The CMIM
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.
With the guidance of an international jury of classical music luminaries, the Concours musical international de Montréal brings to the forefront the world’s finest young artists, helping to launch their careers on the world stage.
The CMIM celebrates the excellence of its laureates with generous awards and scholarships.
Founded in 2001 by internationally renowned bass Joseph Rouleau (1929-2019) and politician and philanthropist André Bourbeau (1936-2018), the Concours musical international de Montréal was born from the desire to offer a prestigious, high-level international competition in Montreal.
Each year since its first edition in 2002, the CMIM brings together exceptional musicians of the new generation. In turn, these young singers, violinists, and pianists measure their talents against their peers.
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One competition: Three disciplines
The Concours musical international de Montréal (CMIM) is one of the world’s most prestigious classical music competitions. It showcases the exceptional artistry of a new generation of musicians in the disciplines of piano, violin, and voice.
Each year, the CMIM alternates between these three disciplines, allowing numerous young musicians to make their mark on the international scene.
This alternation also gives the Montreal public a front-row seat to the excitement of the competition, and the chance to witness the blossoming of young careers from Montreal.
An international competition
The CMIM has earned an undeniable reputation worldwide. Since its creation, nearly 5,000 young musicians from over 90 countries, trained in the world’s leading music schools, have applied to the CMIM.
The CMIM aims to make classical music accessible to the widest possible audience. Hundreds of thousands of listeners around the world follow each stage of the competition, whether in the concert hall or online. They are the privileged witnesses to a musical and human adventure, with a front-row seat to the event’s international impact.
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A competition rooted in Montreal
The CMIM is firmly rooted in the artistic ecosystem of Montreal, embodying the cultural richness and openness to the world that characterize our city. Proud of this heritage, the CMIM fosters encounters between young artists from around the world, exceptional mentors, and the public.
The incomparable welcome the CMIM extends to its candidates and jury members sets it apart from other events of its kind. Warmth and camaraderie imbue the atmosphere of the competition each spring.
“Honestly, the Montreal competition has definitely been the most inspiring, friendliest and well organised competition experience so far for me! And I will cherish this memory.”
SongHa Choi
2nd prize laureate and winner of the Audience Prize, Violin 2023
“This is my favourite ever competition experience! The whole staff is just wonderful, so organized and respectful, and that means we can just focus on the joy of music making!”
Alexandra Flood
Voice 2022
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A vibrant community
The dynamism of the CMIM is made possible by an entire community. The event brings together major partners, host families, dedicated volunteers, and loyal donors who ensure the organization’s vitality and longevity.
“I arrived not knowing a single person and immediately felt the warm embrace of my colleagues and everyone behind the scenes at CMIM. I am eternally grateful to you all.”
Bryan Murray
Voice 2022
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The CMIM is a non-profit organization and a registered charitable organization with the Canada Revenue Agency
(144249182 RR 0001).
The CMIM is a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions and the Alink-Argerich Foundation.
