Classical violinists of all nationalities, born between 1995 and 2009 and ready to launch their career on the world stage, are invited to apply now for the next edition of the Concours musical international de Montréal.
24 exceptional violinists will be selected to compete live and measure themselves against the best of their peers and to thrill the audiences in the hall and online with their artistry. Performances take place in Montréal’s stunning venues: the beautiful Salle Bourgie and Maison symphonique de Montréal.
Make your debut in one of North America’s most vibrant cities
The Concours boasts devoted local audiences and an enthusiastic international following, in a city known for its warmth, openness, and creative spirit. Competition events are viewed online by more than three million people worldwide each year.
A new jury president leads an expert jury
Acclaimed violinist, sought-after pedagogue, and native Montrealer Lucie Robert is the jury president for the Concours 2026. Known for the expressive lyricism and tonal beauty of her playing, she has been a professor of violin at the Manhattan School of Music since 1988, where she carries on the great violin tradition of her teacher and mentor, the legendary Josef Gingold.
During the three rounds of the Concours, Lucie Robert will preside over a panel of eminent jury members with complementary backgrounds, expertise, and influence in the classical music world: Ju-Young Baek, Glenn Dicterow, Simin Ganatra, Yuzuko Horigome, Régis Pasquier, Barry Shiffman and Pavel Vernikov.
Guest conductor Sascha Goetzel leads the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal
A dynamic, charismatic, and compelling presence on the podium, Viennese-born conductor Sascha Goetzel will conduct the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, the official orchestra of the Concours for the two evenings of the Final, devoted to Mozart concerti on the first evening, followed by the great Romantic concerti for the Grand Finale on 4 June 2026.
Originally trained as a violinist, Goetzel currently serves as music director of the Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire and the Ulsan Philharmonic, as well as principal guest conductor of the Timisoara Philharmonic in Romania and the Kraków Philharmonic in Poland.
Valuable prizes and return engagements
Each competitor will perform in the hope of earning the coveted title of laureate and sharing valuable prizes, career development grants, and return engagements worth well over $150,000.
For complete information and to submit your application, visit: https://www.concoursmontreal.ca/en/violin-2026/
Join us in Montréal for unforgettable performances and life-changing moments. Apply by 31 October!
Photos courtesy Tam Photography.