Kevin Ahfat: Piano
For pianist Kevin Ahfat, participating in The Rebanks Family Fellowship Program felt like coming home. After spending several years at Juilliard, where he completed his undergraduate and graduate studies, the program allowed the Toronto native to make a welcome return to his hometown.
Photography: Brandon Patoc
Video: Riddle Films
Ahfat was drawn to what he describes as the “exciting energy” that pervades The Royal Conservatory, as well as his ability to embark upon all manner of musical projects.
“We can pursue anything of intrigue, whether that be concerts, educational pursuits, or whatever else that piques our interest.”
One of Kevin’s passions is the development of work that merges beautiful music with arresting visuals. He’s teamed up with filmmaker Myles Chiu, with whom he collaborated on a 2018 recording for the CBC, on another video he hopes to release soon.
“I am a big believer that when performance and visuals occur on equal footing, it creates a fantastic synergy that elevates both mediums to new heights.
Among Kevin’s other ‘projects of intrigue’ have been a series of North American performances with the ARC Ensemble, a group made up of senior faculty of The Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School.
Having the freedom to work, study, and coach with the faculty of The Glenn Gould School is something Kevin considers a privilege, particularly for someone embarking on a career as a performer.
Photography: Brandon Patoc
Video: Riddle Films
Watch Kevin Ahfat's Performance
Modest Mussorgsky’s “Baba Yaga” and “Great Gate of Kiev” from Pictures at an Exhibition
The Glenn Gould School is The Royal Conservatory of Music’s internationally recognized centre for professional training in music performance at the post-secondary and post-graduate levels.
Unique in Canada, The Rebanks Family Fellowship and International Performance Residency Program is the one-year postgraduate program of The Royal Conservatory's Glenn Gould School. Created for artists on the cusp of a professional career, it offers a rich curriculum for career development including: private study with exceptional faculty and guest artists; concert presentations and career coaching; and marketing training and support. Each Rebanks Fellow also participates in a funded international residency.