OSM International Composition Prize

The Prize-winners of the OSM International Composition Prize's 1st Edition

   Spanish Ramon Humet wins the Olivier Messiaen International Prize
   Canadian Paul Frehner wins the Claude Vivier National Prize

Montreal, January 10, 2007 - The finals of the OSM International Composition Prize's first edition took place this evening beginning at 8 o'clock at Théâtre Maisonneuve in Place des Arts. The works of the 5 finalists were performed by the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal under the direction of its conductor-in-residence, Jean-François Rivest. Following performance of the works, the jury retired to deliberate. That jury was made up of Maestro Kent Nagano, music director of the OSM, and of composers Unsuk Chin (Korea), Peter Eötvös (Hungary), Gilles Tremblay (Canada) and Gilbert Amy (France), the jury chairman. The public was invited to stay for the on-stage awarding of the prizes. The International Olivier Messiaen Prize (for best work) was presented to Spanish Ramon Humet, the International Promise Prize (for the second-place work) was presented to French Raphaël Cendo and the National Claude Vivier Prize (for the best Canadian work) was presented to Canadian Paul Frehner.
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About the contest
Created on an initiative of Maestro Kent Nagano, the new Music Director of the OSM, the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal International Composition Prize will launch its first edition during the 2006-2007 season. To be presented every two years, this competition for orchestral works will be open to composers of all nationalities, aged 40 years and under. Its aim is to encourage and promote musical creation while developing lasting ties between the OSM and the composers of today and, in this way, actively contribute to a renewal of the symphonic repertoire.

• The Olivier Messiaen International Prize for the winning composition
• The Promise Prize for the work placing second
• The Claude Vivier National Prize for the best Canadian work