Montreal International Music Competition/Concours international de musique de Montréal | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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Montreal International Music Competition/Concours international de musique de Montréal

The Montreal International Music Competition/Concours international de musique de Montréal was an annual music competition held in Montréal for outstanding young musicians from around the world.

Montreal International Music Competition/Concours international de musique de Montréal

The Montreal International Music Competition/Concours international de musique de Montréal was an annual music competition held in Montréal for outstanding young musicians from around the world. The organization was incorporated in 1963 with Wilfrid PELLETIER as honorary president and the first competition was held in 1965. Alternating among piano, violin and voice, each competition was restricted to performers 16-30 years of age (piano and violin) and 20-35 (voice). There were 2 preliminary rounds and a final round in which the ORCHESTRE MÉTROPOLITAIN often took part.

Rigorous admission standards and the high quality of its juries have made the competition one of the most prestigious in the world. The prize money ($18 000 first prize) and opportunities for performances with leading Canadian orchestras have attracted superb young musicians. Among contestants who went on to highly successful careers are Gidon Kremer (2nd, violin, 1969), Ivo Pogorelic (1st, piano, 1980) and Sandra Graham (2nd, voice, 1985). A special prize was awarded to the best interpreter of a new work by a Canadian composer especially commissioned for the competition. The Competition ceased operation, and its last awards were given out, in 1997.

See also MUSIC AWARDS AND COMPETITIONS.