Japanese violinist Koshiro Takeuchi has been named Grand Laureate of the 2026 Concours musical international de Montréal (CMIM), one of North America’s leading classical music competitions.
The announcement was made following the Grand Final held at Montreal’s Maison symphonique, where the three finalists performed concertos with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, the competition’s official orchestra, under the direction of guest conductor Sascha Goetzel.
Takeuchi received First Prize, which includes a combined cash award and career development grant worth CAD 70,000. According to the competition, the jury recognised the violinist for his musicality, technical command and stage presence.
Founded in 2002, the Concours musical international de Montréal is a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions and alternates between piano, violin and voice editions. Over the past two decades, it has established itself as one of the most prominent international competitions in Canada, helping launch the careers of numerous young musicians.
Japanese violinist Sara Watanabe was awarded Second Prize, receiving CAD 25,000. She also won the Mozart Prize for the best performance of a Mozart concerto during the final round.
Canadian violinist Laurel Gagnon took Third Prize, worth CAD 20,000. She additionally received the Audience Choice Award, the Canadian Work Prize and the Sonata Prize.
Other special awards included the André Bourbeau Award for Best Canadian Artist, presented to Justin Saulnier, and the Robert Trempe Junior Jury Prize, awarded to Charlotte Spruit.
In total, more than CAD 150,000 in prizes, grants and career-development opportunities were distributed during the 2026 violin edition of the competition. Additional benefits include concert engagements, artistic consultations, residency opportunities and the potential loan of a rare Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù violin from the Canimex Music Instrument Collection.
The final marked the conclusion of several rounds of competition that brought together young violinists from around the world in Montreal over the past weeks.
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