VC2 Cello Duo

VC2 Cello Duo is an imaginative and riveting ensemble that captivates audiences through their unique performances of classical masterworks, hidden gems, and boundary-pushing music. Formed by cellists Amahl Arulanandam and Bryan Holt—described by CBC Music as “a tight unit, with excellent intonation and expression”—the duo presents programs that are both artistically challenging and accessible, performing everywhere from intimate cabarets to the grandeur of Roy Thomson Hall.

As respected cellists, both members have performed with leading music organizations in Toronto, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, National Ballet of Canada Orchestra, Art of Time Ensemble, Continuum Contemporary Music, New Music Concerts, Thin Edge New Music Collective, Tapestry Opera, Soundstreams, and Against the Grain Theatre. VC2 has been featured at festivals and concert series across Canada and abroad, such as Toronto Summer Music Festival, TO Live, Music Toronto, Women’s Musical Club of Toronto, The Harbourfront Centre, 21C Music Festival, Ottawa Chamberfest, Under the Spire, Ottawa New Music Creators, Women’s Musical Club of Winnipeg, New Works Calgary, Regina Music Club, ScotiaFest, Ritornello Festival, Barrie Concert Association, Prairie Cello Institute, and soundSCAPE Festival in Italy. The duo are alumni of national touring organizations Debut Atlantic (2017-18) and Prairie Debut (2019/20).

Committed to championing new music, especially by Canadian composers, VC2 commissioned five composers to create works inspired by Beethoven’s Cello Sonatas. These pieces were recorded and released in their debut album, Beethoven’s Cellists, in 2018, which CBC Radio called “first-rate.” Their latest release, I and Thou, features Canadian composers and special guest instrumentalists who have influenced the duo’s artistic journey. Produced by Leaf Music, the album was nominated for Classical Album of the Year at the 2024 East Coast Music Awards.

VC2’s dedication extends beyond performance. Both cellists are active educators, teaching and adjudicating for the Royal Conservatory of Music and maintaining private studios. They have contributed to programs like the Oscar Peterson Program, Axis Music Toronto, Sistema Toronto, and Toronto Community Schools, all aiming to expand music’s reach in underserved communities. The duo has delivered over one hundred educational and outreach events for organizations such as Xenia Concerts, Concerts in Care, several regional school boards, The Lotus Centre for Special Music Education, The Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa (with Rob Kapilow), and others. Their teaching legacy includes masterclasses, workshops, and lectures at institutions like the University of Toronto, York University, Ontario Music Educators Association, The Glenn Gould School, Mount Royal Conservatory, University of Alberta, Brandon University, Dalhousie University, Memorial University, Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, and the Prairie Cello Institute.

Celebrating their tenth season together, VC2 continue to develop concerts, workshops, and outreach initiatives for diverse audiences, striving to strengthen their vibrant role in the Canadian music scene.