Brandon, MB – The 49th Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition (E-Gré) for the performance of Canadian and contemporary music is pleased to announce its 2026 prize winners:
1st Prize: Aemilia Moser
2nd Prize: Kendra Dyck
3rd Prize: Camille Labonté
City of Brandon Prize for the Best Performance of the Commissioned Work: Aemilia Moser
Finalist Prizes (in alphabetical order): James Coole-Stevenson, Diana Rockwell, Hillary Tufford
On April 18, 2026, six of Canada’s best emerging vocalists performed recitals for the 49th Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition (E-Gré) in Voice. The E-Gré Competition began in 1976 and is the most important annual Canadian and contemporary music competition. The competition is held at the Brandon University School of Music in Brandon, MB.
All six competitors performed one final recital, and each program was required to include at least 50% Canadian music, as well as this year’s commissioned work: “ᐊᔨᒥᐦᐄᑐᐧᐃᓐ ayimihîtuwin (The Conversation)” by J. Alex Young.
First prize winner, Aemilia Moser, received a cash award of $6000, and will embark on a cross-Canada tour in October and November 2026. The Winner receives ca. $5000 in performance fees.
Second prize winner, Kendra Dyck, received a cash prize of $2500 and third prize winner, Camille Labonté, received a prize of $1500 cash. The City of Brandon Prize of $1000 for the Best Performance of the 2026 commissioned piece, “aᐊᔨᒥᐦᐄᑐᐧᐃᓐ ayimihîtuwin (The Conversation)” by J.Alex Young was awarded to Aemilia Moser. The remaining competing finalists each received a $1000 cash prize.
The jurors for this year’s competition were Marion Newman, Mishael Eusebio, and Kathy Gable. The jury chair was President and CEO of the Canadian Music Centre, Holly Nimmons.
“The E-Gré Competition truly celebrates the musician’s creative spirit. The process of preparation has transformed my artistry, and ignited a deep passion for Canadian music. This country is rich with artists and creators brave enough to share their perspective. Studying and preparing just a fraction of the fantastic music out there has reinvigorated me to keep working on my craft and be a part of Canada’s unique and strong artistic industry.“ -Aemilia Moser, 2026 E-Gré Winner
Aemilia Moser
Aemilia Moser is a Canadian-Austrian coloratura soprano and violinist based in Toronto. She is known for her dynamic stage presence, strong musicianship, and commitment to contemporary music. Her work spans experimental and traditional repertoire, from Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire to Massenet’s Cendrillon. Recent roles include Ariel (The Tempest Songbook), Despina (Così fan tutte), La Fée (Cendrillon), and La Modista and Minardi (Il capello di paglia di Firenze).
Alongside her performance work, Aemilia is deeply engaged in the development of new music. During her master’s studies at the University of Toronto, she collaborated closely with student composers to bring two new operas to the stage. She recently completed an artistic residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, where she workshopped new compositions by Karim Al-Zand. This collaborative and versatile approach extends to her concert work. Aemilia has appeared as a soloist with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra of Edmonton, and the Alberta Baroque Society, among others. In 2023, she was selected as a young artist with Manitoba Opera’s Digital Emerging Artist Program, where she created the short film Sovra il sento.
The 2026 E-Gré Competition gratefully acknowledges the support of Brandon University School of Music, Canada Council for the Arts, Manitoba Arts Council, SOCAN Foundation, the City of Brandon, the Canadian Music Centre, BACF, ACWC and many corporate and private donors.
