Margaret Tobolowska is a dynamic, versatile, and multi-faceted artist. Not only does she perform as a solo recitalist and chamber musician, Margaret is passionate about teaching and working with cellists of all ages, at all stages. Born in Toronto, Margaret began playing the cello at the age of twelve and was admitted to the University of Toronto when she was sixteen. Margaret received her Bachelor of Music in Performance in 1992 and continued, on full scholarship at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. She is a recipient of many prizes and scholarships, including three consecutive Canada Council Arts Grants to continue her studies abroad. Following her graduation from the Curtis Institute of Music in 1994 with an Artist Diploma, she immediately won a position with the Vancouver Symphony. In January 1999 she became a member of the National Arts Center Orchestra.
She has performed at many internationally prestigious Chamber Festivals in North America and Europe, including: the Ravinia Festival in Chicago, the Verbier Festival in Switzerland, the Schleswig-Holstein Festival in Germany, Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Le Domaine Forget in Quebec, the Festival of the Sound in Parry Sound, Ontario, the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival, the Lanaudiere Festival, and the McGill Chamber Orchestra series.
Margaret is also the creator of two storytelling CD’s for young children. ‘A Cello for Chelsea’ and ‘Zara the Maggini’ are two musical stories that she arranged, composed and authored, specifically designed to inspire and entertain children. They have been greeted with much applause from audiences and critics.
‘Cellist captivates young, young at heart – Tobolowska tells a tale of girl whose life changes after she discovers the cello. Tobolowska provides the narration along with some luscious cello playing, and the enterprise is a real charmer…’ Ottawa Citizen.
Margaret has been captivated by the philosophy and writings of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki and firmly believes that ‘Every Child Can’. She completed her Suzuki Book One training at the Suzuki Institute at PhoenixPhest 2010 with the extraordinary cello pedagogue Dr. Tanya Carey. Margaret joined the National Capital Suzuki School of Music in the fall of 2010 and is very excited to be sharing all her experience and knowledge with her students. As teaching and children are at the heart of Margaret’s work, she co-founded and is the Artistic Director of The Leading Note Foundation, which provides music opportunities to children who would otherwise not have the opportunity. This El Sistema inspired program has over 100 children singing and playing their hearts out through the OrKidstra and KidSingers youth music programs. In her own words: ‘Our program is far more than a music program; it is a way to reach out to these children and give them a common language (our children speak 24 different languages!) that breaks down barriers and grows an empathetic and caring community. Our program is not only about musical excellence, it is about excellence in teamwork, excellence in caring, and excellence of the heart’ Margaret is passionate about teaching and has given masterclasses in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. She has taught at the University of Ottawa and at the National Arts Center’s Summer Music Institute. Visit enchanten.com for more information and to hear Margaret play.