For Immediate Release
Montreal, Thursday, July 30, 2026 – The Jeunesses Musicales Canada Foundation is proud to announce the three finalists for the 21st edition of the Peter Mendell Award, an annual prize recognizing the outstanding talent and exceptional potential of Canada’s emerging string players.
Following a rigorous selection process, the jury has selected the following finalists:
- Amellie Gendron, violin, age 22
Student of Jean-Sébastien Roy at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal - Gordon Giang, cello, age 25
Student of Yegor Dyachkov at the Université de Montréal - Bennett Van Barr, violin, age 19
Student of Andrew Wan at the Schulich School of Music, McGill University
The three finalists will perform before a live audience and jury on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., at the André-Bourbeau JMC House (305 Mont-Royal Avenue East, Montreal). At the end of the competition, the winner will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship to support their artistic development and professional career.
This year’s edition holds special significance as it pays tribute to the memory of Peter Mendell, whose extraordinary generosity and unwavering commitment to Canada’s emerging classical musicians have helped shape the careers of generations of young artists. Following the final round, guests will be invited to a commemorative reception celebrating his remarkable legacy.
The jury for this 21st edition brings together five distinguished figures from Canada’s classical music community: Véronique Desjardins, Executive Director of the Jeunesses Musicales Canada Foundation; Marianne Dugal, Associate Principal Second Violin of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra; Janelle Fung, Piano Professor at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal; Danièle Leblanc, Executive and Artistic Director of Jeunesses Musicales Canada; and Cameron Crozman, internationally acclaimed cellist.
About the Peter Mendell Award
Established through the generosity of Peter Mendell, the Peter Mendell Award supports the artistic development of young Canadian violinists and cellists by providing financial assistance and meaningful recognition at a pivotal stage in their careers. For more than two decades, the award has helped foster the next generation of exceptional Canadian musicians.
About the Jeunesses Musicales Canada Foundation
The Jeunesses Musicales Canada Foundation raises, creates, and administers funds in support of the mission of Jeunesses Musicales Canada. Through its philanthropic initiatives, the Foundation helps introduce young people to classical music while supporting the professional development of Canada’s emerging classical musicians.
