Adjudicators

Nestor is a triple threat performer with a diverse background in theatre, both on stage and behind the scenes.  Over the years, Nestor has honed a deep understanding of various musical and theatrical disciplines, making them a trusted voice in the world of arts adjudication. 

Born and raised in Toronto, Nestor holds a Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance degree through Sheridan College’s renowned musical theatre program, where they trained as a triple threat, excelling in acting, singing, and dancing. This comprehensive training has shaped their versatility and depth as a performer, enabling them to adapt to a variety of performance styles. 

Nestor has appeared on various musical stages across Canada. Previous theatre credits include: The Wizard in The Wizard of Oz: The Panto (Drayton Entertainment); Miss Understanding in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Stage West Calgary); Derrick in Peter Pan: The Panto (Neptune Theatre in Halifax); Papa Ogre/Bear in Shrek The Musical (Globe Theatre in Regina). Most notably, Nestor has appeared on the Stratford Festival stages as Angel Dumott Schunard in RENT, Mrs. Whatsit in A Wrinkle in Time, Tink in Wendy and Peter Pan and appeared in Salesman in China. 

Nestor has led workshops with the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy, where they play a key role in nurturing and guiding the next generation of young performers. Through an Acting Through Song workshop, they help young artists find new meaning and discoveries in songs through technical exercises and heartfelt, emotional approaches. Nestor is passionate about giving young performers the tools they need to succeed, both on stage and in life.

As an adjudicator for the 2025 Take The Stage Music Festival, Nestor is excited to encourage and uplift emerging talent, offering guidance from both an artistic and technical perspective. 

Bernard Hui is a renowned crossover pianist and music educator from Hong Kong, celebrated for over three decades of professional teaching experience. With expertise spanning classical, jazz, and contemporary genres, Bernard inspires his students through a dynamic, multifaceted approach to music education. As a master of piano technique and interpretation, his teaching not only nurtures a deep appreciation for music but also equips students with advanced performance skills. Many of his protégés have been accepted into prestigious institutions, including the University of Toronto, University of Alberta, Royal College of Music (UK), Royal Northern College of Music (UK), Berklee College of Music (USA), Mannes School of Music (USA), University of Queensland (Australia) and University of Melbourne (Australia). Bernard’s commitment to excellence has also led to his appointment as both a faculty member and a solo performer at the 2nd and 3rd Hong Kong International Piano Conferences.

Bernard holds a Bachelor of Music (Honors) and a Professional Diploma from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, with majors in pipe organ and piano performance. To further hone his skills, he studied piano improvisation under the tutelage of renowned jazz pianist Bob Mocarsky.

As a classical performer, Bernard is recognized for his artistic flair and commanding stage presence. He has delivered solo recitals and ensemble performances at prominent venues, including the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, various city halls, and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. His collaborations include performances with acclaimed ensembles such as the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hong Kong Sinfonietta. Among his career highlights are being a featured soloist at the inaugural concert of the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra and serving as the organ soloist for the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra’s concert The Wonderful World of Reeds.

In the jazz realm, Bernard is a dynamic and influential figure in Hong Kong’s music scene. In 1996, he co-founded the Aleatory Jazz Ensemble, and two decades later, he established innovative groups such as the HAZZ Trio, Quartet SAN (a fusion jazz band), and the Chinese-jazz ensemble Gwat6 Koeng5. His collaborations extend to bands like La Petite Jazzy Jam, The Big Band Express, and the R&B/jazz collective M.I.D. Regularly performing at esteemed venues such as Gecko, Peel Fresco, The Orange Peel, and The Fringe Club, Bernard has become a staple of Hong Kong’s jazz circuit.

Since relocating to Toronto in 2021, Bernard has further expanded his artistic influence through his YouTube channel, Lionrock Piano Covers. Specializing in high-quality piano arrangements of popular Asian music for Classical-trained pianists, particularly Cantopop, the channel has garnered a loyal following. With over 300 song covers produced in just two years, Lionrock Piano Covers is now recognized as a leading platform for showcasing the artistry and sophistication of Pop-songs piano performances, admired for its exceptional musicianship and innovative arrangements.

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 taken lessons with worldrenowned piano masters including Drs. John O’Conor, Jerome Lowenthal, Peter Bithell, John Perry, Robert Silverman and Edward Auer.

Christopher’s love for music resulted in numerous awards and scholarships, including many grand prizes at music festivals both at home and in America. Under the tutelage of Marina Geringas, Christopher took his RCM Grade 10 piano exam at the age of 11, achieving First Class Honours with Distinction, with a mark of 95. Christopher completed his Royal Conservatory of Music ARCT Diploma in Piano Performance at the young age of 14, again

with Distinction. 

As a composer and arranger, Christopher has worked with talented musicians and artists around the world, including Tina Guo (cellist for Hans Zimmer), Anne-Kathrin Dern (The Claus Family), and David Wise (Donkey Kong Country), pop musicians RoomieOfficial and Clay Agnew (Foxchase), and has collaborated with fellow creators Ryan Leach and 8-bit Music Theory. A few of his scoring credits include music and orchestrations for Hallmark's romantic comedy Her Pen

Pal, as well as original music and arrangements for the Dark Dice series, which won awards including “Best Original Score” at the 2022 Signal Awards.

As an educator, Christopher currently runs a YouTube channel where he shares weekly content on composition, orchestration and mixing, empowering musicians to realize their true creative potential.