Ottawa, July 11, 2017 – Cellist Bryan Cheng is the recipient of the 2017 Michael Measures Prize. A unique collaboration between the Canada Council for the Arts and the NYO Canada (National Youth Orchestra of Canada), this $25,000 prize recognizes promising talent in the next generation of Canadian classical musicians. Bryan made his recital debut at Carnegie Hall at age 14 and was named one of CBC Music’s “30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30” of 2015.
Quotes
“I’m extremely honoured to be the recipient of the Michael Measures Prize!” says winner Bryan Cheng. “I also realize how very fortunate I am as a Canadian to receive support like this that enables me to pursue my dreams – I feel even more inspired and invigorated. I’m looking forward to continuing to polish my craft and share the beauty of classical music with audiences not only in this wonderful country, but also those far and beyond!”
“Each year, we are proud to support young, emerging musicians through the Michael Measures Prize. We are appreciative of NYO Canada for recognizing, promoting and cultivating Canadian classical music talent,” says Tara Lapointe, Director of Outreach and Business Development, Canada Council for the Arts. “Bryan Cheng has shown a depth of sensitivity and maturity that will secure him a distinctive place in the world of classical music.”
About Bryan Cheng
Born in Ottawa, Bryan made his orchestral debut at age 10 with the I Musici de Montreal Chamber Orchestra
He is a CBC Young Artist of 2014 Bryan is a 1st-prize winner of the 2016 National Arts Centre Orchestra Bursary Competition
His debut album Violoncelle français on German label audite was recently released to worldwide critical acclaim
He plays a 1754 Venetian cello by Bartolomeo Tassini
About the Annual Prize
The prize is named after Michael Measures, a music enthusiast and long-time volunteer in the Ottawa arts community
At his death in 2008, Measures left a generous bequest to the Canada Council for the Arts to provide development opportunities for young classical musicians and to encourage public recognition of their achievements
The prize is awarded to a musician 16 to 20 years of age who is enrolled in the summer training program of the NYO Canada
This year’s prize will be presented during a NYO Canada concert in Ottawa at The National Arts Centre on July 22, 2017
National Youth Orchestra
NYO Canada (National Youth Orchestra of Canada) is Canada’s premier training institute for orchestral musicians. Each year, the best and brightest young musicians compete for a coveted place in the award-winning 100-piece orchestra. Following a grueling six-week residential training institute, the group embarks on a tour. Today, more than 40 per cent of the professional musicians working in Canadian orchestras are NYO alumni.
Canada Council for the Arts
The Canada Council for the Arts is Canada’s national public arts funder. We champion and invest in artistic excellence so that Canadians may enjoy and participate in a rich cultural life. In 2015-16 we allocated $157.4 million dollars towards artistic creation and innovation through our grants, prizes and payments. We also conduct research, convene activities and work with partners to advance the sector and help embed the arts more deeply in communities across the country. We are responsible for the Canadian Commission for UNESCO which promotes the values and programs of UNESCO to contribute to a more peaceful, equitable and sustainable future for Canadians. The Canada Council Art Bank operates art rental programs and helps further public engagement with contemporary arts.
Media contacts:
Meredith Sharpe
Canada Council for the Arts
1-800-263-5588 ext. 4166
Dan McKinnon
NYO Canada
416-532-4470 ext. 232
