Sonata / Sonatina, Concert / Recital Group, Concerto, Open Piano
Strings
April 20 – 22, 2026.
St. Michaels Cathedral
Let your music resonate! The COPAF Strings discipline invites violinists, violists and cellists of all ages to perform at St. Michael’s Cathedral, where the warm acoustics beautifully showcase each instrument’s tone and artistry. Participants receive valuable feedback from expert adjudicators and have the opportunity to qualify for the BC Provincials. From classical concertos to contemporary works and chamber ensembles, this discipline celebrates musicianship, expression, and technical mastery where every note tells a story.
Meet Our Strings Adjudicator: Victoria Gould
With solo performances ranging from Bach and Mozart to Schnittke and Pärt, violinist Tori Gould has consistently distinguished herself as an exuberant and varied performer and instructor. As an orchestra musician, she was Principal Second with the Victoria Symphony for nearly two decades, and has also held the position of Assistant Principal Second Violin with the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony, acted as guest concertmaster with Symphony Nova Scotia, regularly performed with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and recently has played concerts with the Okanagan Symphony and Kelowna Opera.
Tori has a passion for chamber music, and her concerts with the Odyssey String Quartet feature a wide array of classical and contemporary styles. She has collaborated with numerous renowned chamber music festivals and ensembles across North America, including the Eine Kleine Summer Music Festival, Kaimerata Concerts, Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, the Galiano Ensemble, River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, Metamorphosen and Via Salzburg. Before moving to Vernon, Tori taught violin and chamber music at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and coached the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra. She has taught at the Sitka Fine Arts Camp, Laporte 6th Grade Campus in Texas, and has frequently acted as a mentor at the National Academy Orchestra of Canada. Tori holds a master’s degree from Rice University.
Strings Categories
Junior Strings (Levels P–3), Intermediate Strings (Levels 4–7), Senior Strings (Levels 8–ARCT), Open Strings (ages 19+)
Junior Chamber Group (Levels P–3), Intermediate Chamber Group (Levels 4–7), Senior Chamber Group (Levels 8–ARCT), Open Chamber Group (ages 19+)
Canadian Music, Early Music (Pre-Classical to Baroque), Classical (1750–1825), Romantic (1825–1910), Twentieth & Twenty-First Century, Bach & Telemann (unaccompanied), Unaccompanied Solo (non-Bach/Telemann), Traditional Fiddle, Additional Repertoire
Perform one or more contrasting works appropriate to grade level.
Concerto, Sonata, and Concert Group entries include: one movement (Junior), up to 15 minutes (Intermediate), or up to 25 minutes (Senior/Open).
String Duet, Chamber Group (2–6 performers), School Orchestra (Junior/Senior), Community Orchestra (Junior/Senior). Each ensemble performs two contrasting selections within grade-appropriate time limits.
Rules & Syllabus
Please review the official COPAF Strings Syllabi for full details, including time limits, adjudication criteria, and Provincial qualification requirements.
Students and teachers are encouraged to read through the syllabus carefully to ensure they enter the appropriate class or age division.