Royal Conservatory Alumnus Blake Pouliot Wins Grand Prize at OSM Manulife Competition

The Royal Conservatory congratulates alumnus Blake Pouliot, who won the Grand Prize at the 2016 OSM [Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal] Manulife Competition, held in Montreal from November 22-26. The young violinist received $17,500 in awards and grants, as well as a series of concert engagements in communities across North America.

Blake is an alumnus of The Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists, The Royal Conservatory of Music's internationally acclaimed training program for young classical musicians. While at The Taylor Academy, he studied with Erika Raum and Marie Bérard. He is also a graduate of The Royal Conservatory Certificate Program, the organization's celebrated system of music study and assessment. The 22-year-old Toronto native has performed with leading orchestras across North America, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic under esteemed conductor Sir Neville Marriner. In addition to his accomplishments as a performer, Blake is also an actor and award-winning composer.

"Blake is one of Canada's most remarkable young musicians so it is gratifying to see him recognized by one of this country's leading classical music competitions," says Barry Shiffman, Director of The Taylor Academy. "It has been wonderful to watch him develop from a talented performer into a dynamic young artist. On behalf of everyone at The Royal Conservatory, I congratulate Blake on his achievement and look forward to his continued success."

Students and alumni of The Royal Conservatory won the top prize in all three competition categories. Blake Pouliot won the senior strings division in addition to the Grand Prize. Fellow violinist Alice Lee won the junior strings division, while Rashaan Allwood took the top prize in the organ category.

The OSM Manulife Competition is Canada's most prestigious competition for young classical musicians. Past prizewinners include violinist James Ehnes, as well as pianists and Royal Conservatory alumni Angela Hewitt and Jan Lisiecki.

Taylor Academy applications for 2017-18 open in December. Entrance requirements and audition information are available at rcmusic.ca/academy.

The Royal Conservatory of Music is one of the largest and most respected music and arts education institutions in the world. Providing the definitive standard of excellence in music education through its curriculum, assessment, performances, and teacher education programs, The Conservatory has had a substantial impact on the lives of millions of people globally. In addition, the organization has helped to train a number of internationally celebrated artists including Glenn Gould, Oscar Peterson, David Foster, Sarah McLachlan, Angela Hewitt, and Diana Krall. Motivated by its powerful mission to develop human potential through leadership in music and arts education, The Royal Conservatory has emerged over the last two decades as a leader in the development of arts-based programs that address a wide range of social issues. For more information, please visit rcmusic.ca.

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