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Salmon Arm pianist takes first place in prestigious Montreal competition

Jaeden Izik-Dzurko awards include recognition as Best Canadian Artist
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Salmon Arm’s Jaeden Izik-Dzurko won first place in the 2024 piano edition of the Concours musical international de Montréal on May 16, 2024. (Concours musical international de Montréal photo)

Salmon Arm pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko can add another feather to his competition cap after receiving grand honours at the 2024 piano edition of the Concours musical international de Montréal.

The event concluded on May 16 with Izik-Dzurko, 25, playing Brahms Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major, competing against Derek Wang and Jakub Kuszlik with orchestra-accompanied performances at the Maison symphonique de Montreal. Izik-Dzurko won first prize and the award for Best Canadian Artist. For these accomplishments he received the Grand Cash Prize of $30,000 offered by la Ville de Montréal, the Joseph-Rouleau Career Development Grant of $50,000 offered by The Azrieli Foundation, the Steinway Recording Prize (valued at over $54,000), plus Steinway Prizewinner Concerts, a Korean Tour, an engagement with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal for a concert or recital in a subsequent season, and a solo recital engagement for the Coast Recital Society’s 2025-2026 season.

The past couple of years saw Izik-Dzurko win several international competitions including first prize at the 2022 Hilton Head International Piano Competition and the 2022 Maria Canals International Music Competition.

The Concours musical international de Montréal (CMIM) is an elite-level competition for classical musicians interested in pursuing an international career as a professional concert artist.

Read more: Salmon Arm pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko returning to Nexus stage for concert/fundraiser

Read more: Young Salmon Arm pianist sweeps international competition in Spain



Lachlan Labere

About the Author: Lachlan Labere

Editor, Salmon Arm Observer
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