To Perform with Milton Philharmonic Orchestra on March 21

2025 marks a remarkable comeback for York University student and gifted concert pianist Isabel Misquitta-Yip.

After recovering from a serious illness that sidelined her last year, she is now set to make a triumphant return to the stage. Her upcoming performance with the Milton Philharmonic Orchestra at FirstOntario Centre will be her first major concerto before a large audience.

“Honestly, I’m overjoyed,” Misquitta-Yip shared enthusiastically. Her comeback is not just about regaining her health but also about reconnecting with her passion. “Music isn’t just about playing notes or a personal experience—it’s a way of communicating with the audience,” she explained.

“When I perform, I think about the audience members who are listening, the connection I share with the conductor, Pratik [Gandhi], and the orchestra. Together, we create a story to tell,” she said, describing the artistry behind a concerto.

She will be featured in Spring Blossoms at FirstOntario Centre—a concert that, according to the venue’s website, promises to help classical music lovers “shake off the winter blues with a revitalizing musical experience.”

The evening’s program includes Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 in D Major and Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel’s Overture in C Major.

Misquitta-Yip will take on Camille Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, a challenging and celebrated piece in the classical repertoire.

Her impressive list of achievements speaks for itself. She won first place in the York University Concerto Competition, performing alongside the university’s symphony orchestra. She is also a two-time gold medalist with the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Beyond competitions, she has performed at Brampton’s Chamber Music Concert Series, the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association Festival, and the prestigious Orford Music Festival.

Her success is a testament to her dedication and the mentorship of esteemed teachers such as Katherine Dowling of York University and Michael Berkovsky of the Royal Conservatory, among others. She also extends her gratitude to conductor Pratik Gandhi and her close friends for their support.

Misquitta-Yip firmly believes that everyone has an inner artist, as “figuring out our place in the world is an art in itself.”

“The instrument is simply a vehicle for your art and self-expression.”

Spring Blossoms will take place on March 21 at 7:30 PM. Tickets and additional details are available on the Milton Philharmonic Orchestra’s website.