A great evening for the Montreal International Musical Competition!

Vinum & Musica held its 8th edition this past Tuesday, October 15, bringing together many personalities the from the business world and the arts scene to the profit of the Montreal International Musical Competition (MIMC). Taking place at the prestigious Le Windsor, in Montréal, this annual benefit event was presented in collaboration with the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) and placed under the honorary presidency of Mr. Bernard Poulin, President and CEO of S.M. International Group. The organizing committee was chaired by Mr. Paul T. Kefalas, Grand maître de la Commanderie de Bordeaux in Canada.

The stars of the evening: over 50 great vintages offered in exceptional sizes: magnum, double magnum, jeroboam, imperial, methuselah, balthazar, salmanazar and melchior (18 L).  The auction, firmly conducted by Michel Pauzé, was enhanced with fine observations by guest sommelier Éric Thomassin. In addition, thanks to the collaboration of prestigious partners, an exclusive trip to France including a private tour of Château Rauzan-Ségla, property of Chanel, along with a stay at the magnificent Four Seasons Hotel George V, a five star hotel near the Champs-Elysées, beautifully completed the list of items on auction.

Thanks to the, the SAQ, a wonderful champagne and several fine wines were graciously served to guests throughout the evening, enhancing the beautiful dishes prepared by the team of Europea, under the guidance of Jérôme Ferrer, Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux. Participants also had the privilege of attending a strong musical performance by soprano Florie Valiquette and violinist Kerson Leong, wonderfully accompanied by pianist Louise-Andrée Baril.

Proceeds from Vinum & Musica will go to supporting the MIMC, an annual competition that seeks out the most promising young pianists, violinists and opera singers from all across the globe. The next edition of the Competition will see 24 of the world’s most talented up-and-coming pianists grace the Montreal stage from May 26 to June 6, 2014, at the Bourgie Concert Hall and the Maison symphonique de Montréal. The MIMC is proud to count on the support of major partners such as Hydro-Québec, the Société Radio-Canada and the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal.