Allen Zhou

Allen picked up the cello at the age of eight, studying with Kevin Wei and furthered his studies at the Vancouver Academy of Music with Audrey Nodwell. He received his Bachelor’s of music at the University of Ottawa with the guidance of his cello professor, Paul Marleyn. During Allen’s undergraduate degree, he had the opportunity to be a part of and perform with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra. He was also a part of many chamber ensembles, which consisted of piano trios, string quartets, and quintets. His chamber groups would perform at various venues and masterclasses throughout the year. Allen’s cello ensemble got the valuable opportunity to play for one of Berlin Philharmonic’s cellists, Knut Weber. Aside from music, he was also recruited as a mentor for first year students at the University of Ottawa. He helped students with their academic, social, and cultural well being. Allen obtained his Master’s degree in cello performance at the University of Montreal on a scholarship with distinguished cellist, Yegor Dyachkov. Throughout his post secondary education, he also taught students from as young as six to adults and prepared students for RCM exams. Currently, Allen is teaching students and performing in orchestras and chamber ensembles in Vancouver.