Nominees 2013-2014

Where do you call home?

-I am originally from Sainte-Julienne, Quebec, but I am really at home in Montreal.

Did you choose your instrument or did your instrument choose you? 

-There was never much of a decision process about my instrument. I tried violin when I was 8, liked it and just kept playing. The same is true for viola, but at 18 years old. I've played viola mostly in chamber music since then, violin was always my major, until this past September when I started my Artist Diploma at McGill in both violin and viola. 

Other than in a practice room, where else might someone find you?

-I like going outdoors when I can - either hiking, snowshoeing or biking. 

If you had to tell someone of one moment at the Schulich School of Music that was truly special for you, what would it be?

-Walking on stage as concertmaster of McGill Symphony Orchestra in the Maison Symphonique was truly a special moment.

If there was one composer from any time period you could have a beer with whom would it be?

-There are many, but young Brahms seems hard to beat. He had an incredible musical drive, was already extremely cultivated in his 20's and had a passionate and truly "romantic" temperament. 

 What will you do if you are named the winner of the Golden Violin Competition?

-I'll be very grateful, naturally. It would allow me to focus solely on musical projects that are dear to me and to take time off to prepare for international competitions and major auditions.

Where do you call home?

-Vancouver, BC

Did you choose your instrument or did your instrument choose you?

 -This is tough to answer because my mother chose the kindergarten I went to, and the kindergarten chose the violin for me. Either way I’m glad I stuck with it ever since!

Other than in a practice room, where else might someone find you?

-Generally, in the school: either in class, or shuffling from one rehearsal to another. You may also find me in Café Art Java.

 If you had to tell someone of one moment at the Schulich School of Music that was truly special for you, what would it be?

 -Having had the opportunity to perform the Sibelius Violin Concerto with the McGill Symphony Orchestra in February 2014.

If there was one composer from any time period you could have a beer with whom would it be?

-Franz Schubert - he only lived to be 32 years old, yet he was and still is one of the great composers of the Romantic era. I’m turning 20 this May, so I’m amazed by what he was able to accomplish during his lifetime.

-I would ensure to properly thank those who have made it possible for me, including Dr. Seymour Schulich, my teachers, family, friends, and a number of others. I would definitely save the award so that it could be put toward my further education; I would also possibly look into purchasing a new bow. 

Where do you call home?

-Montréal

Did you choose your instrument or did your instrument choose you? 

- At a very young age, I borrowed it from my older brother.

Other than in a practice room, where else might someone find you?

-In the music library, writing my thesis.

If you had to tell someone of one moment at the Schulich School of Music that was truly special for you, what would it be?

-The moment I sat down at my first doctoral committee and realized how lucky I was to work with such fantastic advisers.

If there was one composer from any time period you could have a beer with whom would it be?

-Christopher Cerrone

 What will you do if you are named the winner of the Golden Violin Competition?

-I will use the funds to continue my work with live electronics--work that was inspired by wonderful collaborations and amazing technological advances at McGill. I plan on recording several works in surround sound that require specific spatialization. Surprisingly few of these works have been recorded in this way, including Boulez's Anthèmes 2. In addition, I want to bring live electronic music to the concert halls by means of lecture-recitals and concerts, as well as working on improving the technology by collaborating with scientists and composers.

Where do you call home?

-I was actually born in Canberra, Australia, but my family moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, when I was about six months old. I grew up in Saskatoon and have lived in Montreal since 2010!

Did you choose your instrument or did your instrument choose you?

- I'd like to think that the viola chose me. I saw the light and switched from the violin when I was 14, and haven't doubted my decision for a second. I've been told that I have a bit of a chameleon personality, and believe that the viola's remarkably diverse sound palette suits me well.

Other than in a practice room, where else might someone find you?

-A safe bet would be on the basketball court, the ultimate frisbee field (playing for our team made up of mostly McGill musicians, Here Comes Treble!) or possibly attempting to finish a large poutine at La Banquise, way past my bedtime.

 If you had to tell someone of one moment at the Schulich School of Music that was truly special for you, what would it be?

-That's a tough question, as I've experienced all kinds of great things at the school. Nonetheless, two particular standout moments for me involved being selected as a finalist in our Concerto Competition in 2013 and 2014. These high-pressure performances were of course a challenge, but they really allowed me to take risks in my playing and forced me to truly trust in my abilities, no matter the circumstance. ??

If there was one composer from any time period you could have a beer with whom would it be?

-While I wish I could have such an encounter with many different composers, my choice would definitely be Beethoven. I'm sure something wild and unforgettable would take place, and I'd be very curious to see what Ludwig Van would order! A close second would be with Schubert. He strikes me as an emotional guy who would really open up about his most amazing, deepest insights after a drink or two.

-If I am named the winner of the Golden Violin Competition, I'll firstly be overwhelmed with gratitude. I have received such invaluable encouragement and guidance from my teacher, Professor André Roy, my parents, and all of my spectacular friends throughout my time at the Schulich School of Music. The beauty of such an award is that it allows the winner the flexibility to put himself/herself in a position to truly blossom as a performer, however he/she intends to pursue musical excellence. Personally, I am always seeking ways to improve my craft, and am hopeful to continue my musical studies, wherever that takes me!