Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition

Six Canadian pianists who are at the top of their game are about to play under pressure at Brandon University for the annual Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition, says Dianna Neufeld, the event’s administrator. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support.

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Six Canadian pianists who are at the top of their game are about to play under pressure at Brandon University for the annual Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition, says Dianna Neufeld, the event’s administrator. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Six Canadian pianists who are at the top of their game are about to play under pressure at Brandon University for the annual Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition, says Dianna Neufeld, the event’s administrator. “This is a very big deal, it’s the only music competition of its kind in Canada,” Neufeld said.

“It’s always so exciting because it’s new compositions that specifically target Canadian artists. That’s why it’s exciting for Brandon to host it, as it has since 1976.” Also referred to by its nickname E-Gré, the competition is scheduled to take over BU’s Lorne Watson Recital Hall this weekend.

Competitors in this weekend’s Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition at Brandon University’s Lorne Watson Recital Hall: Xuan He of Toronto (from left), Paul Williamson of Mission, B.C., and Jonathan Mak of Thornhill, Ont.

(Submitted) Friday evening features a gala concert with two of the four jury members, Eve Egoyan and Louise Bessette, who Neufeld said are “world renowned pianists.” The other two jurists are Timothy Steeves, who teaches at Memorial University’s School of Music in St. John’s, N.

L., and Holly Nimmons from the Canadian Music Centre. Saturday has been reserved for the six recitals from 10 a.

m. to 8 p.m.

Three of the pianists are from Ontario, the other three from B.C. “Now at this point they’re all winners because they’ve made it this far,” Neufeld said.

“But after performing 50 to 55 minutes’ worth of music, the jury members will deliberate for an overall ranking from first to sixth. But in all honesty, they’ve been working hard to get to this competition, I guarantee it.” Each pianist must also perform a piece that was commissioned specifically for this year’s E-Gré, called “where poppies still bloom and fall” by Rita Ueda, a Canadian composer based in Vancouver.

The entire day of piano competition is open to the public. “Absolutely come and hear what’s happening in the Canadian music scene, specifically the contemporary side of music,” Neufeld said. “It’s thought-provoking and interesting, with inspiration in the music and creative world overall.

” The awards, including cash prizes totalling $11,000, will be handed out on Sunday from noon to 1 p.m. First place is awarded $6,000 plus the chance to be featured as a headliner on a Canada-wide tour.

Last year’s winner was booked for 11 dates across the country. Second place will receive $2,500, with $1,500 awarded to the third-place pianist, and $1,000 for the fourth-prize winner. One of the pianists will be recognized for his or her best performance of the commissioned piece, in an award sponsored by the City of Brandon.

E-Gré is open to musicians between the ages of 18 and 35 who submitted a 35-minute performance video featuring at least 50 per cent Canadian music that was written after 1950. While Neufeld wasn’t able to confirm how many submissions were in the first round, she said they weren’t necessarily all university students. “Some might be continuing on with their master’s degree in music or their DMA (doctor of musical arts).

And some have already started careers as pianists in other areas. It’s hard to say if I would label them all as professionals, but this is definitely a step to becoming that person,” Neufeld said. Each year features a different instrument, rotating between piano, voice and strings.

World-renowned violinist and Brandon-born James Ehnes was an E-Gré winner in 1987. The following year, he won the First Prize in Strings at the Canadian Music Festival, the youngest musician ever to do so. In 2005, Ehnes was honoured by BU with a doctor of music degree and in 2010 was made a member of the Order of Canada.

Competitors Dan Luong of London, Ont. (from left), Linda Raun of Surrey, B.C.

, and Hamilton Lau of Burnaby, B.C. (Submitted) The Eckhardt-Gramatté national music competition is named after composer, pianist and violinist S.

C. (Sonia) Eckhardt-Gramatté, who spent the last 21 years of her life in Manitoba, according to the competition’s website. “She was a big advocate for Brandon University music,” said Neufeld, who is now in her second year as the director of the Eckhardt-Gramatté Conservatory of Music.

“I always say, it’s a small school, but its faculty is mighty, and I wish the community knew that it is more than just the Brandon University School of Music. They are very mighty,” she said. Friday evening’s gala performance is scheduled to start at 7 p.

m., but before any note is played, there will be a tasty fundraiser. Neufeld and fellow committee members have organized a pie auction with treats that have been donated by Lady of the Lake and Chez Angela, with more expected.

Gala tickets are $25 for adults and $12.50 for seniors. A weekend pass is $50 for adults and $25 for seniors.

For those only interested in Saturday’s performances, the cost is $30 for adults and $15 for seniors. There is no charge for BU and Conservatory of Music students. The events will also be streamed live.

For more information, send an email to [email protected]. » mmcdougall@brandonsun.

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