The Concours
the Concours musical international de Montréal
A Major International competition
The Concours musical international de Montréal brings together the world‘s best young artists on one stage. In a thrilling competition, audiences in Montréal and around the globe witness extraordinary performances from the new generation of classical musicians.
Each year, the Concours welcomes, in turn, 24 violinists, pianists, and classical singers – each of whom comes to Montréal to measure themselves against their peers.
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 Concours brings together exceptional musicians of the new generation. In turn, these young singers, violinists, and pianists measure their talents against their peers.
The Concours musical international de Montréal is a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions.
A Renowned Competition
The Concours musical international de Montréal is among the world’s most important international classical musical competitions.
Since its creation in 2001, more than 5,000 young musicians from 90 countries, trained at the world’s leading music schools, have applied to take part in the Concours, in the hope of experiencing this extraordinary human and musical adventure.
Today, the laureates of the Concours musical international de Montréal perform on the most prestigious stages around the world.
Quintessentially Montréal
Firmly rooted in Québec’s vibrant ecosystem, the Concours reflects and contributes to Montréal’s uniquely open spirit, warmth, and artistic richness.
A major player in Québec’s dynamic cultural scene, the Concours musical international de Montréal proudly celebrates virtuosity without borders.
Join the audience in the concert hall —or the 3 million music lovers online — to experience this major musical rendezvous where Montréal shines on the world stage.
“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
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
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.
