Valerie Sylvester, violinist, received her Masters Degree in violin performance from the Mannes School of Music in New York, after completing undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto. She is concertmaster of the Niagara Symphony, Opera York, and leader and co-director of Talisker Players, an ensemble which specializes in choral and vocal accompanying. She is a member of Nota Bene Orchestra and a founding member of the Montgomery Consort of Viols. Other period-instrument work has included engagements with Opera Atelier, Aradia Ensemble, and tours of Japan, Singapore, and New Zealand. Upcoming engagements include recitals with Kaus Borealis, Studio of Early Music Toronto, and the Toronto Early Music Centre's 'Musically Speaking' series.