Josh Fink co-founded Ensemble de violoncelles de Montréal in 2019 alongside Montreal Symphony cellists Gary Russell and Genevieve Guimond, and pianist Sandra Hunt, driven by a pattern he kept witnessing as a professional musician and educator: talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. The registered charity provides intensive, high-quality cello and musicianship training to children and teens who would otherwise lack access, offering full and partial scholarships, loaned instruments and accessories, and weekly private lessons, group classes, and ensemble rehearsals led by Montreal Symphony Orchestra cellists.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Ensemble de violoncelles de Montréal is a registered charity that provides intensive, high-quality cello and musicianship training to children and teens who would not otherwise have access. We offer full and partial scholarships, loan instruments and accessories, and provide weekly private lessons, group classes, and ensemble rehearsals led by cellists of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Cost and access are huge barriers in music education. Quality instruments, lessons, and consistent mentorship are expensive, and many families cannot afford them. Our goal is to remove those barriers so that talented, motivated young people can study music seriously, build confidence and community, and access opportunities that are often reserved for families with financial means.
When did you start/join it?
I founded the program in 2019 along with Montreal Symphony cellists Gary Russell and Genevieve Guimond, and pianist Sandra Hunt.
What made you want to get involved?
I am a professional musician and educator, and I kept seeing the same pattern: talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. I wanted to create something in Montréal that combines serious training, a warm community, and real financial accessibility, so that children with potential are not blocked by any barriers.
What was the situation like when you started?
When we began, the program was small, with very limited resources and only a handful of students. It was truly a passion project: the other founders and I volunteered our time in the early days to get it off the ground. A generous first grant from the Julian Family Foundation allowed us to purchase the cellos we needed, which was the crucial step that made the program possible.
How has it changed since?
Since then, we have grown significantly. We now serve roughly 40 students from dozens of neighbourhoods across Greater Montréal. Our students represent many cultures and languages, and a large portion are newcomers, refugees, or first and second generation Canadians. Over the past six years, we have recorded more than 10 albums of original music composed and performed by our students, and our students have earned many local and national awards in both performance and composition. Demand has also surged, with hundreds of families currently on our wait list hoping to join.
What more needs to be done?
The biggest need is capacity. We need more sustainable funding to be able to better pay our teachers, expand programming hours, and secure a stable, affordable rehearsal space.
How can our readers help?
Readers can help in a few ways:
- They would be welcome to make a donation through our website
- They can purchase our albums of original music here
- Introduce us to Montréal-based companies, foundations, or community partners interested in supporting youth arts access
Do you have any events coming up?
We are hosting the renowned cello professor Hans Jensen on April 19th at 2:30 pm at the Unitarian Church of Montreal. More information can be found here.
Bring your cello for a hands-on workshop with Hans Jensen and Minna Chung as they guide participants through core ideas and exercises from their new book, Ultimate Fun in Thumb Position. After the workshop, settle in to watch a masterclass, followed by a Q & A on thumb position, practice strategies, and the book.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
Centre Kabir (Kabir Centre for Arts & Culture) is a wonderful Montréal-based organization that celebrates South Asian classical music and arts in dialogue with cultures from around the world. They present fantastic concerts throughout the year and create meaningful opportunities for both audiences and emerging artists.
