Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Ellamay Mantie recently completed her Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance at McGill University with Brian Manker. In Montreal, she frequently served as Principal Cellist of the McGill Symphony Orchestra and performed with the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal as a substitute. She is also a member of the Lyra Quartet, formed in 2023. This fall, she will begin her Master of Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with Allison Wells.  

During her studies, Ellamay earned scholarships and awards from McGill University and participated in masterclasses with esteemed artists such as Brannon Cho, Phillipe Muller, and Cibran Sierra Vazquez. Previously, she attended the Musical Chairs Chamber Music Festival, ENCORE String Quartet Intensive, Orford Musique, and Domaine Forget. 

Ellamay’s training in traditional folk music informs her musical voice and inspires her to explore a wide range of creative endeavors. She enjoys teaching traditional folk music to others as well as incorporating it into her classical work. Outside of her studies, Ellamay explores projects such as studio recording, traditional fiddle music, and cross-genre and contemporary works.  

Finalists of the 2024 McGill Chamber Music Competition, her quartet performs frequently in Montreal, most recently including a recital at the Schulich@Bonpasteur program and appearances in the Schulich in the Neighborhood community concert series. This past summer, the quartet served as Emerging Artist Fellows at the Garth Newel Music Centre in Virginia and received a full scholarship to the Tuckamore Music Festival in St. John’s, Newfoundland.