Application rules:
Applications must be submitted online via the site https://getacceptd.com between September 1 and October 31, 2023, before midnight (Montreal / New York time).
An application is comprised of the following:
A completed online application form
A non-refundable application fee of $150 USD
Two (2) high-resolution colour photographs (including one headshot) suitable for publication and CMIM promotional use
Contact information for two (2) musical references willing to provide, upon request, a letter of recommendation in support of the applicant
A list of proposed repertoire for the three rounds of the Piano 2024 edition, with timings
Four (4) audition videos (one video per work):
1. A prelude and fugue by J.S. Bach
2. A work in the Classical style
3. A virtuosic étude
4. A work of the candidate’s choice
All audition videos must be of high-quality with excellent audio, shot from one angle with a single fixed camera (no zooming, tilting, or panning). The pianist’s face must remain fully visible at all times. Videos must not be edited, enhanced, or modified in any way. Videos recorded at other competitions are also accepted.
All recordings must have been made after July 1, 2022.
All final programs are subject to the approval of the Concours.
Awards:
First prize: 80.000 $
Second prize: 15.000 $
Third prize: 10.000 $
Repertoire:
First Round
The twenty-four (24) competitors selected for the First Round each present a programme of their choice, of 30 to 35 minutes of music in duration.
The ten (10) pianists who receive the highest scores from the international jury will advance to the Semifinal Round.
The fourteen (14) pianists who are not selected, will present their Semifinal programme in a concert hall in the greater Montreal region.
Second Round
Part I – Recital
The (10) Semifinalists must each perform a program of 45 to 50 minutes of music.
The repertoire for the Semifinal recital must include a minimum of three (3) works, including the following elements:
A complete sonata
The imposed Canadian work
Another work of the candidates’ choice
Part II – Chamber Music
The (10) Semifinalists must perform the first movement of a Piano Quartet with a CMIM ensemble (violin, viola, cello).
The candidate may choose one of the following options:
Beethoven: Piano Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 16 Grave — Allegro ma non troppo
Brahms: Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 25 Allegro
Fauré: Piano Quartet No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 15
Allegro molto moderato
Mozart: Piano Quartet No. 2 in E-Flat Major, KV 493 Allegro
Schumann: Piano Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op. 47 Sostenuto assai – Allegro ma non troppo
The six (6) pianists who receive the highest scores from the international jury will advance to the Final Round.
Final
The six (6) finalists will present a major concerto from the standard repertoire for violin and orchestra. The choice of concerto is subject to approval from the Concours when the candidate’s participation is confirmed.
Each finalist is entitled to a 50-minute rehearsal with the conductor and piano, as well as a 50-minute rehearsal with conductor and orchestra.
The finalists perform their concerto with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, official orchestra of the CMIM.
More information: https://www.concoursmontreal.ca/en/piano-2024/.