Winona Zelenka is a Canadian cellist who has made a name for herself in the world of classical music. Born in Toronto, Canada, on August 22, 1964, Zelenka began playing the cello at the age of six. She was inspired by her mother, who was a pianist, and her father, who was a music lover. Zelenka's parents encouraged her to pursue her passion for music, and she began taking cello lessons with renowned cellist Vladimir Orloff. Zelenka's talent was evident from a young age, and she quickly became a sought-after performer. She won numerous awards and competitions, including the Canadian Music Competition, the Kiwanis Music Festival, and the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition. Zelenka also studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, where she earned her ARCT diploma in cello performance. After completing her studies, Zelenka began performing professionally. She played with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Canadian Opera Company, and the National Ballet of Canada. Zelenka also performed as a soloist with various orchestras, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, and the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1991, Zelenka joined the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra as principal cellist. She held this position for 18 years, during which time she played in numerous productions and worked with some of the world's most renowned conductors and singers. Zelenka also continued to perform as a soloist and chamber musician, collaborating with artists such as pianist Angela Hewitt and violinist James Ehnes. One of Zelenka's most notable performances was her solo debut with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 2005. She performed the Elgar Cello Concerto, which is considered one of the most challenging works in the cello repertoire. Zelenka's performance was widely praised, and she was hailed as a rising star in the classical music world. Zelenka has also received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 2006, she was awarded the Virginia Parker Prize by the Canada Council for the Arts, which recognizes outstanding young Canadian musicians. Zelenka was also a finalist for the 2007 Prix Opus in the category of "Soloist of the Year" for her performance of the Bach Cello Suites. In addition to her performing career, Zelenka is also a dedicated teacher. She has taught at the University of Toronto, the Glenn Gould School, and the Royal Conservatory of Music. Zelenka is known for her passionate and engaging teaching style, and many of her students have gone on to successful careers in music. Zelenka's discography includes several critically acclaimed recordings. In 2008, she released her debut solo album, "Bach: The Six Cello Suites," which was praised for its technical precision and emotional depth. Zelenka's second album, "Respighi: Adagio con variazioni," was released in 2011 and featured works by Italian composer Ottorino Respighi. Today, Zelenka continues to perform and teach. She is a member of the Amici Chamber Ensemble and the Canadian Chamber Orchestra, and she frequently performs as a soloist and chamber musician. Zelenka is also a passionate advocate for the arts and is involved in various community outreach programs. In conclusion, Winona Zelenka is a talented and accomplished cellist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music.

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