Here are this year’s recipients of Schulich’s prizes in composition

The Schulich School of Music is proud to announce the recipients of several composition prizes from the 2022 – 2023 academic year. These awards recognize students who demonstrated excellence in composition and provide them with new opportunities to share their music widely.

Andrew Svoboda Memorial Prize in Orchestral Composition: Jesse Diener Bennett

The Andrew Svoboda Memorial Prize in Orchestral Composition was created in memory of Andrew Yin Svoboda (BMus 2000, MMus 2004), who died suddenly at the age of 27 in 2004. The prize recognizes excellence in orchestral composition, encourages the creation of new Canadian orchestral works, and commissions an orchestral piece to be premiered by the McGill Symphony Orchestra. A high quality, non-commercial archival recording of the premiere will also be provided to the composer.

The Luba Zuk Piano Duo Composition Prize: Nicholas Ma and Anita Pari

For the first time in this competition’s history, two composers received the Luba Zuk Piano Duo Composition Prize. Luba Zuk (LMus ’57), a long-time professor of piano at McGill University and member of the Luba and Ireneus Zuk Piano Duo, established this prize in 2016. She is known for commissioning and performing new works, especially by Canadian and Ukrainian composers.

This prize is awarded annually to an outstanding undergraduate or graduate student in composition in the School for the completion of a work for piano duo.

John Rea Travel Award in Composition: Jonas Regnier

Professor John Rea, a former dean and professor of the Schulich School of Music, established the John Rea Travel Award in Composition in 2016. Every year, the prize supports an undergraduate or graduate student in composition who is travelling during the summer to broaden their cultural experience or depth of knowledge. Projects may include, but are not limited to, participating in a masterclass, attending a conference, or taking a course.

Congratulations to all the recipients!

Located in downtown Montreal, Canada, the Schulich School of Music embodies the highest international standards of excellence in professional training and research. We're known for our programs in orchestra, opera, jazz, early music, and contemporary music, and our leadership in sound recording and music technology creates unique possibilities for collaborations with the music community at large.