Tomas Peña

Cello

Tomas Peña is a Toronto-based cellist with considerable ensemble and collaborative performance experience. A graduate from the University of Toronto, he completed his Bachelor of Music in Performance Degree under the tutelage of Paul Widner and Joseph Johnson. His graduating recital received special recognition from the faculty, and he will be featured in the 'Thursdays at Noon - Laureates' Concert Series during the 2026-2027 season. As an orchestral musician, he has been a member of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, Contemporary Music Ensemble (UofT), National Academy Orchestra of Canada, Orchestra Toronto, University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and has served as guest principal cello of the York Chamber Ensemble.

A dedicated advocate for new music, Tomas has been actively involved in contemporary music projects, including the Blank Canvas Sound Collective, which premieres works by emerging Toronto composers. He has also appeared in the pit orchestra for numerous musical theatre productions, notably productions of 'Into the Woods', 'Alice by Heart', and 'Company'. Tomas has attended and performed at various summer music festivals, including Domaine Forget de Charlevoix, International Cello Institute, Festival Quito Cellos, and Cascade Peaks ChamberFest. He has played in masterclasses for renowned cellists like Johannes Moser, Jean-Guihen Queyras, and Steven Doane.

In addition, Tomas is a passionate educator, committed to building a strong technical foundation while encouraging students to approach their cello playing creatively and helping them see it as part of a bigger, more exciting musical world.