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The Montreal International Musical
Competition plays a key role in the finest tradition of
classical concert music. The Competition seeks to discover,
reward and support young singers, violinists and pianists who
have distinguished themselves as masters of their art. With the
support of its financial partners and a far-reaching broadcast
network, the Competition is able to showcase the highest level
of instrumental and vocal excellence. Upcoming competitions will
be dedicated to piano, from May 20 to 30 2008, to voice in 2009,
and to violin in 2010.
Open to young singers of every nationality who, as of January 1,
2007, were age 33 or less, the 6th MIMC drew 194 applicants from
33 countries. Three selection committees composed of
Louise-Andrée Baril, Gilles Bellemare, Lyne Fortin, Alexis
Hauser, Chantal Lambert, Grégoire Legendre, Michael McMahon,
Joseph Rouleau and Richard Turp first conducted a blind audition
of the recordings submitted by the applicants without knowledge
of the identity or origin of the
candidates. The preliminary programme:
• one aria from an oratorio or cantata
• one song in French
• one song in German
• one operatic aria or concert aria. Based on these auditions, 35 candidates from 11 countries were
invited to proceed to the semi-final round. The semi-final programme:
• the imposed Canadian work by Julien Bilodeau
• a song or group of songs in French
• a song or group of songs in German
• two operatic arias, including one from a pre-1800 opera. The international jury, chaired by André Bourbeau and composed
of pianist Dalton Baldwin, opera director Rudolf
Berger,mezzo-soprano Judith Forst, conductor Joji Hattori,
director Pierre Médecin, baritone Sherrill Milnes and bass
Joseph Rouleau, reserves the right to hear only a part of a
candidate’s programme.The order of appearance of the candidates
is determined by random draw. Twelve candidates will be selected
for the final round.Accompanied by the Orchestre Métropolitain
du Grand Montréal conducted by Daniel Lipton, these finalists
will sing an orchestrated work that is not an operatic aria and
three operatic arias, including one taken from a pre-1800 opera.
All MIMC prizes are officially awarded during the Gala Concert
on June 1st, at Place des Arts’ Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier.
The MIMC covers the travel costs of all semi-finalists and
organizes their lodging with volunteer host families for the
duration of the Competition.
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