CANADA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS -

MICHAEL MEASURES PRIZE

National Youth Orchestra Canada Criteria

Since 2011, in partnership with the Canada Council for the Arts, an annual prize is awarded to one student of the National Youth Orchestra Canada who is a Canadian Citizen between the ages of 16 and 22, as of January 1, 2012, and who is “an outstanding, young Canadian musician who plays an orchestral instrument.”  In 2012, this prize will be in the amount of $15,000.  The winner will also be awarded a concerto performance with the orchestra. 

In order to apply for the prize, the student must follow the standard application procedure for the NYOC, including a live audition in January 2012, in accordance with the NYOC’s audition requirements.  Students who wish to be considered for the Canada Council for the Arts – Michael Measures Prize (CC-MM Prize) must fulfill the same requirements as for the NYOC’s Awards of Excellence. Students must indicate their intention to apply for this award on the NYOC application form and send the following supporting materials postmarked no later than December 15, 2011:

-a DVD recording of 20 to 30 minutes in length with solo repertoire of contrasting styles and musical periods;

• All video auditions files must be sent in wmv format.

-Copy of a birth certificate or proof of age;

-Proof of Canadian citizenship;

-A CV, short biography and recent photo;

-A list of all teachers you have studied with for the past 2 years;

            -2 letters of reference from music professionals;

-Program of the repertoire you intend to perform for the final audition, should one be necessary

These materials must be submitted in a single package.  An applicant will forfeit their eligibility if the supporting materials are incomplete, submitted separately or not postmarked by the deadline. 

If necessary, a short list of candidates will be selected from the taped auditions to participate in the final auditions for the CC-MM prize. Candidates must attend the finals in person to be held in Toronto (date to be announced).The final round consists of a 50 minute recital of varied repertoire including some concerto repertoire (of the student’s choosing) for solo instrument. The jury reserves the right to interrupt any performance that goes beyond the prescribed limits.  Candidates must provide their own collaborative pianists for the recital; however the NYOC will provide a list of collaborative pianists available for the final recitals. Candidates are responsible for contacting the pianists.

The winner will also have an opportunity to perform a solo concerto performance during the NYOC’s training session and/or tour.

Additional recital opportunities for the winner will also be explored.

The winner must be a member of the 2012 NYOC and successfully complete the NYOC’s training session and tour and abide by all NYOC policies, rules and procedures.  The NYOC reserves the right to not award the prize in any given year, should there be no suitable candidate.

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