Samir Abd-Elmessih (p)

Samir Abd-Elmessih became the principal horn player with Orchestra Toronto beginning in the 2019-2020 season. Along with his role as principal horn with OT, he continues to hold the same position with the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra and the Etobicoke Philharmonic. Although most recent playing has been with community groups, he has appeared as a horn player in many ensembles in Ontario including the Hamilton Philharmonic and Ontario Philharmonic Orchestras as well as the Windsor, Niagara, and Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestras.

Samir attended the Schulich School of Music at McGill University, and the Glenn Gould School at the Royal Conservatory of Music. During this time, he was fortunate to have studied with many fine horn teachers including John Zirbel, Denys Derome, Jean Gaudreault (l’Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal); David Wakefield (American Brass Quintet); Chris Gongos (Toronto Symphony Orchestra); Martin Hackleman (National Symphony Orchestra, Canadian Brass, Empire Brass). During his music studies, Samir participated in many renowned festivals and is an alumnus of the Aspen Music Festival and School, the National Academy Orchestra, and the National Youth Orchestra of Canada.

In addition to his musical activities, Samir is an elementary teacher in the TDSB.