The prestigious Concours musical international de Montréal (CMIM) has a new star, as Canadian pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko takes the grand prize at the 2024 Piano Edition.
With his impeccable technical prowess and mesmerizing musicality, Izik-Dzurko captivated audiences and judges alike, clinching several special prizes in addition to the top honor.
The final stage of the competition, held at the iconic Maison symphonique, saw the six remaining finalists deliver breathtaking performances of their chosen concertos, accompanied by the renowned Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) under the expert baton of Guest Conductor Xian Zhang.
Presiding over the jury was the distinguished cultural manager Zarin Metha, alongside a panel of international experts including Dmitri Alexeev (Russia, UK), Lydia Artymiw (USA), Louise Bessette (Canada), Jan Jiracek von Arnim (Germany), Robert Levin (USA), Hélène Mercier (Canada), Ronan O’Hora (Great Britain, Ireland), and Minsoo Sohn (South Korea).
With over $200,000 in prizes and grants distributed, this year’s CMIM was a true celebration of piano excellence, showcasing some of the finest emerging talents from around the globe.
Jaeden Izik-Dzurko’s triumph marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career, heralding him as a pianist to watch on the international stage.
Jaeden IZIK-DZURKO (Canada)
Sibylla-Hesse 1st Prize valued at $140,000
- Grand Cash Prize of $30,000 offered by la Ville de Montréal
- Joseph-Rouleau Career Development Grant of $50,000 offered by the Azrieli Foundation
- Steinway Recording Prize (valued at $54,000) offered by Steinway & Sons
- Steinway Prizewinner Concerts Korean tour (World Culture Network) in March 2025 and other concerts to be announced offered by Steinway & Sons
- Engagement for a concert or recital in a subsequent program of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, offered by the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal
- Engagement for a recital for the 2025-2026 season of the Coast Recital Society offered by the Coast Recital Society, British Columbia
Pierre-Péladeau and Raymonde-Chopin 2nd Prize
$15,000 offered by Québecor – Photo Monica Wong
3rd Prize
$10,000 offered by Stingray Classica – Photo Monica Wong
| Winners of special prizes Gabriele STRATA (Italy) Winner of the ICI Musique Audience Award (5,000$) Offered by ICI Musique Jaeden IZIK-DZURKO (Canada) Winner of the Best Canadian Artist Award (5,000$) Offered by the Bourbeau Foundation Elias ACKERLEY (UK / South Korea), Jakub KUSZLIK (Poland), Derek WANG (USA) Three CMIM Grants of $3,000 each for the unranked finalists Offered by the Rouleau Family, Morris & Rosalind Goodman Family Foundation, and Louise Roy Jakub KUSZLIK (Poland) Winner of the Junior Jury Prize Élisabeth PION (Canada) Winner of the Bita Cattelan Philanthropic Engagement Award Offered by Bita & Paolo Cattelan Gabriele STRATA (Italy) Winner of the Chamber Music Award Offered by Dixi Lambert and the Festival de musique de chambre de Montréal Jaeden IZIK-DZURKO (Canada) Winner of the Best performance of a Sonata in the Semifinal Offered by Anne Stevens Jaeden IZIK-DZURKO (Canada) Winner of the André Bachand Award for the Best performance of an imposed Canadian work Offered by Claudette Hould |
| Missed a round or want to rewatch one? All the CMIM events are available on demand at the Concours’s website at concoursmontreal.ca. The next edition, Voice 2025, which will be held in Montreal from May 25 to June 16, 2025! |
| To stay updated on all CMIM activities : https://www.concoursmontreal.ca/en/ |