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Montreal, October 6, 2023 – The Concours musical international de Montréal (CMIM) is delighted to unveil the names of the eight outstanding members who will compose the international jury for Piano 2024, taking place from May 5 to 16, 2024. The First Round and Semifinal will be held at Salle Bourgie, and the Final will take place at the Maison symphonique on May 15 and 16, with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal under the direction of Guest Conductor Xian Zhang.
The internationally renowned jury members will bring a unique and invaluable expertise to our com-petition, attracting candidates of the highest artistic level. At the conclusion of the competition, they will have the task of selecting the laureates and winners of special prizes, who will share prizes and grants valued at over $200,000.
I’m delighted to introduce the eight members of the international jury for Piano 2024, representing an impressive range of achievements, specializations, and nationalities. They are distinguished pianists, pedagogues, and artistic directors. They are influential figures within the music world and beyond. Many of them are laureates of major piano competitions around the world. And they include two exceptional Canadians. We are thrilled that our candidates will have the opportunity to play for and learn from these masters. – Shira Gilbert, Artistic Director of the CMIM
Zarin Mehta, Jury President
The international jury will be chaired once again by the renowned cultural manager, Zarin Mehta.
Dmitri Alexeev
Professor at the Royal College of Music in London since 2005, Dmitri Alexeev is described by BBC Music as “a pianist at once aristocratic, grand and confessionally poetic.” Alexeev has performed with all leading orchestras around the world.
Jan Jiracek von Arnim
Professor of piano at the Vienna University of Music and Performing Arts, as well as a guest profes-sor at Yale University and the China Conservatory in Beijing, von Armin is Artistic Director of the International Beethoven Piano Competition Vienna.
Lydia Artymiw
Artymiw has performed with over one hundred orchestras and has given solo recitals in most major American cities, European centres, and throughout the Far East. Her numerous recordings have earned a Grammy nomination and “Best of the Year” award from Gramophone.
Louise Bessette
Bessette received a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in 2019. In as much demand in Europe, America, and Asia, as she is at home in Quebec, Bessette has recorded a wide variety of repertoire, including many works written especially for her.
Robert Levin
Pianist and conductor Robert Levin has performed throughout the world on both modern and period pianos. A noted Mozart scholar, Levin’s remarkable, comprehensive, 7-CD boxed set of the first complete recording of Mozart’s piano sonatas on the composer’s own fortepiano made waves in the music world in 2022.
Hélène Mercier
Born in Montreal, Hélène Mercier is based in Paris and performs widely as a soloist and chamber musician. She added to her award-winning recordings of piano duo repertoire with Louis Lortie in 2022, with the first release of the complete Debussy works for 2 pianos 4 hands.
Ronan O’Hora
British-Irish pianist Ronan O’Hora has performed across Europe, North America, Australia, and South Africa. Head of Keyboard Studies at the Guildhall School in London, he has made numerous acclaimed recordings, including the Grieg Concerto with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a Gram-ophone Editor’s Choice.
Minsoo Sohn
Korean-American pianist Minsoo Sohn is known for his musical intelligence and masterful virtuosity. At the conclusion of his four-year immersion in the music of Beethoven in 2020, Sony Classical released his recording of the thirty-two piano sonatas as a nine-album set. Sohn is the teacher of 2022 Cliburn sensation, Yunchan Lim.
Xian Zhang, Guest Conductor
For the first time at the CMIM, the Guest Conductor of Piano 2024 will cast a vote in the Final, following the concerto performances with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal.
NEW STEINWAY PRIZES
The CMIM is pleased to announce the addition of two prestigious prizes, offered in partnership with Steinway & Sons. The Grand Laureate of Piano 2024 will have the opportunity to record an album on the Steinway & Sons label and for a concert tour. These awards are key to the launch of an international career.
See the complete list of Prizes and Grands for Piano 2024.
CURRENT CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Pianists born between 1994 and 2007, inclusive, may submit an application for Piano 2024 through the CMIM website until October 31, 2023. Eligibility criteria and the required repertoire is available at: concoursmontreal.ca
ABOUT THE CMIM
The Concours musical international de Montréal (CMIM) is a prestigious competition that showcases the international elite of the new generation of classical musicians. Founded in 2001, the CMIM enjoys an undeniable reputation worldwide. Top-level artists come to Montreal from around the globe to participate. Since its creation, nearly 5,000 young musicians from 90 countries, the graduates of renowned music schools, have applied for the elite competition. The CMIM is firmly rooted in the artistic ecosystem of Montreal and proudly embodies the cultural richness, global openness, and human warmth that characterize our city. Proud of this heritage, the CMIM promotes the connection between the public and exceptional mentors to reveal and propel the young talents of our time. The CMIM aims to make classical music accessible to a broader audience, through live performances and live streaming on the CMIM website. The CMIM editions have garnered over 1 million views from around the world.
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