It gives me tremendous joy to support the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto as
they host the CCC Toronto International Music Festival.

Having grown up in the GTA, I have participated in many festivals and competitions first in
Toronto, then nationally, and finally on the world stage. Festivals and competitions provide an unparalleled motivation for young artists as they journey towards artistic excellence; we learn a great deal about ourselves when our skills are put to the test.

Support from our teachers, mentors, jurors, parents and peers, is infinitely important to every young artist – for their development and to fuel their passion.

I sincerely thank and commend the CCC for their dedication to providing this essential nurturing platform for these wonderful young artists to engage with our community as they hone their skills and pursue their dreams.

It is my wish that our young artists will be inspired by themselves and each other, and find life-long artistic collaborators and friends in music.

With very best musical wishes,

Yi-Jia Susanne Hou

The Juilliard School [BM, MM, AD]

3-time International Violin Competition Gold  Medalist