Meet the 2026 Adjudicators

Laurence Schaufele is a violist intent on exploring musicianship in a wide variety of genres.
His experience spans diverse styles of music such as classical, jazz, klezmer, celtic,
bluegrass, and many more.

Hailing from rural southern Alberta, Laurence trained in the European classical tradition. He
specialised at an early age on chamber music, from duos to string orchestra ensembles.
Starting his post-secondary in Calgary, he transferred to Toronto for a change of pace. After
graduating from the Royal Conservatory of Music in 2015 in viola performance, Laurence set
off on a career which stretched the viola between many genres.
Laurence has toured with a variety of ensembles ranging from string quartets and orchestras
to progressive rock bands. He has performed on stages across four continents. Most
notably, Laurence recorded with the jazz/classical ensemble SymphRONica. Their album
UpfRONt received a JUNO nomination.

When not performing, Laurence spends his time teaching violin/viola, listening to music,
cooking, walking his dog, and spending time with his family.