2023 Adjudicators

Michael Kolk

Classical Guitar and Popular Guitar

Levels 1-5 Classical Guitar and All Popular Guitar (Virtual)

Michael Kolk has established himself as one of Canada’s most accomplished classical guitarists. He has performed at festivals and concert halls throughout North America and Europe both as a soloist and as part of chamber ensembles.

Michael has collaborated with numerous musicians in both classical and popular genres. He made his debut with orchestra as a soloist with the Toronto Philharmonia and has also performed with the Canadian Opera Company, Opera in Concert, Tapestry Opera, and CineConcerts, among others.

He has released nine albums to date. These include four solo recordings, the most recent being a collection of 20th century guitar sonatas, released in April of 2020. His five duo recordings include three albums as part of the HK Guitar Duo with Drew Henderson, as well as collaborations with guitarist Jeffrey McFadden, and violinist Laurence Kayaleh. His albums have been released on labels such as Naxos, Alma Records, and Deosonic Music, and have received glowing reviews and frequent radio play in Canada and the US.

Michael has been a top prize winner at numerous guitar competitions. He holds an ARCT performance diploma from the Royal Conservatory, as well as Master’s degree in guitar performance from the University of Toronto.