Biography
Praised for her magnetic, captivating, and inspiring interpretation, Chinese-Canadian conductor Kelly enjoys an active performing career across Canada. Equally comfortable with repertoires ranging from classical to contemporary, she is an advocate for under-represented voices and the founder and Artistic Director of Lagom Music Society.
Kelly is the recipient of the Hnatyshyn Foundation – Christa and Franz-Paul Decker Fellowship in Conducting. She obtained her master’s degree in orchestral conducting from the Schulich School ofMusic, where her mentors include Alexis Hauser and Guillaume Bourgogne. Additionally, Kelly holds a bachelor's and master's degree in piano performance from McGill University, with mentors such as Sara Laimon and Marina Mdivani. She hasreceived numerous scholarships, including a full scholarship from McGill University and the prestigious SSHRC scholarship. Kelly is an alumnaof the NACO mentorship program and a fellow of the Women in Musical Leadership Program by Tapestry Opera.
Kelly has collaborated with professional orchestras and ensembles across Canada and internationally, performing at major music festivalssuch as Toronto Summer Music, Ottawa Chamberfest, Biglake Festival, and 21 Stops Music Festival. Recent engagements include conducting the Ensemble Obiora, Lagom Philharmonic Orchestra, Hatch Festival Ensemble,Array Ensemble, Shaw Festival Orchestra, McGill Symphony Orchestra, and McGill Contemporary Music Ensemble. In 2024, She is set to make her debut with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra in May, the Freesound Ensemble in June, and return to the Hatch Festival in August. Kelly will also be conducting the Victoria Symphony in February 2025.