Montreal International Music Competition Gala

Mme Christiane LeBlanc, Director General and Artistic Director of the MIMC and Mme Jacqueline Desmarais, Honorary President of the Gala
Photo by Jacques Robert

The Montreal International Music Competition recently held a very successful Gala evening at The Ritz Carlton. Madame Jacqueline Desmarais presided as the Honorary President, and she was thanked by many of the attending young musicians who have benefited by her support.

Sylvain Lafrance, former Radio-Canada Vice-President of French Services; Gaétan Frigon, Businessman; Raymond Bachand, former Quebec Liberal Finance Minister
Photo by Jacques Robert

The champagne reception in the Palm Court preceeded the evening’s festivities in the elegant Oval Room. Superstar cellist Stéphane Tétreault gave a spirited performance with his 1707 Stradivarius, accompanied by pianist Marie-Eve Scarfone.

Marie-Claude Lavallée, Master of Ceremony for the evening; Stéphane Tétreault, violoncelliste; Dennis Trudeau, Animator and Auctioneer
Photo by Jacques Robert

At just 20, Stéphane has already earned a number of awards and recognition for his virtuoso command of the cello. They were joined by Soprano Gianna Corbisiero who brought the audience to their feet for a standing ovation.

Former CBC anchorman Dennis Trudeau served as the auctioneer, encouraging the patrons to dig deep into their wallets to purchase fine wines, Canadiens’ tickets for 12 in a private box, and a private concert with Stephane Tetreault.

M. Daniel Vachon and Angele Guérard
Photo by Peter Kerr

Pierre D’Anjlade, Marie-Michelle Lajoie and Guy Beaudry
Photo by Peter Kerr

As might be expected, the food, wine and ambiance served by The Ritz was outstanding. In all, just over $130,000 was raised to support the MIMC scholarship program and the cash prizes awarded to the winning musicians. The disciplines rotate from Voice, to Violin and to Piano. The 2015 Competition for Voice runs from May 25 to June 5, 2015. For more information, purchase tickets or to provide accommodation for visiting international musicians/competitors; please visit: www.concoursmontreal.ca Enjoy!