Executive and Artistic Directors

Chantal Poulin and Shira Gilbert named Executive and Artistic Directors of the CMIM

The Chair of the Board of Directors of the Concours musical international de Montréal (CMIM), Louise Roy, is pleased to announce the respective appointments of Chantal Poulin as Executive Director and of Shira Gilbert as Artistic Director of the CMIM. 

 Chantal Poulin and Shira Gilbert succeed Christiane LeBlanc, who led the Concours for 10 editions. Having arrived at the CMIM in 2012, Christiane LeBlanc announced her retirement last February. 

 “Following a rigorous process of several months, and after an evaluation of internal and external candidates, both Canadian and international, the Board of Directors of the CMIM is delighted to have found within the existing organization a solid team to take the helm of our competition. Since their respective arrivals at the Concours, Chantal Poulin and Shira Gilbert have demonstrated their remarkable talents. All of the Board members of the Concours and its Foundation join me in welcoming the appointment of this expert and complementary duo, whom we know will continue the tradition of excellence of our organisation, and pursue it even further,” comments Louise Roy. 

 Chantal Poulin and Shira Gilbert played a decisive role in the success of the last three editions of the Concours. Since May 15, they assumed the interim general management of the CMIM with passion and skill. Strong and effective leaders in their respective domains, together they have many years of complementary experience in the management of arts organisations.  

“Working together and sharing our passion with those around us is a true pleasure. We are energized by the prospect of continuing the work we have begun in taking the CMIM to new heights,” said Chantal Poulin and Shira Gilbert. “We would like to thank the Board of Directors for their confidence and commitment. We feel privileged to collaborate with the excellent CMIM team, which we will be adding to in the coming weeks. We look forward to reuniting with our valued partners and to connecting with the exceptional young artists we’ll be welcoming to Montreal for the piano edition in 2024, voice in 2025, and more to come.” 

 The CMIM Board and team enthusiastically welcome the leadership nomination of this dynamic team.   

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CHANTAL POULIN  

Active in the cultural world for 20 years, Chantal Poulin is recognized for her versatility, tireless energy, and contagious enthusiasm. A sought-after freelancer and consultant, she has put her skills and expertise to work in management, production, finance, and communications for a variety of Quebec artists, ensembles, and foundations, including L’Harmonie des saisons, Trio Hochelaga, Fondation des artistes, and many other classical music organizations. She particularly excels in the meticulous management of 360-degree projects and large-scale events. Chantal joined the Concours musical international de Montréal team in 2019, where she has successively held various responsibilities in communications, logistics, and production, before joining the general management team in August 2021. Chantal Poulin studied at the Université du Québec à Montréal where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in History, followed by a Master of Arts. Chantal also studied oboe with Lise Beauchamp at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal.  

SHIRA GILBERT  

Shira Gilbert arrived at the CMIM in the fall of 2022 with an international reputation for her expertise in the classical milieu and as a passionate champion for musicians at all stages of their careers. As a communications consultant, Shira worked with numerous musicians and presenters including the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, the Azrieli Music Prizes, cellist Matt Haimovitz, the Festival de musique de chambre de Montréal, Sir James Galway, and China’s NCPA Orchestra, to name only a few. As Publicity Manager for Universal Classics Group (Deutsche Grammophon and Decca) in New York City, Shira worked closely with many of the world’s most prestigious artists, such as Renée Fleming, Cecilia Bartoli, and Hilary Hahn, and on the early recording careers of Lang Lang and Anna Netrebko, among many others. She has also promoted the renowned recital series at New York’s 92nd Street Y and worked on a diverse roster of projects in theatre, opera, and new music for FLIP Publicity in Toronto. Shira grew up in Ontario and studied voice performance at the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto, later making her home in Montreal, where she has deep family roots. 