Isabelle is a native of Canada, and grew up dividing her time between Paris and Vancouver. After receiving a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Victoria where she studied with Jaroslav Karlovsky, she then obtained her Masters in Performance at the Cleveland Institute where she was a student of Heidi Castleman, Lynne Ramsey Irvine and Robert Vernon.

From 1990 to 2001, Isabelle was assistant principal viola of the Victoria Symphony. During her time with the V.S.O., Isabelle performed as a soloist including performances under the baton of Yehudi Menuhin. She co-founded the Savitri Quartet, and has performed on C.B.C. radio both as a member of the Savitri Quartet, and in collaboration with mezzo-soprano Susan Platts. From 1996-1998, Isabelle served as assistant principal with the Colorado Music Festival in Boulder, Colorado.

Since settling permanently in Vancouver in 2002, Isabelle has appeared as a soloist with Lions’ Gate Sinfonia, West Coast Symphony and Musica Intima. Currently, Isabelle is principal viola with Lion’s Gate Sinfonia, is assistant principal viola of the Vancouver Opera and performs regularly with the Vancouver Symphony. Isabelle has a busy chamber music career, performing with Blueridge Chamber Music Festival, West Coast Chamber Music, Vancouver Chamber Players and Trio Accord.

Isabelle shares her love for the viola through her teaching and her interest in young people. She has been teaching for over 30 years, including at multiple music camps and festivals, adjudicating in various cities within B.C. She has been on the faculty of the Vancouver Academy of Music since 2003 and the Head of the Viola Department since 2014.

Isabelle enjoys raising her two sons, Nicholas and Kai, with husband, Steve Mason.