at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). He has mentored prize-winning musicians worldwide and held faculty positions at the University of Otago, University of Oregon, and University of Portland. Kevin founded the Queenstown Violin Summer School and the Marama Strings Project in New Zealand and has served as an adjudicator for international competitions. He is currently on faculty at Pacific University, Artist-in-Residence at the Cremona International Music Academy, and conducts the Metropolitan Youth Symphony's Hillsboro program. Kevin also maintains private studios both in-person and online, while continuing to guest conduct orchestras globally.

A rising musical figure in Grande Prairie, Julia Biegel is an accomplished violinist and pianist. She is a Level 8 RCM violin gold medalist for Alberta and winner of the 2024 Grande Prairie Rotary Award for strings. Julia's musical journey and achievements in classical and fiddling continue to inspire, and her commitment to ongoing education makes her a standout talent in our community.