Press Release
For Immediate Release
The 20th Anniversary Edition of the Peter Mendell Prize goes national!
Montreal, February 5, 2025 — The Jeunesses Musicales Canada Foundation is proud to announce the official opening of applications for the 20th edition of the Peter Mendell Prize, a competition that has celebrated the excellence and talent of young Canadian string players for two decades.
An Exceptional 20th Anniversary Edition
To mark this milestone anniversary, a significant new feature has been introduced: thanks to a partnership with the Canadian Music Competition, the competition is now open to all young Canadian string players aged 25 and under who are studying in Canada. This partnership aims to broaden access to the competition, helping to uncover promising talent from coast to coast to coast.
An Outstanding $20,000 Scholarship
For its 20th anniversary, the competition is awarding an unprecedented $20,000 scholarship to the 2025 laureate, recognizing both the event’s evolution and its mission to empower the next generation of Canadian musicians.
Eligibility and Key Dates
The competition is open to string players (violin, viola, cello, or double bass) enrolled full-time in a classical music performance program at a Canadian university or in the 3rd, 4th, or 5th cycle at a Canadian conservatory. Applicants must be 25 years old or younger as of May 15, 2025.
Applications, including video recordings (solo or with piano accompaniment) and a letter of recommendation from the applicant’s instrument teacher, must be submitted online via the JM Canada Foundation website no later than May 15, 2025.
A Public Final Round
Three finalists will be selected to perform at a public final round, to be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025. This grand finale will conclude the 2025 edition with the awarding of the Peter Mendell Prize and associated scholarships.
About the Peter Mendell Prize
Established in 2005, the Peter Mendell Prize is dedicated to supporting the next generation of Canadian musicians by recognizing excellence and providing unique opportunities to young classical music performers.
For more information or to submit an application, please visit the official website of the Jeunesses Musicales Canada Foundation: https://www.jmcanada.ca/en/foundation/
