Risa Tonita is a vibrant performer who communicates generously with her audiences from the stage. A very versatile musician, Risa performs as a solo and collaborative pianist, a singer, and a vocal coach. Some highlights include formerly being Co-Executive Director, pianist, and singer in the new Tabula Rasa Concert Series in Ottawa, ON, studio pianist and vocal coach for the students of Laurence Ewashko at the University of Ottawa, rehearsal pianist for the Best of Broadway POPS concert at the National Arts Centre in 2018, and a former member of the Amico Piano Quartet (APQ). Since moving to Vancouver in September 2019, Risa has begun to establish herself as a pianist in the city working with a number of singers and instrumentalists at the University of British Columbia as well as other collaborative work off-campus.

Risa is very enthusiastic about education, current events, and societal issues and is therefore always reading, studying, and attending concerts – learning new ways of improving as an artist and of contributing to her community. Her love for theatre, dance and drama have led her to many masterclasses, university courses and summer programmes that focus on acting and movement on stage such as Opera Nuova, and masterclasses with The Acting Company (Ottawa); such experiences have contributed to her ability to play with characters in any style of classical music.

In addition to being a dedicated pianist, Risa was a voice teacher and collaborative pianist with the Bytown School of Singing in Ottawa, and maintained a private studio of piano students. She looks forward to building a studio in Vancouver where she can continue to inspire her students to be creative, to take risks, and to face challenges with enthusiasm.

Risa graduated with a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music in piano performance from the University of Ottawa under the guidance of Frédéric Lacroix, and also holds a Diplôme d’études musicales from a conservatory in France. She is currently working on a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at UBC and is thoroughly enjoying being on this adventure with her supervisor Dr. Corey Hamm. When she needs a break from her piano shenanigans, Risa loves to sing, dance, knit, bake, partake in outdoor activities, and spend time with family, friends, her husband Alexander, and her mini aussie Luna.