Originally from Ottawa, Ontario, cellist Cal McGowan is currently completing their studies with Brian Manker at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music. In 2024, Cal won the Ottawa Chamberfest’s Rising Stars Competition and was invited to perform at the National Arts Center as part of the festival. Cal was also invited to perform as a soloist with the Ottawa Youth Symphony Orchestra in February 2024 as winner of their concerto competition. From 2023 to 2025, Cal was the principal cellist of the Ottawa Youth Symphony Orchestra and had the opportunity to play side-by-side with the National Arts Centre Orchestra and the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra. In the last few years, Cal has performed at various shows and events as a freelance cellist and they have taught aspiring cellists of all ages.