Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition

he Eckahardt-Gramatté competition for the performance of Canadian music is a memorial to composer, pianist and violinist S.C. (Sonia) Eckhardt-Gramatté who spent the last twenty-one years of her life in Manitoba.  It fulfills her lifelong dream of creating a means by which the music of contemporary composers could make its presence felt by young musicians on the threshold of their careers.  The Eckhardt-Gramatté (E-gré) National Music Competition has been held annually since 1976 at the School of Music, Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba.  Competitors must be either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.

The 31st Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competiton in VOICE will take place on May 2, 3 and 4, 2008 at Brandon University.  The annual competition alternates between voice, piano and stringed instruments with the voice competition occuring every three years.

Eight finalists are chosen from all over Canada.  The semi-final competitions take place on the Friday and Saturday after which a maximum of three finalists are chosen.  These finalists are then invited to each present a fifty minute performance on the Sunday afternoon.  Following the three performances, the jury deliberates, final results are announced and the prizes are awarded.

There is a Gala performance by a senior artist on the Saturday evening of the competiton following the semi-finals.  Soprano Valdine Anderson is the guest artist in 2008.  

The 1st prize for the competition will include The Canadian Opera Volunteer Committee Jean A. Chalmers Award of $5000, which will be presented by COVC President Arija Stiver on May 4, 2008.