RAFAEL HOEKMAN

Rafael Hoekman completed his Master's Degree with Shauna Rolston at the University of Toronto. He has since established himself as one of Canada's most versatile cellists, finding success as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral player, and teacher.

As a chamber musician and founding member of the Tokai String Quartet, Rafael won Fourth Prize in the Banff International String Quartet Competition as well as the Felix Galimir Chamber Music Award and the Sir Ernest MacMillan Grant for a young Canadian chamber ensemble. Rafael's chamber music performances have been featured on several national broadcasts for the CBC.

Before joining the Calgary Philharmonic in 2011, Rafael held assistant principal positions in both the Winnipeg and Windsor Symphony Orchestras. He has also held positions with Orchestra London Canada and Sinfonia Toronto.