May 5th marks the commencement of Concours Musical International de Montréal! The next edition of the CMIM is devoted to the Piano.
It’s been a while since I indulged in the excitement of a competition, not since last summer’s Busoni and Clara Haskil. Living in Canada with no time difference makes it convenient, so I’m determined to follow along. The event will be streamed on YouTube, so regardless of where you are in the world, you can join in the enjoyment!
Summary
・Official Website (English/French):
https://concoursmontreal.ca/en/piano-2024/
Official YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@ConcoursMontreal
・Venue: Montreal, Canada
・Dates: Sunday, May 5th – Thursday, May 16th, 2025
In recent years, Canadian pianists, particularly those with ties to Quebec, have been making remarkable strides in the music scene. Notable names include Marc–André Hamelin, Louis Lortie, Bruce Xiaoyu Liu (winner of the 2021 Chopin Competition), and Charles Richard-Hamelin (runner-up in 2015).
The fervent music scene in Quebec culminates in the Montreal piano competition. Being in Canada at the moment, I’m eager to pay close attention to this event.
Highlighted Contestants
Rather than mere “highlighted,” it’s more of a “I’d be thrilled to see familiar faces compete” level of interest…
First off, there’s Anthony Ratinov, hailing from the United States:
His impressive second-place performance at the 2023 Busoni International Competition instantly won me over. Among the contestants, he stood out as my favorite. With precise and refined touches, along with a thrilling and passionate style, he’s a pianist to reckon with. I can’t wait to hear his rendition of Prokofiev’s concerto 3 again in the finals! Let’s hope he makes it to the finals!
And then, we have two prizewinners from the 2021 Chopin Competition, who deserve attention:
Keep an eye on Jakub Kuszlik from Poland, who secured 4th place and the Mazurka Prize, and J J Jun Li Bui from Canada, who at just 17 years old, clinched the 6th position.
Schedule
First Round (24 contestants): May 5th (Sun) – May 7th (Tue)
May 5th (Sun) 13:30, 19:30
May 6th (Mon) 13:30, 19:30
May 7th (Tue) 13:30, 19:30
Semifinals (10 contestants): May 10th (Fri) – May 12th (Sun)
Chamber Music:
May 10th (Fri) 19:30
Recital (Solo):
May 11th (Sat): 13:30, 19:30
May 12th (Sun): 13:30
Finals (6 contestants): May 15th (Wed) – May 16th (Thu)
May 15th (Wed) 19:30
May 16th (Thu) 19:30
Articles for Each Day (to be updated):
Excerpts from the Regulations:
・Eligibility: Born between 1994 and 2007 (17 to 30 years old)
・Repertoire:
Repertoire selected for performance at the competition may include works recorded for the audition videos. No other duplication of repertoire is permitted during the competition rounds.
The competitor must include at least one work from the Classical period and one work from the Romantic period in their programme for the First Round and/or Semifinal.
Program
First Round (24 competitors):
30 to 35 minutes of music in duration (must include at least one work from the Classical period and one work from the Romantic period in their programme for the First Round and/or Semifinal)
Semifinal Round (10):
Part I – Recital
45 to 50 minutes of music (must include at least one work from the Classical period and one work from the Romantic period in their programme for the First Round and/or Semifinal)
The repertoire for the Semifinal recital must include a minimum of three (3) works, including the following elements:
・A complete sonata
・The imposed Canadian work: “Mzizaakok Miiniwaa Mzizaakoonsak (Horseflies and Deerflies)” by Anishinaabekwe composer Barbara Assiginaak
・Another work of the candidates’ choice
Part II – Chamber Music
The Semifinalists must perform the first movement of a Piano Quartet
Beethoven: Piano Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 16 Grave – Allegro ma non troppo
Brahms: Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 25 Allegro
Fauré: Piano Quartet No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 15 Allegro molto moderato
Mozart: Piano Quartet No. 2 in E-Flat Major, KV 493 Allegro
Schumann: Piano Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op. 47 Sostenuto assai – Allegro ma non troppo
Final (6):
The finalists will present a major concerto from the standard repertoire for piano and orchestra. The choice of concerto is subject to approval from the Concours when the candidate’s participation is confirmed.
Prizes and Grants
Prizes (All amounts are in Canadian dollars)
1st Prize: $80,000
2nd Prize: $15,000
3rd Prize: $10,000
Unranked Finalists: $3,000 each
Special Prizes
・Steinway Recording Prize (valued at over $54,000): 1st Prize
・Chamber Music Award ($6,000)
・Audience award ICI Musique ($5,000)
・Best Canadian Artist ($5,000)
・Bita Cattelan Philanthropic Engagement Award ($5,000)
・Best performance of a Sonata in the Semifinal ($3,000)
・André Bachand Award for the Best performance of an imposed Canadian work ($2,500)
・Junior Jury Prize ($1,000)
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