The Concours musical international de Montréal (CMIM) presents the Jury and Guest Conductor for its Voice 2025 edition

THE CONCOURS MUSICAL INTERNATIONAL DE MONTRÉAL (CMIM) PRESENTS 

THE JURY AND GUEST CONDUCTOR FOR ITS VOICE 2025 EDITION 

Montréal, September 3, 2024 - The Concours musical international de Montréal (CMIM) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for its 2025 edition. This 23rd edition of the CMIM, dedicated to voice, brings together in Montreal young artists from among the best classical singers of the new generation. In the presence of an exceptional jury, the 24 selected competitors will meet in Montreal from May 25 to June 6, 2025, to seize this unique opportunity to make their mark on the international stage. 

 

A springboard to an international career 

The CMIM is renowned for its high artistic standards and its decisive role in launching international careers. Since its inception the Competition has welcomed exceptional artists, many of whom have since gone on to make their mark on the world of classical music. CMIM winners and finalists benefit not only from substantial prizes, but also from valuable performance opportunities and collaborations with renowned orchestras and opera houses. 

The CMIM is one of the most prestigious international voice competitions in the world. This year, it is once again offering a high-level programme. At the conclusion of the competition, to take place from May 25 to June 6, 2025, laureates and special prize winners will be chosen from among the 24 competitors who have demonstrated their skill and artistry in interpreting works from the opera and art song repertoires. 

“With Voice 2025, the Concours musical international de Montréal will bring to the forefront versatile and original artists, capable of meeting the many and varied demands of an international career,” says Chantal Poulin, CMIM Executive Director. “Audiences will be able to listen to and applaud young singers of exceptional talent. The invitation is now open for the new generation of classical singers, ready to demonstrate their talent, technical mastery, and musicality, and the richness and diversity of their skills. 

 

A rigorous selection process and an exceptional jury 

This year, the CMIM is honoured that its international jury will be chaired by Adrianne Pieczonka. 

Adrianne Pieczonka is a world-renowned Canadian soprano, recognized for her vocal power and exceptional expressiveness, whose career has distinguished her on the greatest international opera stages, alongside her work with emerging young artists. She has performed on the most prestigious stages, including the Metropolitan Opera and the Royal Opera House. Since 2019, Adrianne Pieczonka has held the Vocal Chair at the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. During the Competition rounds, Adrianne Pieczonka will preside over a panel of eminent judges, including performers and influential figures from the world of opera and classical music. 

This jury, with its varied and complementary backgrounds, takes on the delicate task of assessing the competitors' performances, rewarding both technical excellence and artistic interpretation. 

“We are thrilled to unveil the members of the international jury for Voice 2025,” says Shira Gilbert, Artistic Director of the CMIM. “Their impressive backgrounds, expertise, and influence on the international music scene make them outstanding references for our competitors at the outset of their careers. The CMIM is proud to welcome them to Montreal and to create this unique encounter between these important players in the classical music world and the young artists of the new generation.” 

The members of the international jury are: 

Harolyn Blackwell 

Internationally renowned American soprano Harolyn Blackwell shines on the opera stage. Her acclaimed performances in a variety of roles, from Bernstein to Verdi, have consolidated her reputation as an exceptional artist. 

Iain Burnside 

Pianist and broadcaster Iain Burnside is one of the UK's most renowned musicians. He has worked with many of the world's leading opera artists and has over 60 recordings to his credit. 

Etienne Dupuis 

Renowned Quebec baritone Etienne Dupuis is acclaimed for his charismatic performances on opera stages the world over, notably at the Metropolitan Opera, as well as in Paris, Vienna, London, and at the Opéra de Montréal. 

Anthony Freud  

General Director, Chairman and CEO of the Lyric Opera of Chicago for thirteen years, British-born Anthony Freud is renowned for his major artistic initiatives and his visionary commitment to diversifying audiences.  

Susan Graham  

Susan Graham is an American mezzo-soprano recognised as an “artist to cherish” by The New York Times. She is heralded throughout the world for her impressive range of roles, including those written especially for her. She is also renowned for her interpretations of the French repertoire and several acclaimed recordings. 

Roberto Mauro  

Recognized for his leadership of major North American opera companies, Roberto Mauro is Director of Artistic Planning at the Canadian Opera Company. In this capacity, he has been responsible for auditioning and casting singers for over 15 years. 

Christina Scheppelmann 

A leading administrator of German origin, Christina Scheppelmann has held major positions with opera institutions for over 30 years. After leading Seattle Opera for five years, she begins a new mandate as General and Artistic Director of La Monnaie in Brussels in 2025. 

Learn more about the CMIM Voice 2025 jury 
  

The CMIM warmly thanks Mr. Zarin Mehta who, since 2018, has masterfully chaired the jury for five recent editions of the CMIM. A leading cultural administrator whose impact on the field of music is widely recognised, he has played an essential role in the international reach of the New York Philharmonic, as Executive Director and later President. A visionary in the field, he has also left a significant mark on the Ravinia Festival and the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. 

 

A renowned Guest Conductor: Patrick Summers 

Competitors will have the opportunity to perform alongside the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) for the Semifinal and Final rounds. For the occasion, the official orchestra of the CMIM will be under the direction of Guest Conductor Patrick Summers. 

Patrick Summers is a renowned American conductor who conducts a wide repertoire ranging from baroque to bel canto to German Romantic opera. He is also a strong advocate of contemporary music, working closely with living composers to create new and innovative works in the operatic repertoire. Artistic and Music Director of Houston Grand Opera, he has also been on the podium of the Metropolitan Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Dallas Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Rome Opera, Welsh National Opera, Norwegian Opera, Bregenz Festival, Teatro Nacional de São Carlos, Opéra National de Bordeaux, Opéra national du Rhin, and Opera Australia. 

A maestro renowned for his musical expertise and sensitivity, he will conduct the semifinalists and finalists at Maison symphonique de Montréal in performances that promise to be unforgettable. Collaboration with an orchestra of the stature of the OSM adds an extra dimension to the competition, offering participants a rewarding stage experience and opportunity. 

 

The application period is open! 

Singers wishing to take part in the Voice 2025 edition of the CMIM may submit their applications online until November 1, 2024. Candidates selected for the public rounds in Montreal will have the chance to compete in an exceptional setting, beofre an attentive audience and an elite jury. 

 

VOICE 2025 – SUBMIT AN APPLICATION 

 

ABOUT THE CMIM?? 

The Concours musical international de Montréal (CMIM) enjoys an undeniable reputation as one of the most prestigious and welcoming of international competitions. Candidates from the new generation of classical musicians come from the four corners of the globe to take part in the CMIM. Since its inception, nearly 5,000 young musicians from 90 countries and trained at the world’s most important musical schools have entered the competition. The CMIM is a springboard for top-level artists on the international scene and contributes to the artistic notoriety of Montreal. The CMIM aims to make classical music accessible to a greater number of people, both in the concert hall and through live broadcasts on its website. CMIM events have been viewed by more than 1 million people worldwide.??????? 

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Full details: concoursmontreal.ca/en 

Facebook / Instagram: @CMIMontreal?? 

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Media contact? 

Marelle Communications? 

Barbara Philip? 

bphilip@marellecommunications.com?