The Orchestre classique de Montréal Launches the Canimex Mentorship Program

The Orchestre classique de Montréal (OCM) is pleased to announce the launch of the new Canimex Mentorship Program, available exclusively to students enrolled in the Faculty of Music at Université de Montréal (UdeM). The program, which is generously supported by the Canimex Group and the RBC Foundation, will be open to thirteen student instrumentalists and one young conductor and is being carried out in collaboration with UdeM’s Faculty of Music.

THE PROGRAM
The thirteen student instrumentalists will take part in the mentorship program from May 13 to 28, 2022. The OCM’s artistic director, Boris Brott, will oversee the program with the participation of the orchestra’s musicians. This initiative will offer a unique opportunity for young musicians to hone their orchestral skills alongside the seasoned musicians of the OCM, one of Canada’s oldest and most reputable ensembles.

“Training young musicians and propelling their careers have been great passions of mine for over 50 years. The OCM is extremely proud to launch this program, which will provide an exceptional learning opportunity for young musicians,” says Maestro Brott.

The program will include master classes, encounters with internationally renowned conductors and musicians, and professional tool development sessions (resumes, websites, social media). It will culminate with the students’ paid participation in a major end-of-season concert on May 27, 2022, at the Maison symphonique.

All musicians will sign a professional contract and will be paid in accordance with GMMQ (Guilde des musiciens et musiciennes du Québec) rates for rehearsals and the concert. The following positions are available: two violins, one viola, one cello, one double bass, one flute, one oboe, one clarinet, one bassoon, one horn, one trumpet, one trombone and one percussion.

THE CONDUCTOR
The conducting student has already been selected: Evgenii Sakmarov, a doctoral student at UdeM. The conductor mentorship program will run from February 13 to May 28, 2022. Evgenii will serve as the OCM’s assistant conductor for five concerts between February and May 2022. He will lead the OCM during select rehearsals and may have the opportunity to conduct the orchestra during a concert. He will also receive private coachings with Maestro Brott and will be paid a monthly honorarium for the duration of the program.

APPLICATION PROCESS
UdeM students may access the online application form at orchestra.ca from January 10 to February 11. There are no registration or participation fees.