In a recent interview with , pianist (also known as Jason Beck offstage) explained how his time at Schulich in the 1990s influenced his current style of music.
Known for her engaging and lively performances, Israeli-born flutist has played first flute in the  and the , and has performed under the baton of numerous world-renowned conductors such as Zubin Mehta, Kiril Petrenko, Gustavo Dudamel, Valery Gergiev, and more.
While the Schulich School of Music houses over 70 grand pianos, a unique, 130-year-old Steinway is tucked away in neighbouring Royal Victoria College, a McGill University residence hall. Hailed in 1887 by The Decorator and Furnisher magazine as “the most beautiful concert grand ever designed,” this one-of-a-kind instrument was commissioned from Steinway by Sir Donald Smith (also known as Lord Strathcona), who wanted the finest piano around to complete his parlour’s décor.
We would like to congratulate violinist Teresa Wang (BMus ’17), who was recently awarded the 2018 Peter Mendell Award. This award includes a $2500 scholarship and a private recital opportunity. Peter Mendell, a prominent lawyer at Davies Ward Philips & Vineberg as well as an avid cellist, created the award in 2005 to recognize and foster the development of musical talent amongst full-time string students pursuing studies in classical music programs at Quebec universities and conservatories.
The 29th edition of the were held at on Tuesday night (Oct. 2), and several Schulich alumni stood out among the winners, including:
Jean-Olivier BĂ©gin (BMus 2003), Screen Composer of the Year;ĚýChet Doxas (BMus 2004, MMus 2008), Hagood Hardy Award;ĚýJames O'Callaghan (MMus 2014), Jan V. Matejcek Award; and Marc Ouellette (BMus 1993), Film Music Award.
A true innovator, ’s artistic output encompasses so many categories that the as a “new kind of improviser-composer-ethnomusicologist hybrid.” While creating music that features her multilingual vocals and performances on a variety of instruments, Shyu taps into her extensive study of the traditional songs of East Timor, Taiwan, Indonesia and more.
(B.Mus 2019) was recently recognized by the Hnatyshyn Foundation as , valued at $10,000. Open to applications from nominated post-secondary students across Canada in the penultimate or final year of their program, the grants were established to "foster excellence in new talent."
Every year,  puts on an awards gala to highlight musicians and music industry professionals in QuĂ©bec. Included in this year's nominations for Jazz Album of the Year, Classical - Large Ensemble Album of the Year and Classical - Small Ensemble Album of the Year are many Schulich faculty, alumni and students, which we've highlighted in our list below.Â
David Jager is a composer, producer and broadcaster based in Toronto. He was recently named a Member of the Order of Canada "for being at the forefront of Canadian music creation, performance and promotion, notably through his broadcasts, and for having fostered a generation of musicians."
In a WholeNote article published at the end of August, he reflects on the role of the CBC in fostering young compositional talent in Canada and the importance of the nation's ongoing investment in young composers.
Well-known for his focus on the works of George Enescu (recordings of which the American Record Guide proclaimed to be some of the ), as well as for his versatility and expertise on period instruments, pianist Prof. Ilya Poletaev is equally at home interpreting the music of other master composers.
Jazz festivals don't only happen in the summer, and our faculty, students, and alumni are still keeping busy with appearances at different events in the fall. Two such upcoming festivals, the and , feature a significant number of Schulich-related artists as group leaders or bandmembers, which we've compiled in two lists below.Â
Toronto Undergraduate Jazz Festival (Sept. 4 – 8)
Students at the Schulich School of Music can apply for an internship with , where they'll get the chance to work with CBC Montreal's music team on broadcast recording projects, online editorial pieces and more for optional credit. The deadline to apply is September 22, 2018! Read below for full information.
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY WITH CBC MUSIC 2018-2019
POSITION: unpaid internship in music production and journalism (for optional credit)
LOCATION: Montreal, QC
Congratulations to cellist Elie Boissinot (B.Mus 2020), who was recently awarded a valued at $10,000! Open to post-secondary students across Canada in their penultimate or final year, the grants were established to "foster excellence in new talent." About this success, Elie said "It is a great privilege and honour to be selected to receive such a prestigious grant!
Congratulations to several of our professors who recently received Insight Grants to fund a wide variety of fascinating research projects!
According to the SSHRC, the Insight program was established with the goal to “support and foster excellence in social sciences and humanities research intended to deepen, widen and increase our collective understanding of individuals and societies, as well as to inform the search for solutions to societal challenges.”
Congratulations to violinist Amy Hillis (B.Mus 2012, current D.Mus) and bassoonist Kristy Tucker (M.Mus 2017), who were featured in CBC Music's annual "30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30" roundup. The list highlights some of the most promising young musicians from across Canada, acting as an annual shortlist of the country's brightest new talents in classical music.Â
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