After the great success of the first editions of the Orchestre classique de Montréal’s CANIMEX Mentorship Program in May 2022 and June 2023, the OCM is building on last year’s impactful experience in its third edition in June 2024.

The CANIMEX Mentorship Program offers a transformative experience for the next generation of emerging artists. Through workshops and courses  such as financial literacy for independent contractors, composer-musician collaboration, and virtual concert broadcasting as well as through master classes led by our Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, Jacques Lacombe, participants in the program will gain the knowledge, experience, and networks needed to succeed as a professional musician in Québec.

From June 3 to June 18, the OCM will welcome 13 apprentice musicians and one assistant conductor for the intensive paid mentorship program. It is also one of Québec’s only paid mentorship programs for apprentice musicians.

This year’s cohort will participate in two concerts. The first concert will allow the apprentice musicians to shine on their own at a recital on Sunday, June 9th at 2:30 PM at Kildonan Hall of the Church of St. Andrew & St. Paul in the Golden Mile. All donors will receive two complimentary tickets to this performance.

The second concert will mark the culmination of the mentorship program: the apprentice musicians will join the musicians of the OCM on the stage of the Maison symphonique for the final concert of the season: A life in opera: homage to Joseph Rouleau on Tuesday June 18 at 7:30 PM. All mentored musicians will be paid salaries for the rehearsals and performances.

The OCM is grateful for the generous financial support of CANIMEX Group, RBC Foundation, and donors like you.  It is important to recognize that the development of the next generation of great musicians is crucial to the future of the classical music sector.

Here is how you can help:

♫ A gift of $25 covers the sheet music for a student musician for their two concerts.

♫ A gift of $100 covers part of a private lesson for a student musician.

♫ A gift of $250 covers part o f the fees for a specialist to lead a workshop or seminar.

♫ A gift of $500 sponsors the participation of a student your choice (see list of instruments below), with several opportunities to meet and mingle with your sponsored student.

Any and all contributions to this “Support Our Rising Stars” campaign will provide valuable career development to classical musicians of the next generation who need this more than ever in a challenging career as a performing artist.