Adjudicators
Voice - Elaine Overholt
Elaine Overholt is one of North America’s most respected and treasured singers, voice teachers, performance coaches, producers and pianists. Her diverse training in piano, classical voice, gospel, theatre, pop, choral and rock, has led her to a deep understanding of all vocal styles.
At Western University, Elaine accompanied singers studying a variety of classical vocal techniques. She was tutored in voice by international opera teachers, graduating with a degree in Voice Performance. Despite the encouragement of her professors to pursue a classical career, Elaine did what has been her hallmark–she explored new frontiers and re-embraced her passion for pop, rock, and theatre. She figured out how to apply great vocal technique and powerful performance training to all forms of singing.
Elaine’s career has included the unique opportunity to perform with international recording stars (Ray Charles for one!) and her teaching skills are well known in Hollywood, having coached all the stars of the Oscar-winning ‘Chicago’, as well as ‘Hairspray’, ‘CODA’ and many other films. Coaching Ellen DeGeneres twice on her talk show was a real treat.
She has worked along side Andrew Lloyd Webber and her own TV series ‘Big Voice’, aired to rave reviews. She even coached the dancers of The National Ballet & The San Francisco Ballet in ‘West Side Story Suite’. Major record labels send their artists to Ms. Overholt to keep them in top touring shape, including stars ranging from Shawn Mendes to Jully Black to Triumph.
Elaine’s life’s work is helping to unlock the power of the human voice through healthy, soulful, passionate singing and speaking.
Piano - Christopher Siu
Christopher holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Toronto, studying under Dr. James Parker and Dr. Boris Lysenko. He has also studied with world- renowned piano masters including Drs. John O’Conor, Jerome Lowenthal, Peter Bithell, John Perry, Robert Silverman and Edward Auer.
Christopher’s passion for music has earned him numerous top awards and grand prizes at competitions across Canada and the United States. Christopher took his RCM Grade 10 piano exam at the age of 11, achieving First Class Honours with Distinction with a mark of 95. He completed his Royal Conservatory of Music ARCT Diploma in Piano Performance at 14, also with Distinction.
Christopher has performed at Roy Thomson Hall and the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, as well as the CBC’s Glenn Gould Studio and the Niagara International Chamber Music Festival over many years. At age 12, he was invited to perform with the NYCO Symphony Orchestra at their Season Finale Concert.
Christopher is an active collaborative pianist, covering a variety of classical and contemporary repertoire. He regularly accompanies at various festivals and recitals, working closely with musicians to bring out the best in every performance.
As a teacher and adjudicator, Christopher is passionate about sharing his insight and experience with the next generation of pianists through an active and encouraging approach. He guides students in developing their technique, touch, and musicality while exploring new artistic ideas, grounded in a clear understanding of each musical period’s style to support informed, faithful performances.
Christopher has served as an adjudicator at various festivals, with recent and upcoming engagements including the Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival, Yips Music Festival, North York Music Festival, Unionville Music Competition, Take the Stage Music Festival and North Hastings Music Festival.
As a composer and orchestrator, Christopher’s works have been featured in film, television and video games, blending classical sensibilities with modern cinematic and contemporary styles. His music has been brought to life by world-class musicians including Tina Guo (cellist for Hans Zimmer) and Anne-Kathrin Dern (Fearless, The Claus Family trilogy). With a growing catalogue of orchestral, chamber, and vocal music, Christopher is equally dedicated to pedagogy, recently completing a comprehensive collection of original piano pieces for all RCM levels. His mission is to create accessible, expressive repertoire that inspires developing musicians while maintaining musical depth and artistry.