Young vocalists shine at national competition

Aemilia Moser has won the 49th Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition, held April 17-18 at Brandon University’s School of Music.

The Toronto-based soprano took first place in the prestigious competition, which carries a total prize package valued at $11,000, including a $6,000 cash award and a Cross-Canada Winner’s Tour scheduled for October and November 2026.

“I felt really good about my feat … but looking at the singers I was sharing the stage with, I really didn’t expect that,” she told the Sun. “It means that the work I put in was worth it, and now I get to take this program that I’m really proud of and share it across Canada.”

Kendra Dyck, based in the Niagara region, placed second and received $2,500, while Camille Labonté of Toronto finished third and earned $1,500. Each of the six finalists also received $1,000.

Dyck said the result was especially meaningful given the strength of the field.

“To even be in the final six is a huge accomplishment,” she said. “To come second is the icing on the cake … I had no idea how the jurors were going to make a decision after hearing everyone.”

Labonté said the weekend was as much about artistic growth as competition.

“It was about curating a program that speaks to me and being inspired by the other artists,” she said. “This competition celebrates Canadian composers and gives us space to explore meaningful repertoire.”

The competition’s jury chair, Holly Nimmons, CEO of the Canadian Music Centre, said the standard this year was exceptionally high.

“The quality of the artists was extremely high level,” she told the Sun. “Their artistry is exceptional … all of them will have long careers ahead of them.”

Nimmons said adjudication considered not only vocal performance, but also programming choices, including the inclusion of Canadian composers and interpretive skill.

A key feature of this year’s competition was “The Conversation,” a newly commissioned work by Brandon University composer Jason Young, which each finalist was required to perform. Nimmons said the piece gave jurors insight into how each singer interpreted unfamiliar material.

Competition administrator Dianna Neufeld said the event highlights both excellence and collaboration among emerging artists.

“This weekend brings together Canada’s top contemporary vocalists,” she said. “It’s not just a competition, it’s about meeting peers and building connections that will shape their future careers.”

Neufeld, who is stepping back after four years in the role, said the competition requires extensive preparation, including a national application process that narrows hundreds of applicants down to six finalists.

She said hosting the event at Brandon University underscores the institution’s role in Canada’s music landscape.

“The School of Music here is an absolute treasure,” Nimmons said. “They’re producing incredible musicians who go on to influence the music world.”

The Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition, which rotates annually between voice, piano and strings, is regarded as one of Canada’s leading platforms for emerging classical musicians, with past winners going on to international careers.

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