Malak El Ouadghiri, a 15-year-old violinist, has been playing for 12 years under the guidance of Amy Paster. She is also an accomplished pianist studying with Edwin Gnandt. A two-time Canadian Music Competition (CMC) finalist, she has earned multiple awards at the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival (GVPAF) and the VAYA International Festival. Malak won national gold medals for her RCM Level 5 and Level 7 violin exams and achieved First Class Honours with Distinction on her RCM Grade 10 violin exam. Currently serving as co-concertmaster of the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra (GVYO), she was also a 2024 provincials candidate in both solo violin and chamber music.