2025 Live Adjudicators

Mary-Elizabeth Brown

Upper Strings

Mary-Elizabeth Brown

Canadian violinist Mary-Elizabeth Brown has established herself as both a captivating performer and a dedicated educator in Canada and abroad. Hailed by critics for her "ability to unfold bittersweet magic" and "perfect command of her instrument," solo engagements have taken her to notable venues and festivals across Europe, Asia, North and South America including Festival do Campos do Jordão (Brazil), the White House, and the Aldeburgh Festival (UK). Over 2 decades as a concertmaster, Brown has led orchestras four continents, earning critical praise for her leadership, and collaborating with celebrated conductors Lorin Maazel, Placido Domingo, Carlos Miguel Prieto and others. She plays regularly with l'Orchestre Metropolitain and Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

Brown is a highly sought-after teacher and speaker. She founded the AVIVA Virtual Young Artist Program in 2012, pioneering web-based pre-college music education. Recent visiting artist appointments include Dalhousie University, the University of the Bahamas, Bellarmine University and the University of Texas. She was named a Teacher of Distinction by the Royal Conservatory in 2020.