True to its tradition and keen to continue supporting the next generation of classical musicians, the OSM announces the 81st edition of its annual Competition, to be held from September to December 2020 and dedicated, this year, to woodwinds and brass. In this period of significant uncertainty, the OSM is breaking new ground by curating an entirely digital edition of the Competition designed for both artists and music lovers. With its world-class international jury, nearly $50,000 in cash prizes and a wealth of exclusive content, the 81st edition promises to be as exciting as ever!
An Electrifying Competition!
The OSM Competition was witness to the burgeoning talents of such artists as Angela Hewitt, Louis Lortie, Karina Gauvin, James Ehnes, and Jan Lisiecki, and this was not by chance. Year after year, its role of primary importance in nurturing younger generations of outstanding musicians is continually confirmed. Thanks to the generosity of its donors, the 2020 Competition will award more than $45,000 in scholarships to its various laureates, in addition to performance and training opportunities offered by the OSM and partners—an appreciable advantage at a time when young artists are experiencing decreased or cancelled concert engagements.
A web platform designed for the Competition will go live on October 19, enabling contestants to be seen and heard across the country. Finally, the international jury who will adjudicate the final round is simply peerless: it includes Sarah Willis (Horn, Berlin Philharmonic), Juliette Hurel (Principal Flute, Rotterdam Philharmonic), Stephen Williamson (Principal Clarinet, Chicago Symphony Orchestra) and closer to home, Paul Merkelo (Principal Trumpet, OSM) to name only them.
Students, Music Lovers, Newcomers… An Edition Open to All!
The OSM Competition is more than just a regular competition … as this year will once again prove. Exclusive written and video content in connection with the Competition will offer virtual visitors the opportunity to learn about OSM musicians and the many facets of their work—musical and mental preparation, personal stories, information about the instruments and repertoire—all aimed at broadening the horizons for a wider public to appreciate their mysterious and exciting profession. Also, virtual meetings and masterclasses will encourage communication between OSM musicians and high school, college, and university students. Music lovers will be able to learn more about wind instruments and their repertoire and discover how up-and-coming artists are being prepared to fill the world’s concert halls with superb music making in years to come. All these initiatives, available throughout the Competition, can be located on the web platform via osm.ca. We wish everyone a wonderful Competition. Let the music play on!