Canadian Jonathan Mak Wins First International Sorel-Tracy Piano Competition

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Nestled in the heart of Quebec, the picturesque town of Sorel-Tracy transformed into a hub of musical excellence from October 14 to 20, as the inaugural International Sorel-Tracy Piano Competition took centre stage. This new event, spearheaded by Managing Director and Founder Rachel Doyon, not only marked a significant milestone in Canada’s rich cultural landscape but also set a promising precedent for future editions.

Richard Raymond (Canada) presided over a diverse international jury comprised of Stephen Prutsmann (USA), Mari Kodama (Japan), Simon Bertrand (Canada), and François-Frédéric Guy (France) who carefully evaluated the talents of 19 pianists hailing from six countries: China, South Korea, the United States, Japan, Canada, and New Zealand.

The final round, held within the historic walls of the beautifully converted Théâtre Massueville, was a testament to the competition’s success. With its intimate setting and exceptional acoustics, the venue, boasting a capacity of 511 spectators, was abuzz with anticipation as the audience eagerly awaited the performances. Each of the four finalists was tasked with performing a concerto of their choice, accompanied by the Orchestre Symphonique de Trois-Rivières (OSTR) under the baton of Maestro Alain Trudel.

The afternoon session opened with Jihyung Youn (South Korea) who delivered a solid and energetic rendition of Prokofiev’s 3^rd Piano Concerto. Next to perform was her compatriot In-Ae Ha (South Korea) who presented a thoughtful interpretation of Brahms’ 1^st Piano Concerto. Ha’s playing had sublime moments of spaciousness and grandeur which contrasted beautifully with the tutti sections of the orchestra.

International Sorel-Tracy Piano Competition

Photo: Philippe Manning

In the evening session, the audience was treated to the gargantuan Piano Concerto no. 2 by Brahms performed by Canada’s own Jonathan Mak. Mak’s listening and stellar control of the sound was especially convincing in the way he dialogued with the orchestra, most notably in the tender 3^rd movement. The fourth and last finalist to perform was Kevin Ahfat, another Canadian, who played the lesser known but very beautiful Piano Concerto no. 1 by Rachmaninoff. Ahfat played with real passion, especially in the second movement where he demonstrated sensitivity to the vibrant colours and lush harmonies.

Also worthy of praise was the performance of the Orchestre symphonique de Trois-Rivières, skillfully led by Alain Trudel. Performing both Brahms piano concertos in one day is no small feat, much less a total of four concertos on a very short notice. Yet, the OSTR not only rose to the challenge, they did so with a remarkable commitment and richness of sound.

Following a brief deliberation, the jury announced the winners: Jonathan Mak secured 1st prize, with In-Ae Ha, Kevin Ahfat, and Jihyung Youn claiming the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th prizes, respectively. Special accolades went to Grégoire Abadie for ‘Best Canadian Performance’ and Jonathan Mak for ‘Best Interpretation of the Imposed Piece by Ana Sokolović. The evening drew to a close with Rachel Doyon’s heartfelt address, expressing deep gratitude to the host families, whose warmth and hospitality played a pivotal role in making the contestants feel at home.

Judging by the enthusiasm of the audience, the professionalism of the orchestra, the dedication of the organizers, and the high-level playing among the contestants, the first edition of the Concours International de Sorel Tracy was a clear success. The next edition is already scheduled for 2026, promising more thrilling performances and international talent.