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The Prix d’Europe has borne witness to more than a century of history. The music competition—which remains the oldest and one of the most prestigious in North America—will host its 114th edition in June 2026. For spokesperson Jean Marchand, the Prix d’Europe is not only an opportunity for musicians to perform and compete, but also a rare chance for audiences to watch history unfold before their eyes.
With its prestigious grand prize—a $50,000 scholarship—Marchand explains that the Prix d’Europe has helped launch “some of the most prestigious musicians, not only in Quebec but on the world stage.” Recent winners—such as Charles Richard-Hamelin, Bruce Liu and Elisabeth St-Gelais—are now leading, or well on their way to leading, international careers. When people attend the competition, they are witnessing what Marchand describes as the “crème de la crème” of Quebec musicians.
“Quebec’s slogan is Je me souviens,” Marchand continues. “We would like people to remember the extent to which this competition has been crucial for a large number of Quebec musicians.” He adds that while in past years “the house was full,” attendance has been slower to recover in recent seasons. “Especially after the pandemic, it took time for the public to come back and attend the Prix d’Europe,” he says. Just as elite athletes are surrounded by crowds of fans cheering them on, Marchand explains that musicians “need the presence of the audience to encourage them. …When there are three people in the room and a jury, it’s less inviting than if there were 50 people watching.”
Samuel Lauzon-Schnittka, recipient of the Prix d’Europe 2025
Photo: Robert Etcheverry
Audiences interested in supporting the competition have a wealth of musical offerings to choose from. Between June 8 and 11, roughly 25 semifinalists will each perform a 50-minute recital at Conservatoire de musique de Montréal. From this group—string players, pianists, singers and, unique to this year, an organist—10 musicians are selected to perform in the final concert on June 12.
The competition then culminates in a gala concert on June 13, where four distinguished musicians receive awards and one is awarded the grand prize of the Prix d’Europe. Last year’s winner, pianist Samuel Lauzon-Schnittka, will perform at this year’s gala.
Lauzon-Schnittka, Marchand explains, has that essential, mysterious quality characteristic of great artists. “The jury knows right away—when a pianist begins to play or a singer starts to sing. We immediately hear someone’s essence, their presence. It’s this rare artistic quality that the jury is listening for. At that moment, we know we are in the presence of an artist.”
The Prix d’Europe runs June 8–13 at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal. www.prixdeurope.ca
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