Azrieli Music Prizes 2024 Gala Showcases Musical Excellence
The recent Azrieli Music Prizes 2024 AMP Gala was a celebration of exceptional talent in music composition, drawing both in-person attendees and a global virtual audience. The event featured the debut of award-winning compositions from the 2024 AMP Laureates, including Jordan Nobles, Juan Trigos, Yair Klartag, and Josef Bardanashvili. This year marked a significant milestone, as it commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Azrieli Music Prizes, highlighting the program’s development and influence over the years.
Performances by Esteemed Musicians
The performances were delivered by musicians from The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, accompanied by the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal Chorus under the direction of Chorusmaster Andrew Megill. The event was emceed by Dr. Sharon Azrieli CQ, the founder of the Azrieli Music Prizes, and Mario Paquet, a respected host from Radio-Canada, adding a touch of warmth and professionalism to the evening’s proceedings.
Pre-Concert Engagement
Before the main concert, attendees were treated to a pre-concert talk and performance held in the lobby. This segment featured the 2024 AMP Laureates alongside jury members, including Dr. Sharon Azrieli CQ and musicologist Sylvia L’Écuyer, C.M., fostering a deeper connection between the artists and the audience.
Reflections from Prizewinners
During the event, several prizewinners shared their heartfelt sentiments. Josef Bardanashvili, recipient of the Azrieli Prize for Jewish Music, expressed his gratitude, highlighting the importance of the AMP in preserving Jewish cultural heritage and commending the exceptional performance by the OSM Chorus. Juan Trigos, honored as the first-ever winner of the Azrieli Commission for International Music, shared how this opportunity has significantly impacted his career. Yair Klartag, another laureate for the Azrieli Commission for Jewish Music, praised the unique blend of professionalism and warmth offered by the prize, emphasizing its role in supporting composers and their artistic exploration.
2026 Azrieli Music Prizes Call for Submissions
The Azrieli Music, Arts and Culture Centre (AMACC) has officially launched its international call for submissions for the 2026 Azrieli Music Prizes. For this sixth biennial cycle, the AMP is inviting scores and proposals specifically for choir and orchestra, with the option for soloists. Composers have until May 2, 2025, to submit their work.
Commitment to Supporting Emerging Composers
Dr. Sharon Azrieli CQ emphasized the initiative’s goal of discovering and nurturing talented composers who demonstrate creativity and expertise. The AMP not only aims to advance these artists’ careers but also to ensure their award-winning music reaches wider audiences. The program provides laureates with the necessary resources to compose outstanding new works while giving them significant exposure in prominent music markets, supported by professional recordings and promotional efforts.
