Concours Musical International de Montreal

Founded by late internationally renowned bass Joseph Rouleau (1929-2019) and the late philanthropist André Bourbeau (1936-2018), the Concours musical international de Montréal (CMIM) is an annual event that draws over 6,000 spectators to concert halls and reaches even more listeners via radio and webcasts. The CMIM is one of the only international competitions in North America to be held annually and to present three disciplines (voice, violin, piano) in a three-year rotation. Since its first edition dedicated to voice in 2002, more than 3,500 hopefuls have entered the Competition and close to 500 have performed in Montreal, much to the delight of music lovers. Following a preliminary step (based on video recordings), the CMIM invites 24 of the most talented young musicians in the world to compete in Montreal. The Competition consists of three rounds: First, semifinal, and final. Recital rounds are held at Salle Bourgie while concert rounds with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal are held at Maison symphonique. The candidates go through a unique experience by taking part in the CMIM: they receive beneficial advice from an international jury made up of leading figures on the music scene, perform with an orchestra of the caliber of the OSM, they attend master classes, form friendships, discover Montreal and its welcoming ambience, and share over $100,000 in prizes and grants. In addition, CMIM officials make every effort to ensure that springtime in Montreal brings a genuine ten-day celebration of music. Various free activities are organized alongside the competition rounds to increase awareness of classical music: violin lessons on the street, a grand piano and piano teacher available to passers-by at Place des Arts, exhibition of contemporary violin and bow makers, master classes, free concerts that combine various genres… there’s something new every year! The CMIM is both an invitation for young musicians to experience an incomparable adventure in Montreal—while benefiting from the many opportunities this ideal gateway to North America has to offer—, and for everyone wishing to discover new music and talent over ten days of recitals, concerts and special activities.