Schulich School of Music Concerto Competitions

Overview and prizes

The first prize winner of each competition will be offered an opportunity to perform with the McGill Symphony Orchestra under the leadership of Maestro Hauser. The classical concerto competition winner typically performs in the same season, while the winter competition winners perform the following academic year. In the case of graduating students, they must make themselves available to come back to fulfill the engagement. At its discretion, the jury may designate a runner-up, who may be offered the opportunity if the first prize winner is unable to perform.

Jeunesses Musicales Canada and Chapelle historique du Bon-Pasteur:
Special prizes

Representatives of Jeunesses Musicales Canada and Chapelle historique du Bon Pasteur will attend the final round of each competition. At their discretion, they may each award a special prize to one performer. This could be an invitation perform in their series or an opportunity to receive support for the development of their artistic endeavours.

2024-2025 competition categories:

Classical Concerto (all instruments and voice)
Romantic/Contemporary Concerto (Strings & Piano, Harp, Guitar)

To apply, select the "Information for applicants" section, then scroll down to "Application procedures" at the bottom of that section.

Fall 2024

Classical Concerto Competition (all instruments and voice)

Winter 2025

Romantic/Contemporary Concerto Competition (Strings)

Romantic/Contemporary Concerto Competition (Piano, Harp, Guitar)

Information for applicants

Eligibility

All students registered in a degree program at the Schulich School of Music (including Marianopolis students) are eligible to participate.

Non-performance majors can apply at the discretion of their instrumental teacher.
No previous first-prize winners are eligible to participate.

First-prize winners of any other Schulich School Concerto Competition are eligible to participate

Competition rounds

The preliminary rounds are organized by each department. Contestants must prepare and memorize the entire concerto and perform it with piano in front of a jury consisting of department members. The jury may stop the contestants in case of time constraints. Public admission is at the discretion of the area chair. An announcement will be posted shortly before the competition.

Contestants must procure their own piano accompaniment for their performance. Please consult the accompaniment list and make arrangements well in advance.

The final round consists of a public performance of the entire concerto with piano accompaniment in Pollack Hall in front of an intra- or inter-departmental jury, which will include Maestro Hauser, and an external jury member

Repertoire requirements

Application procedures

Please use the link below for ALL competitions

To register online, use this form: Registration form

Questions: Contact Prof. Ilya Poletaev