Zoë Santo

Instruments: Viola, violin, beginner piano, music theory.

Genres: Classical, Klezmer, Trubači, Fiddle.

Zoë is a classically trained violinist and violist whose performance focuses on improvisation, and folk music from around the world. She has studied with such artists as, Anton Kuerti, Marie Bérard, and Yosef Tamir Smirnoff, as well with various members of ensembles such as Ensemble Made in Canada (recent Juno winners), Afiara Quartet, Linden Quartet, Harlem Quartet, and Lemon Bucket Orkestra.  Her fascination with world music has led her down many paths including but not limited to Balkan, Celtic, Trubači, and Klezmer. 

With a background in improvisation and love of teaching, Zoë leads energetic classes tailored to the needs of each student’s strengths. She currently plays with the Toronto Klezmer Society, has performed with some of the leading world music artists in Canada and recorded on a variety of folk music albums. Her music has brought her around the world, having performed at Sunfest in London with The Turbans, Ashkenaz Festival, and WE Day at the Air Canada Center.

Top ten (+3) albums: 

Lemonade – Beyonce
Billie Eilish – When We All Fall Asleep Where Do We Go
Lido Pimienta – Miss Colombia
Willow - Rise
Volür – Breakers of Rings
Villagers of Ionnina city - Riza
Solange – A Seat At The Table
Fanfare Ciocarlia - 20
Han Han - Urduja
Tsuzing -東方不敗
Nine Inch Nails - The Downward Spiral
Mitski – Be the Cowboy
MF Doom – Mm.. Food

Best live music experience:

Being 2 years old a Mayumi Seiler concert, falling in love with the violin and asking my parents if I could play it every day for a year (or so the story goes). They said “no, we have a piano”. I’m very stubborn though and here we are today!

Playing with Volür with Laura Bates at the Garrison. I had the flu and about a pound of makeup on that kept sliding off my face every time I blew my nose. Despite the state of my heatlh, it’s one of my favorite shows I’ve played.

The upcoming 2022 Billie Eilish tour!!!! I’m very excited.

Another special time was dancing under the hot summer sun to Mac Demarco followed by the strange curatorial choice of Die Antwoord. I came home that night very sunburnt but filled with excitement.

Also listening to Maxim Vengerov play at the Roy Thomson Hall on a cold winter day in high school. I first fell in love with his playing of Sibelius and have been obsessed ever since.

Favorite Restaurant/Food:

This is really hard because I am food obsessed. Drom Taberna is one of my favorite spots. The borscht and goulash remind me of home, and the music and company have made it one of my regular spots. I’m also obsessed with Kinton Ramen, dumplings in general, injera, and arugula. I’m very very into kumquats, lychees, blue cheese, Chablis wine, roti, jerk chicken…ok I’ll stop but basically I love food.

Favorite scale:

D major is great, but Misheberak and Phrygian are up there too.

First musical experience:

Probably in the womb, or crawling around in diapers with my dad blasting Les Misérables on the speakers. 

Most influential artist:

Honestly probably Raffi. The Wheel on the Bus is such a banger.

I like to teach because:

I’ve been blessed to have a long list of incredible teachers, mentors, and ensembles who have shared their wealth of knowledge with me. I know how powerful a teacher can be in changing one’s life, even if in little ways. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and coaching others towards their goals.

Favorite movie:

It’s hard to pick one but I loved Parasite, and of course the Billie Eilish documentary. 

Why is music important to me:

It brings people together, connects cultures, and speaks a language of the heart. 

Zoe playing at a recent Covid concert