Messages from our previous laureates
Happy anniversary to the MIMC!
A message from soprano Measha Brueggergosman, 1st Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2002
“It was a profound experience for me to be the first, first prize winner of the Montreal International Musical Competition. I continue to cherish the experience. It was a constructive experience for me as an artist and singer. Congratulations to the competition on its 10th anniversary!”
http://www.measha.com/
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A message from bass baritone Burak Bilgili, 2nd Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2002
“Participating in the Montreal International Musical Competition was a great opportunity for me. Firstly it gave me the chance to sing for the great and legendary singers who were the members of the jury; a chance that I may never have again. After the competition I was able to talk to each of the jury members both about their careers and about my singing. I tried to follow their precious advice and opinions. The experience of the competition encouraged me to participate in other competitions, all of which I won. Secondly the competition was a great help in developing and launching my career. Following it I received invitations from many opera companies around the world.”
http://burakbilgili.com/
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A message from violinist Yossif Ivanov, 1st Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2003
“The Montreal International Musical Competition recalls a great and vivid memory, not only because of having won its First Grand Prize, but also because of its great impact on my future as a concert violinist.
Back in 2003, taking part in this competition was a real challenge: this would not only be my first participation at one of the major violin competitions in the world, but also my very first solo trip to such a far country such as Canada!
Right from the very first moment I’ve been struck by the great warmth & care of the competition towards the candidates, it’s host families (the Itman-family have been great ‘adoptive’ family during those weeks!), and of course the wonderful Canadian audience. On musical level, performing the Sibelius-concerto for the very first time with an orchestra such as the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, has, and still remains one the very great moments of my career!
Being awarded the First Prize at the 2003 edition meant a big step in to professional life. It opened many doors, and allowed me to perform a wonderful recital tour all over Europe, and also many concerts in Canada, Mexico, and New York City. But beside all this, and in my opinion of greatest importance, the MIMC confirmed my passion and love for the violin, and in a way also was great stimulator to pursue a life as a concert soloist.
For all this I wish to thank the MIMC, and wish their competitions many more years to come!”
http://www.clbmanagement.co.uk/en/yossif-ivanov
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A message from pianist Serhiy Salov, 1st Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2004
“Although I wouldn’t call myself a « competition animal », I have actually participated in over a dozen of them, starting with the Concorso Busoni at the age 17 and ending with the Gina Bachauer Competition just recently. I sometimes look back at those times with a certain feeling of yearning when I recollect all those experiences, each and every one of them unique and unforgettable, regardless of the final results. At the time of the 2004 MIMC I had already had quite an extensive experience on the competition circuit and no longer had the naïveté of a young college student aiming for the Grand Prize and nothing less! I had even been thinking of pulling out the Montreal International Musical Competition – I had been going through a period of artistic self-doubt and was troubled by the thought of an imminent departure to a continent I had never set foot on before, to play in front of such a jury. I therefore set out for Montreal with a rather « uncompetitive » state of mind. I had made arrangements with my host family to spend as much time jogging, sight-seeing, and pumping iron at the gym as actually practising the piano. I had no idea that when I boarded that plane for Montreal I was about to embark on a journey to a new world – one of professional fruition and one… of family happiness. As I write these lines, I think of my wife – the girl whom I met in Canada during my return to Montreal as First Prize winner, and of my two Montreal-born children, an unbearable thought keeps running through my mind – what would have happened if I hadn’t come to Montreal in 2004? I wish the 2012 competitors an intense and fruitful stay in our inspiring city, and to the competition itself – great participants and a long life.”
http://www.serhiysalov.com/
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A message from pianist David Fray, 2nd Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2004
“I took part in only two international competitions during my studies, the second and, consequently, the last being the Montreal competition. I must admit that I have always had some misgivings about the very idea of a music competition but I can honestly say, without pandering, that I could scarcely have imagined that such an event could take place with such fervour (on the part of the audience) and with such human warmth from the organizers. So, regardless of the final results, I have very special feelings for this two-week interlude in Montreal. Also, the truth is that my experience as a professional musician really began here. I am sending you all my warmest and most sincere wishes for the success of this new edition and for all those to follow, and I assure you of the very special place you will always hold for me.”
http://www.boleroartists.com/df_b.htm
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A message from pianist Daria Rabotkina, 2nd Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2004
“I was in Montreal in the spring of 2004 and got the MIMC 3rd Prize. This competition opened a very important door for me – the connection with Winnipeg Symphony where I have performed three times by now. Performing with the musicians in the finals of the competition was an uplifting experience by itself! I got to perform an excellent piano work by Jacques Hétu (the compulsory Canadian work) which I found a challenging and interesting musical experience. Most importantly, I met my host family, the Tinawis, with whom I keep in touch and whom I love very much.”
http://dariarabotkina.com/
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A message from baritone Peter McGillivray, 2nd Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2005
“I enjoyed a wonderful experience at the 2005 competition. We were treated so warmly and with such hospitality, it was easy to just focus on performing to the best of our abilities. Having met up with several fellow competitors in my professional life in the years since, we all share fond memories of our time in Montréal. Winning 2nd Prize and the prize for Best Canadian was almost as good as winning 1st in terms of its impact in my career. Many engagements in Quebec, the rest of Canada, and in Europe, I can directly attribute to my prize winning performances in Montreal. The competition and the exposure via the CBC and SRC boosted my name recognition across the country. The prize money was also enormously helpful in that it allowed me to pursue further language and musical studies in Germany for over a year, a luxurious opportunity that young artists rarely get after they leave the safety of conservatories and ateliers. The competition gave my career a lift at a crucial time in my life. I carry a great fondness for all those involved in bringing it together to this day, especially Joseph Rouleau, Jacques Marquis, André Bourbeau and the legions of staff and volunteers that worked so hard to keep this wonderful event going.”
www.petermcgillivray.com
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A message from baritone Phillip Addis, 4th Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2005
“The MIMC was a real launching pad for my career as I made the transition from being a young artist to a freelance professional. The exposure that I was given to the international music community, and the support that I received from Canadians, led directly to many engagements in Canada, as well as my European operatic and concert debuts. From day-one of the competition I knew I was broadening my horizons as I connected with a greater fellowship than I had previously known or imagined”.
http://www.phillipaddis.com/home.htm
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A message from violinist Jinjoo Cho, 1st Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2006
“The Montreal International Musical Competition was one of the most profound and important experiences of my life. The atmosphere of the competition was very different from any other competitions I had been to – the organization was incredibly cooperative, creating warm and comfortable environment for all the competitors. I had a wonderful time in Montreal and winning the competition gave me a definitive push in my career. Ever since the competition, I have been given opportunities to play all around the world. It has been a great journey since 2006, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming years of music making – and I have Montreal Competition to thank for the start of everything.”
www.jinjoocho.net
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A message from violinist Ye-Eun Choi, 2nd Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2006
“My experience at the Montreal International Musical Competition was a very fruitful time of inspiring cultural experience, in comparison to the reality of competition. Especially welcome were the many joyful parties that were organised by the MIMC so that we could relax and enjoy our ‘off’ time during competition!”
www.ye-eun-choi.de
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A message from soprano Marianne Fiset, 1st Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2007
“When I won the MIMC in 2007, I was at the very beginning of my career, and it was exactly what I needed at the time! This achievement has not only helped me make a name for myself, it also gave my career a real start through multiple engagements that ensued, as the MIMC benefits from several collaborations with various cultural organizations, orchestras, opera houses, and festivals. Of course, it is a competition, with all the wonderful overloads of adrenaline that go along with it, but it is also a celebration of music, where we make connections and share our passion, coming away filled with memories and rich experience. Good luck to all the participants of the 2012 edition!”
Marianne Fiset
www.mariannefiset.com
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A message from tenor Steven Ebel, 2nd Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2007
“In 2007, I was just beginning my career and the panel saw something in me which I hardly knew was there. Their belief in me, enough to give me 2nd prize, pushed my own confidence. The competition’s affirmation was of great value as it solidified my standing as I pursued my career. I am certain it caught the eye of those in the Royal Opera House Jette Parker Young Artist Programme, to whom I am so grateful. It was also so wonderful that it was streamed online as friends and family worldwide got a chance to be a part of it. When one lives far away from the people we love it is difficult to manage and that my entire “network” was able to watch me was a treasured experience. I even stay in contact with my generous host for the competition, Carole Delisle.”
http://www.instantencore.com/contributor/contributor.aspx?CId=5134331
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A message from mezzo-soprano Julie Boulianne, 4th Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2007
“Happy 10th anniversary to the entire team of the Montreal International Musical Competition. That your dynamism and passion will continue to reveal the talent of young artists in the future!”
http://imgartists.com/artist/julie_boulianne
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A message from pianist Nareh Arghamanyan, 1st Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2008
“Montreal International Musical Competition has been one of the strongest, and most important experiences in my life, full of bright and happy memories. I feel very grateful to the competition, thanks to which many doors opened up and a lot of wonderful opportunites came across. I was one of the 24 selected lucky contestants to take part in this wonderfully organized competition which lasted 2 unforgettable weeks, in 2008. The nice environment of the competition was overwhelming and will stay forever in my memory. Not only because I won the competition, but especially because the nice team of the MIMC, the enthusiastic public and the active media and press have made everything to make the competition with its intense 3 rounds into a true celebration, which , like a fiesta, was memorable for me. I took part in various other competitions before, but I have never seen such a warm atmosphere before, where there is so much care and love shown towards the contestants. My deep acknowledgments and many thanks goes to the MIMC team members, organizers, supporters. Have a very happy 10th anniversary and I wish many more wonderful competitions yet to come!”
http://www.artsmg.com/Piano/NarehArghamanyan/index.html
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A message from pianists Alexandre Moutouzkine and Masataka Takada, 2nd Prize Winners of the MIMC in 2008 (ex aequo)
“I recall the days of the Montreal Competition with utmost excitement and joy! The competition was filled with breathtaking moments and experiences. I met incredible people and made wonderful friends along the way. The atmosphere was electrifying, emotions were constantly floating over the top, and the music heard throughout the competition was nothing short of magical. I will never forget the amazing musicians of the Orchestra, the inspiring conducting of Jean-Marie Zeitouni, and the passionate Montreal public! Montreal, my heart is with you!” – Alexandre Moutouzkine
http://astralartists.org/our-artists/current-roster/alexandre-moutouzkinepiano/
“The Montreal International Musical Competition 2008 was an unforgettable competition for me. Thanks to the warm people of Montreal, a host family, and the very kind people of the competition committee, I was able to enjoy performances in the competition! Participating in a competition is very exciting, but also a big emotional pressure exists. I was deeply impressed with the importance of people who support contestants anew in this competition” – Masataka Takada
http://www.masa-takada.com/
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A message from soprano Angela Meade, 1st Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2009
“The Concours was a wonderful experience. I had done many competitions prior to entering the Concours and I knew when I entered that it would be my last. I was so delighted that my final competition was so successful. I was able to make many connections in the operatic as well as the symphonic community including working with the Orchestre Metropolitain, whom I was delighted to collaborate with again this past March.”
http://angelameade.com/
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A message from soprano Yannick-Muriel Noah, 2nd Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2009
“I sincerely think that the CMIM is the best competition I participated in. And I have done quite a few! Even now, the exposure from it is still helping my career. Everyone was extremely organized, friendly and welcoming. This was a family, bent on making us feel at home in Montreal and showing us the beauty of making music in such a vibrant city. The attitude of the competition towards all competitors could be summed as: “We chose you and we are proud of our choice.”
http://www.yannickmurielnoah.com/
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A message from baritone Andrew Garland, 3rd Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2009
“Everything about my experience in the Montreal International Musical Competition was wonderful. I had several opportunities to meet the other contestants from all over the world in a friendly, relaxed environment. I also had several chances to meet with the judges and get invaluable advice from them. Not to mention the chance to stay in Montreal for two weeks and see the sights. My host family was so welcoming. I still stay in touch with them and visit them – including the time returned to give a recital which was the direct result of my winning a prize in the competition. (It was in one of the best halls with one of the best pianos I had ever seen.) Music fans in Montreal have a great respect for MIMC prizewinners. The press that generates was very helpful to me and is still an important item in my artist’s bio. The chance to perform some of my best pieces with orchestra twice was invaluable as well.”
http://andrewgarland.com/
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A message from violinist Benjamin Beilman, 1st Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2010
“My experience with the Montreal International Musical Competition has been a complete dream come true. In addition to creating an atmosphere of friendship during the competition itself (which is very rare!), the MIMC has provided me with all the means needed to begin an international solo career: high-profile concert opportunities with great orchestras and conductors, career guidance and mentorship, and financial support for innovative career-building projects. Every time I return to Montreal, it feels a lot like I am returning home to many friends and supporters. Without the MIMC’s tireless work and support, I would not be where I am today.”
http://benjaminbeilman.instantencore.com/web/home.aspx
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A message from violinist Korbinian Altenberger, 2nd Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2010
“The Montreal competition was a great experience for me. It started amazingly by having a wonderful host who took great care of me. And advancing all the way through to the finals was great of course. The location where the rounds were played had a very nice acoustic and having the chance to play such a big repertoire with many pieces was very helpful to really show one’s musicality. Unfortunately I hoped to get a couple more concerts through winning the 2nd prize. I wish I would have had the chance to come to Montreal and Canada again to perform there. But over all the Montreal Competition will always have a special place in my memories and in my heart.”
http://www.korbinian-altenberger.com/
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A message from violinist Nikita Boriso-Glebsky, 3rd Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2010
“I have very nice reminiscences of the time in Montreal. The competition was so well organized that I did not really feel it was a contest. For me it was a series of concerts, with an extremely warm audience, on the good stages and in collaboration with wonderful musicians – pianists, orchestra players and the conductor, Jean-Philippe Tremblay. Unfortunately, I have not been to Canada since the time of the competition, but I am looking forward to coming to the Orford Festival this July.”
http://imgartists.com/artist/nikita_boriso-glebsky
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A message from pianist Beatrice Rana, 1st Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2011
“The Montréal International Musical Competition was my debut as contestant in international competitions, and it was one of the most exciting experience of my whole life: being introduced to this real and typical “star-system” atmosphere, living the thrill of the competition, experiencing such a perfect organization. I don’t know what the other competitions of this level do for their winners, but what the CMIM gave me is much more than a first prize: just after the competition I received so many invitations for concerts in America, Europe and Asia, I had the opportunity of recording my first CD and, the most important, I got the chance to meet a person in the jury that really changed my life as concert pianist. So, if someone would ask me: did the Montréal Competition help you career? I would unhesitatingly answer: It just made possible that my dream of being a pianist comes true.”
http://www.solea-management.com/Beatrice-Rana,185?lang=en
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A message from pianist Lindsay Garritson, 2nd Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2011
“My experience at the Montreal Competition will always be very special to me. The audiences were wonderful, and it was a great privilege to perform in the various halls. The opportunity to perform Prokofiev Second Concerto with the Montreal Metropolitan Orchestra was absolutely incredible, and I loved every minute of it. In addition, being around so many other talented pianists was truly inspiring.”
http://www.lindsaygarritson.com/
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A message from pianist Henry Kramer, 3rd Prize Winner of the MIMC in 2011
“The experience at the competition was wonderful. I was very honored and excited to be chosen as one of the finalists and to get to perform one of my favorite works (the Ravel Concerto in G Major) with such a fine ensemble and conductor (Orchestre Metropolitain with Jacques Rivest). To be named a prizewinner was a tremendous honor. I met so many wonderful pianists and people and the audience, as well as my host family, were friendly and supportive. One of the nice things that came out of my experience was being invited to return to Montreal to perform at Maison Trestler. I was so happy to come back and see the friends I had made on the competition organizing team when I came to compete. I really appreciated the exposure I gained from the competition. Having my concerto performance broadcast on CBC Radio Canada and Medici.tv gave me an international audience that previously seemed to be far out of reach. I will always remember my experience at this competition fondly.”
