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Montreal is once again alive with song as the Concours musical international de Montréal (CMIM) hosts its much-anticipated Voice 2025 edition. Running from May 25 to June 6, the competition is dedicated entirely to the art of singing—Aria and Art Song—and continues to cement its reputation as one of the world’s most prestigious platforms for young classical vocalists.
A Montreal Legacy
Voice holds a special place in CMIM’s story. When the competition launched in 2002, it did so with classical singing at its heart—a nod to the city’s deep musical roots and rich vocal tradition. Co-founded by legendary bass Joseph Rouleau and philanthropist André Bourbeau, the CMIM remains the only international voice competition of its kind in North America, and one of the most respected globally.
This year, 24 singers from 16 countries were selected to compete, representing a dazzling array of artistry and training from around the world. With a total prize pool of $160,000 CAD, including the prestigious Joseph Rouleau Career Development Grants, the stakes—and standards—are high.
From Salle Bourgie to Maison symphonique
The competition began with preliminary rounds at Salle Bourgie, where performers showcased their artistry in both Aria and Art Song, accompanied by four world-class pianists: Ian Tindale, Martin Dubé, Esther Gonthier, and Carson Becke. These collaborators brought versatility and sensitivity to each performance, elevating the musical dialogue between voice and piano.
A distinguished jury—chaired by Canadian soprano Adrianne Pieczonka and including renowned figures such as Harolyn Blackwell, Iain Burnside, Etienne Dupuis, Anthony Freud, Susan Graham, Roberto Mauro, and Christina Scheppelmann—has the unenviable task of choosing the next generation of vocal luminaries.
Now, the competition moves to Maison symphonique de Montréal for the semifinals on June 3 and 4, where ten remaining contestants will perform with orchestral accompaniment. These performances will set the stage for the Grand Final on June 6, featuring the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) under the baton of guest conductor Patrick Summers.
🎤 Semifinalists – Voice 2025
Tuesday, June 3 – 7:30 PM
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Chanhee Cho (South Korea)
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Fanny Soyer (France)
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Junho Hwang (South Korea)
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Jingjing Xu (China)
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Katerina Burton (United States)
Wednesday, June 4 – 7:30 PM
Presented in tribute to Marie-Paule Laurans (1947–2025)
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Fleuranne Brockway (Australia)
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Theodore Platt (United Kingdom)
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Julia Muzychenko-Greenhalgh (Russia)
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Ariane Cossette (Canada)
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Yewon Han (South Korea)
At the close of the second night, five finalists will be announced and return for the climactic Grand Final.
🏆 Grand Final – June 6 at 7:30 PM
Presented in tribute to Noël Spinelli (1927–2020)
Finalists will compete for:
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1st Prize: $30,000 + $40,000 Joseph Rouleau Career Development Grant (in partnership with the Azrieli Foundation) + Opéra de Montréal Aria Prize
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2nd Prize: $25,000
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3rd Prize: $20,000
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Special prizes, including:
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Opéra de Montréal – Engagement
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André-Bourbeau Award for Best Canadian Artist
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ICI Musique Audience Choice Award
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Observatoire québécois d’art lyrique Prize
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OSM Future Engagement Prize
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CMIM Grants for non-laureate finalists
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A Platform for the Future
For competitors, CMIM is more than a contest—it’s a springboard. Since its inception, nearly 5,000 young musicians from over 90 countries have applied. Each edition alternates between voice, piano, and violin, giving Montrealers and the world an opportunity to witness the blossoming of extraordinary careers.
Executive Director Chantal Poulin and Artistic Director Shira Gilbert describe this year’s edition as “a unique encounter between leading figures in the classical music world and the most promising singers of the new generation.” With performers drawing on diverse cultural and musical influences—from New York to Seoul, Oslo to Montreal—this year’s competition promises to be a thrilling celebration of vocal artistry and global talent.
As the world tunes into Montreal, expect fireworks—of the operatic kind.