Press Release
THE JM CANADA FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES
THE WINNER OF THE PETER-MENDELL AWARD
Young violinist Russell Iceberg is the laureate of this 16th edition
Montreal, September 29, 2021 – The Jeunesses Musicales Canada Foundation presented the Peter-Mendell Award to young violinist Russell Iceberg—who studied with Andrew Wan at McGill University—on September 17. The Peter-Mendell Award, which includes a $5,000 scholarship, is presented to an exceptionally talented violinist.
Russell Iceberg, along with finalists Camille Poirier-Lachance and Yan Li, performed before a jury in Joseph Rouleau Hall at JM Canada’s André Bourbeau House.
As finalists, Camille Poirier-Lachance and Yan Li each received a $500 scholarship from the JM Canada Foundation.
“From the ten applicants, we selected these three violinists who impressed us with the quality of their sound and their playing. In presenting this award, we are delighted to see that the next generation of emerging artists is doing quite well!” stated Gabrielle Blackburn, Executive Director of the JM Canada Foundation.
The jury was comprised of Marianne Dugal, 2nd associate, concertmaster at the OSM; Danièle LeBlanc, Executive and Artistic Director of JM Canada; and Peter Mendell, attorney at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg.
Biography of Russell Iceberg
Violinist Russell Iceberg is based in Montreal, QC. A recent graduate of McGill University’s Schulich School of Music, he completed his master’s and Artist Diploma programs as a student of Andrew Wan. He completed his bachelor’s degree at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, where he studied with Blair Milton. Other significant teachers include Phyllis Freeman, Naoko Tanaka, and Scott Yoo. As a soloist, Russell has performed with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, the Northwestern University Alumni Symphony, and the Colorado College Summer Music Festival Orchestra. He is a two-time grand prizewinner of the McGill Chamber Music Competition as a member of the Iceberg String Quartet (2017) and of the Persée String Quartet (2019). In 2021, Russell won the McGill Golden Violin Competition and was also a finalist at the Shean Strings Competition in Edmonton.
About the Peter-Mendell Award
Established in 2005, the Peter-Mendell Award recognizes the excellence of a young string player of age 25 or under attending university in Quebec or studying at a Conservatoire de musique du Québec. This annual award bears the name of Peter Mendell, a renowned attorney at the law firm of Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg, a devoted music enthusiast and amateur cellist. Peter and Margie Mendell are proud to partner with the JM Canada Foundation and JM Canada to support musical excellence.
About the JM Canada Foundation
The JM Canada Foundation works to raise, create, and administer funds to support the mission of JM Canada, which cultivates an appreciation for various types of classical music among young audiences, supports the development of young, classically trained musicians on the national scene, and helps further the developing careers of young Canadian musicians.
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Information:
Gabrielle Blackburn
Executive Director
JM Canada Foundation
fondation@jmcanada.ca
