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Montréal, Sunday May 31, 2026 – Following a Semifinal that captivated the audience, the International Jury presided by Lucie Robert selected the five Finalists of the Concours 2026. The announcement was made following the jury’s deliberations after the last session of the Semifinal, during which the competitors dazzled the audience with a program comprising at least one full sonata, a Canadian work and another piece of their choice.
HERE ARE THE FIVE FINALISTS WHO ARE ADVANCING TO THE FINAL – MOZART ROUND
(by order of performance)
- Koshiro Takeuchi, Japan
- Laurel Gagnon, United States
- Sara Watanabe, Japan
- Aozhe Zhang, China
- Bade Dastan, Belgium and Turkey
ANNOUNCING THE RECIPIENTS OF TWO SPECIAL PRIZES
The evening of Sunday, May 31 also provided an opportunity to award two special prizes.
Canadian Work Prize
Presented in partnership with the Lupien Family Foundation, this prize recognizes the best performance of a Canadian work in the Semifinal. This year, it was awarded to Laurel Gagnon for her performance of the Suite pour violon seul by Jean Papineau-Couture.
Sonata Prize
Presented in partnership with Dixi Lambert, this prize recognizes the best performance of a sonata in the Semifinal. This year, it was awarded to Laurel Gagnon for her performance of the Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 7 in C minor, Op. 30, No. 2 by Ludwig van Beethoven.
THE FINAL
June 3-4 at 7:30 p.m.
Maison symphonique
1600, Saint-Urbain Street
Experience the excitement of a major international music competition, as five finalists perform with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, the Concours’ official orchestra, led by Sascha Goetzel.
Final – Mozart Round
June 3 at 7:30 p.m.: Five finalists will perform a Mozart concerto from his first 4 violin concertos.
Grand Final
June 4 at 7:30 p.m.: This decisive evening promises to be absolutely riveting. Three grand finalists will perform some of the finest concertos of the repertoire in a thrilling evening that will determine who will be crowned the Grand Laureate of the Concours 2026.
ICI Musique Audience Choice Award – The vote is open!
The public can now vote for their favourite competitor, either in person or via the Concours website, until 15 minutes after the Grand Final. The winner of the ICI Musique Audience Choice Award will be announced on June 4 during the closing ceremony following the Grand Final.
Find more information about The Concours musical international de Montréal at www.concoursmontreal.ca
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