Symphonic Passion Concert
May 8th, 2027
Don’t miss the Milton Philharmonic Orchestra’s season finale as they present a program full of passionate and beautiful orchestral music.
Featuring soloists Yohali Montero, violin, and Samantha Yang, cello.
Dominican violinist Yohali Montero is an expressive and deeply communicative artist whose playing is distinguished by warmth, sensitivity, and a genuine desire to connect with her audience. Described by Carmen Heredia as possessing a “warm and luscious” tone, Yohali is regarded as one of the promising young musical voices of the Dominican Republic. A first-prize winner of the YMoCA, she has appeared as a soloist with the National Symphony Orchestra of the Dominican Republic, the National Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Juan Pablo Duarte Symphony Orchestra, and ARCO GOCESSA.
Yohali is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Violin Performance at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music, where she studies with Violaine Melançon. She previously studied with Paul Kantor and Min-Jeong Koh at The Glenn Gould School, earning her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance. Her artistry continues to be shaped by curiosity, sincerity, and a deep commitment to meaningful musical communication.
A devoted chamber musician, Yohali was a founding member of the Renati Trio, which received Second Prize in the 2024 Glenn Gould School Chamber Competition. She is equally passionate about music education and mentorship, having served as a teaching assistant to pedagogue Kelly Parkins-Lindstrom at The Oscar Peterson School of Music and as a mentor with the Oscar Peterson Program, where she coached chamber ensembles, conducted orchestras, and supported young musicians in their artistic development. She is also the founder of Interludios de Esperanza, an outreach initiative inspired by her desire to make music a source of connection and encouragement beyond the concert hall.
At the heart of Yohali’s artistic life is her Christian faith, which shapes her understanding of music as both a gift and a form of service. Her love for creation and her curiosity about the world continually inform the way she listens, performs, and connects. Through her artistry, she hopes to create moments of beauty and honesty that invite audiences not only to listen, but to feel, reflect, and find hope.
Toronto-born cellist Samantha Yang is an avid chamber musician. 2nd place winner at the 2024 Glenn Gould School Chamber Competition, Samantha’s piano trio, the Renati Trio, performed during the Canadian Opera Company’s Free Concert Series and gave the closing performance of the Les AMIS Concerts’ 2023-24 season. Most recently, she placed 3rd in her category in the 2026 GGS Chamber Competition with her fellow members of the EASE Quartet. As a member of the Freude Quartet, Samantha was invited to the 2022 Banff International String Quartet Competition’s Youth Chamber Music Program, where she worked with Denis Brott, the Marmen Quartet, and the Viano Quartet.
Alongside her chamber experience, Samantha’s solo achievements include winning the Emerging Artist Award at the Burlington Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artist Competition, securing 1st place at the Ontario Music Festival Association Provincials, and debuting with the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra.
Over the years, Samantha has had the honour of working with esteemed cellists including Richard Aaron, Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt, Clive Greensmith, Colin Carr, Steven Doane, Natasha Brofsky, and Johannes Moser. She is a grateful recipient of full scholarship support at the Glenn Gould School and to be playing on a Thomas Kennedy cello, generously on loan to her from the Glenn Gould School.
or call the box office on 905-878-6000
