Jeunesses Musicales - A pianophile's paradise

Kristine Berey

Many renowned musicians first gained international attention through winning an established musical competition.

From May 19-29, Montrealers will have a chance to hear some of the best and brightest young pianists in the world at this year’s Montreal International Musical Competition.

Organized in 2002 at the initiative of Jeunesses Musicales, each year’s event highlights either voice, piano or violin, the three disciplines presented in a rotating four-year cycle. This year’s competition received 130 applications from pianists under 30 from 28 different countries.

Chosen finalists will perform at the Quarter and Semi Finals at Salle Pierre-Mercure on May 20-22 and 23-24 and six will play at the Finals on May 26-27 at the Theatre Maisonneuve at Place des Arts. The young artists will prepare different repertoire for each concert.

The price of admission to each session is kept intentionally low at $10 as the MIMC wants to keep these concerts by these young musicians of great talent as accessible to the public as possible.

The event will culminate with the Gala Concert on May 29 at Salle Wilfrid- Pelletier where the finalists will be accompanied by the Competition’s resident orchestra, the Orchestre Metropolitain du Grand Montreal (OMGM) conducted by Jean Marie Zeituni.

The Competition’s stated aim is to “discover, reward and assist” young musicians all over the world who distinguish themselves through the mastery of their art and to give them a chance to showcase their talent before the international artistic community.

The jury is composed of a panel of eminent musicians from several countries and the event is the only Canadian international music competition held each year.

Info: 514-845-4108

Tickets: 514-842-2112