David Willms received his Bachelor of Music Education from Western University on violin and viola. He was the Principal Violist of the Windsor Symphony from 1986 to 1991. After performing with the Netherlands Opera Orchestra for 2 years, Willms established a busy Canadian career as a violist with the Toronto Symphony and the Canadian Opera Company among many others, including Toronto’s productions of Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera. He has recorded and toured with Canadian artists such as Diana Krall, Bruce Cockburn and Anne Murray. He performed and recorded extensively for Sony Classical with Toronto’s Tafelmusik, including tours around the world. Willms led the music programs at Aldershot High School (band) in Burlington and Abbey Park High School (strings) in Oakville until his retirement from teaching in 2024. As a conductor, Mr. Willms is the former Music Director of the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (HPYO). He is currently assistant conductor and viola coach with the Oakville Symphony Youth Orchestra (OSYO). Willms has adjudicated for the Golden Horseshoe Music Festival (GHMF) and Musicfest Canada’s National Festival in 2025 and 2026.
