Developing Artist Grants for Performing Arts Students
In an effort to foster excellence in new talent, The Hnatyshyn Foundation assists the most promising young Canadian performing artists enrolled in post-secondary educational or training institutions.
Grants of $12,500 (formerly $10,000) are awarded annually in each of the following disciplines:
Classical music (orchestral instrument - strings)
Classical music (orchestral instrument - winds, brass, percussion)
Classical music (piano)
Classical vocal performance
Contemporary dance
Jazz performance (The Oscar Peterson Award for Jazz Performance)
Acting (English theatre)
Acting (French theatre)
In addition to the top prizes, the finalists whose scores are closest to the laureate in each discipline receive a $4,000 grant.
To receive future calls for nominations, please make sure that you and your nominee(s) have subscribed to our mailing list (see the website’s footer).
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Students cannot apply for these awards. Instructors at Canadian universities and performing arts colleges (or instructors anywhere in the world, for Classical Vocal Performance) are invited to review the nomination guidelines below and submit a nomination.
Deadline to nominate a student: To be announced in early 2026.
Deadline for nominees to submit their application: To be announced in early 2026.
To give candidates ample time to prepare their submission materials, we recommend that schools submit nominations as early as possible.
Each institution may nominate up to two candidates, with the exception of Classical Vocal Performance (1 nominee). We ask that nominators consult with other professors and/or their department Chair to ensure the limit per institution is respected.
Process
To nominate a student:
Please fill out a nomination form and email it to director@rjhf.com with a letter of nomination, not exceeding one page in length.
Nomination form (Microsoft Word format)
Shortly after we receive a nomination, we give the candidate access to the online system to complete the application form. Please ask them to check their junk mail.
Candidate applications include audition materials. You may work with your candidate to complete the online forms and upload audition videos.
Eligibility criteria
Candidates must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. For undergraduate level grants, candidates must be nominated by the Canadian post-secondary institution at which they will be studying. For the graduate grant in classical vocal performance, a candidate can be nominated by a university, training institution or recognized teacher anywhere in the world.
Adjudication process
Grants will be awarded on the basis of exceptional promise for a distinguished career in performance. Expert adjudicators in each discipline will evaluate the nominees based on performance videos.
Use of the grants
The money can cover tuition, living expenses, books and materials required for the program of study.
Guidelines
Requirements and eligibility criteria vary depending on the artistic discipline. See the guidelines for each discipline before nominating a student (please click on the discipline to view the PDF).
Classical Music - Orchestral Instrument - Strings
Note: classical guitar, while uncommon in orchestras, is eligible for this award.
Classical Music - Orchestral Instrument - Winds, Brass, Percussion
Acting - French Theatre ** see French website
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2025
Classical Vocal Performance (The Carl and Trudy Michailoff Developing Artist Grant for Classical Vocal Performance)
Camila Montefusco (she/her)
Studies at Atelier Lyrique, Opéra de Montréal
Photo: Cecilia Gidali.
Camila Montefusco is a Brazilian-born mezzo-soprano in her second season in the Opéra de Montréal’s Atelier Lyrique. Described as possessing “an instrument of remarkable power and endurance” (Revue L'Opéra Québec), her performances include Offred in The Handmaid’s Tale (Banff Centre), Maman in L’Enfant et les sortilèges (Orchestre de l’Agora), Madame Flora in The Medium (Orchestre classique de Montréal), and Annio in La Clemenza di Tito. In 2024-2025, she toured nationally as part of Debut Atlantic’s roster. She holds a Bachelor of Violin Performance from the University of São Paulo and a Master of Music from Western University, and received the Rebanks Family Fellowship at the Glenn Gould School.
As co-founder of the Obsidiana Duo, Camila believes in the importance of Latin-American musical culture and history. She strives to amplify voices from communities that have long been silenced, to connect with audiences through art, and to inspire a world that hungers for change.
Camila Montefusco in Gala Talent, Atelier lyrique, Opéra de Montreal, 2024. Photo: Tam Photography.
“Live performance is the love of my life. This grant arrives at a pivotal moment of my development. It allows me to dedicate myself fully to growing as an artist, without the financial pressures that too often force young musicians to step away from their craft. I’m incredibly thankful to the Hnatyshyn Foundation and the Michailoff family for believing in what I have to offer.”
Website: camilamontefusco.com
Instagram: @camila.montefusco
Classical Music - Piano
Emmanuel Roberts Dugal (he/him)
Student at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University
Photo courtesy of Emmanuel Roberts Dugal.
Emmanuel Roberts Dugal is a pianist studying at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University under the tutelage of Stéphane Lemelin. Described as “one of the most unique voices of his generation in Canada and the United States” (Music Performance Trust Fund, 2023), he is recognized for his versatility, sensitivity, and passionate artistry. He was awarded the OMNI Prize in 2022, which led to a performance of Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto with the Orchestre Métropolitain under the direction of Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Driven by deep musical curiosity and a commitment to continual growth, Emmanuel explores an expansive repertoire – from baroque to symphonic works and opera. He is an avid chamber musician and collaborative pianist. His artistry has been featured at renowned festivals across Canada, the United States, and Europe.
“This recognition not only supports me in pursuing my dream, but also makes it feel tangible, giving me immense hope for the future of my career. To see my name listed alongside fellow recipients and a long line of past winners whom I admire and respect is both humbling and profoundly moving. Words cannot fully express my gratitude to the Hnatyshyn Foundation. They are, and will always remain, architects of my success. Thank you.”
The Oscar Peterson Award for Jazz Performance
Eric Liang (he/him)
Student at the University of Toronto
Photo: Olivia Presti.
Eric Liang is a pianist and composer born in Canada. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Music at the University of Toronto, and has studied with Glenn Zaleski, Aaron Parks, and Chris Donnelly. He is an active pianist in the Toronto jazz scene, frequenting venues such as the Jazz Bistro and the Rex. Eric has performed with Neil Swainson, Pat Labarbara, Terry Clarke, and Kirk Macdonald in addition to many other big names in the jazz world.
Photo: Averyn Ngan.
“Receiving this grant has made it possible for me to purchase my ideal keyboard, which is something I use daily for practicing, gigging, and composing. As a working musician, having the right tools is essential, and this support from the Hnatyshyn Foundation has given me the means to continue growing both artistically and professionally. I’m truly grateful to be part of a community that invests in young artists and their futures.”
Classical music - Orchestral Instrument - Strings
Justin Saulnier (he/him)
Student at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University
Photo courtesy of Justin Saulnier.
Justin Saulnier is a violinist from Orléans, ON, studying at McGill University under the tutelage of Andrew Wan. Named by CBC Music’s as one of the “30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30” (2023), Justin has performed with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestre Métropolitain, Canada’s National Arts Center Orchestra, the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, the McGill Symphony Orchestra, the Pembroke Symphony Orchestra and the Sinfonia de Montréal. He has worked with Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Tomas Netopil, Naomi Woo, and Alexis Hauser. He won first prizes in the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition, the Canada Council for the Arts’ Michael Measures Prize, the Schulich School of Music Golden Violin Award, and the NACO Bursary Competition; second prizes in the Concours OSM, the Concours et Festival de Lanaudière, the Nicole Sénécal Prize, and the McGill Concerto Competition; and the grand prize in the Orchestre Métropolitain OMNI Competition. He has been concertmaster in the Music Academy of the West Festival Orchestra, the National Youth Orchestra, and the Ottawa Chamber Orchestra. He plays on a 1680 Ruggeri from Cremona, and a Louis Gillet bow, generously loaned to him by Canimex Inc. in Drummondville.
Photo courtesy of Justin Saulnier.
“This scholarship allows me to flourish through various musical experiences. I believe it is important to explore different environments in order to gain new perspectives. I plan to apply for masterclasses at the Kronberg Academy and the Prussia Cove International Festival this year. I thank the Hnatyshyn Foundation for their support of young Canadian musicians.”
Website: Justin-saulnier.com
Contemporary Dance
Jayda Zhu (she/her)
Student at Arts Umbrella, Vancouver
Photo: Michael Slobodian.
Jayda Zhu is a dancer studying at Arts Umbrella in Vancouver, where she also earned her Dance Diploma through the AU/VCC Post-Secondary Program. She grew up surrounded by music, dance, and artistry, as the daughter of ballet instructors. The grace and discipline of her parents’ students sparked her own passion for performance and movement. She first danced in hip hop, then jazz, tap, and musical theatre. She performed with Perry Ehrlich’s Showstoppers and in multiple Theatre Under the Stars productions, where she received the Grace Macdonald Award for Most Promising Dancer. In 2019, she began ballet training at Goh Ballet Academy, and soon joined Poirier Productions Dance Studios, exploring a variety of dance styles, including contemporary. Intense training and dedication to her art led Jayda to attend the American Ballet Theatre Summer School, the Juilliard Summer Intensive, and Arts Umbrella’s International Summer Dance Intensive. In 2022, she joined the Arts Umbrella Dance Company as a Pre-Grad and entered the Post-Secondary Program the following year. In July 2024, she was honoured to attend the Nederlands Dans Theater Summer Intensive.
Jayda has worked with established choreographers Crystal Pite, Kirsten Wicklund, Cyril Baldy, Astrid Boons, Fernando Magadan, James Kudelka, Ethan Colangelo, Stephen Shropshire, Felix Landerer, and Lukáš Timulak. She has also trained with Rena Narumi, Amy Raymond, Renée Sigouin, Risa Steinberg, Anders Hellstrom, Darren Devaney, Spencer Dickhaus, Celine Gittens, Luca Tessarini, and Lea Ved. In 2024, she had the privilege of performing Pite’s re-work of Frontier with Ballet BC in Vancouver and Los Angeles.
Jayda Zhu in Artifact by William Forsythe. Photo: Michael Slobodian.
“I am honoured and deeply grateful to receive financial support from The Hnatyshyn Foundation. This grant will help give me the freedom to travel for auditions and allow me to develop my technique and reach my short-term goals as a young artist. Dance means the world to me, and I am inspired by the generosity of the donors and by those who believe in me and my passion. I aspire to work in a professional dance company where I can express my artistic voice and embark on a journey of exploration through movement, contributing to the art community and its audiences.”
Instagram: @Jayda_Zhu
Classical Music - Orchestral Instrument - Winds, Brass, PercussionsMathilde Lepage (she/her)
Student at The Conservatoire de Musique de Montréal
Photo: Céline Klein – JamStone Productions.
Mathilde Lepage is a horn player studying at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal under the tutelage of Marjolaine Goulet. In 2023 and 2024, she attended the Académie du Domaine Forget, where she played for Markus Maskuniitty, Andrew Bain, Benoît de Barsony, and Pierre-Antoine Tremblay. As a soloist, she has won the Coup de cœur Youkali Prize at the 6th edition of the Pentaèdre-Youkali Competition. As an orchestral player, she was selected to join the National Youth Orchestra of Canada under the direction Naomi Woo for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, where she was awarded the Brian G’froerer Memorial Fund Scholarship. In 2025, she participated in the NACO Mentorship Program, where she performed alongside members of the National Arts Centre Orchestra. She has appeared with ensembles and orchestras across Quebec, including GFN Productions and Patrick Watson, the Orchestre Philharmonique du Québec, the Festival Classica Orchestra, and the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal.
Photo: Curtis Perry.
“I thank the Hnatyshyn Foundation from the bottom of my heart for their trust. The future of Canadian art is alive and thriving, and it is thanks to scholarships like this one that young artists like me have the freedom to dream bigger, aim further, and push our limits to make art a profession. As a student beginning my professional career, this grant will allow me to focus all my energy on completing my degree and further developing my horn playing, with the goal of pursuing a master’s degree next year.”
Acting (French Theatre)
Ricardo B. Beaubrun (he/him)
Student at the Université du Québec à Montréal
Photo: Myralie Roy.
Ricardo B. Beaubrun is an actor studying at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM). Driven by a desire to explore the human soul in all its complexity, his acting is rooted in the notion of physical presence and in building ever-renewed relationships with audiences. At UQAM, he found a place where art, creativity, and pleasure come together, allowing him to explore fully and to focus above all on his creative process rather than only on outcomes. He is inspired by his teacher Sylvio Arriola’s ability to combine theatricality and performativity, and to immerse his students in a state of urgency that forces them to be in the present moment while embodying a character. In studying with Camille Renarhd, professor of movement and performance, he discovered in-situ performance, which prompted him to reflect on the meaning of the actor-audience relationship and the notion of presence in a performance. His approach to performance was profoundly influenced by his role in Multitud, a choreographic composition directed by Tamara Cubas as part of the Festival Transamérique (2024).
Ricardo B. Beaubrun (left) in Les sorcières de Salem. Photo: Olivier Hardy.
"The possibilities in theatre are endless, and thanks to this scholarship, I have the opportunity to explore them fully. Performing allows me to transform my curiosity into creation, and each role is an opportunity for me to push my limits, challenge my beliefs, and offer the audience raw and authentic emotions. This grant gives me the momentum I need to continue my studies with confidence, curiosity, and even more boldness. It is a recognition of my work and my ever-growing love for this vocation. I thank the Hnatyshyn Foundation for awarding me this prize, my teachers for their trust and support, and especially my generous stage partner and friend Audrey Gendron-Paiement, with whom I have shared this process.”
Instagram: @bel_ricki
Acting (English Theatre)Oliver Gold (he/him)
Student at The University of British Columbia
Photo: Pink Monkey Studios.
Oliver Gold is an actor from Steveston Village in Richmond, BC, studying at the University of British Columbia. His first ever performances were in church where, as a child, he sang hymns and acted in a nativity play. After watching his sister perform in a high school production of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, he decided to pursue acting seriously and attended a musical theatre class at Richmond’s Gateway Theatre. There, after being invited to audition, he landed the role of Winthrop Paroo for the mainstage production of The Music Man (2016). He then performed in Royal City Musical Theatre’s Cabaret (2018) and Align Entertainment’s A Christmas Story (2018).
Photo: Johnathan MacEwan.
“As a kid with Tourette’s Syndrome and Crohn’s disease, I never thought I would have a chance at being a performer, but there have been countless people that have not only given me a chance to perform, but uplifted me in every aspect of my life. Some of those people are Perry Ehrlich, whose Showstoppers taught me how to have confidence on stage; Joel Garner, who mentored me in life and in acting; and Cheryl Mullen, who taught me how to sing and grow as a young man. I thank my sister Emma, my father Arthur, and my mom Debbie for supporting me even in my hardest moments. To Barbara Tomasic, Iain Mackelworth, Kerry O’Donovan and so many more, thank you. I cannot begin to express how grateful I am to the Hnatyshyn Foundation for providing young artists like me the opportunity to pursue their dreams, free from the increasingly overwhelming financial burden that many young artists feel. This grant has lifted the burden of uncertainty off my shoulders and reinforced my confidence in my abilities, while simultaneously providing me the means to focus fully on my craft. Instead of worrying about how I can fit an extra shift at work into my week, I can immerse myself in my program and know that I am covered. Thank you for believing in me.”
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2025
The 2025 Finalist Grants are funded in part by the Michailoff family, in honor of Carl and Trudy Michailoff.
Contemporary Dance
Amillya Beech (she/her)
Photo: Michael Slobodian.
Amillya Beech studies at Arts Umbrella under Artemis Gordon, Sabra Perry, and Lynn Sheppard. She began her training at Pulse Dance Centre in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. As a teenager, she discovered the world of contemporary dance when she enrolled in the Modus Operandi Link weekend program. There she worked with David Raymond, Tiffany Tregarthen, and other insightful artists. She then joined the Arts Umbrella Dance Company as a pre-graduate and graduated from the Arts Umbrella Dance Diploma program. At Arts Umbrella, she performed works by renowned choreographers such as Crystal Pite, Felix Landerer, Astrid Boons, William Forsythe, Marco Goecke, Ethan Colangelo, Aszure Barton, Cyril Baldy, James Kudelka, Wen Wei Wang, Fernando Magadan, and Stephen Shropshire. In 2024, she had the opportunity to perform Crystal Pite's “Frontier” in Vancouver and Los Angeles with the artists of Ballet BC. More recently, under the mentorship of Crystal Pite, she had the chance to choreograph and rehearse an original piece in collaboration with a wonderful classmate. Their piece was presented as part of the Young Choreographer Showcase, “As People Part,” at the Scotiabank Dance Centre in Vancouver. Amillya is eager to move on to the next stage of her career. She hopes to immerse herself in many collaborations and cultures, drawing inspiration from the incredible community of artists around her.
Photo: Michael Slobodian.
Classical Vocal Performance
Kelan Lynch (he/him)
Photo: Jacy Eberlein.
Born and raised in a small Canadian town, Kelan Lynch is a passionate advocate for the arts in rural communities. A longtime member of the Grande Prairie Boys’ Choir, Kelan has performed at events such as Symphony and Singing in the City. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Alberta, where he studied baritone and countertenor roles with Canadian tenor John Tessier. He has also performed with the Madrigal Singers, serving as a board member and president. He is currently studying at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London under Andrew Watts. Kelan has performed in several operas at the University of Alberta Opera Theatre, including the role of the Sun in Jonathan Dove’s The Enchanted Pig, Babylas in Offenbach’s Monsieur Choufleuri Restera Chez Lui, Major General Stanley in The Pirates of Penzance, and Pluto in Orpheus in the Underworld. He has performed with the Edmonton Opera in productions of Tosca and Carmen, and has sung as a soloist in Opera al Fresco. He frequently sings in ensembles and concerts with the Guildhall’s Early Music Department and with members of the Academy of Ancient Music. He recently made his European debut in a series of concerts for the International Vocal Competition. Outside of music, Kelan enjoys spending time with family and friends, fishing, flying gliders, and relaxing at home.
Photo: David Monteith-Hodge.
Classical Music - Strings
Anna Štube (she/her)
Photo: Andre Harms.
Latvian violinist Anna Štube is a student at the Glenn Gould School at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Having recently performed with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra in their 2024/25 season, Anna made her first solo appearance with the CPO at age 13 shortly before receiving First Prize at the 2019 OSM Manulife Competition as their youngest-ever winner. Anna has been a Guest Artist at the Banff International String Quartet Festival, the Rockport Chamber Music Festival, and performed a MainStage concert for Toronto Summer Music 2025 alongside acclaimed Canadian pianist Philip Chiu. In Fall 2024, Anna made her official Koerner Hall debut with the Royal Conservatory Orchestra and Earl Lee. She is featured on the Grammy-nominated ARC Ensemble’s latest studio album, released by Chandos Records. Twice the recipient of the prestigious Sylva Gelber Music Foundation Award, Anna currently studies at the Glenn Gould School with Jonathan Crow. She plays on a 1667 Andrea Guarneri violin and bow generously loaned by CANIMEX Inc.
“I am beyond thrilled to have received an award from the Hnatyshyn Foundation. It will be instrumental to my continued success in providing me the opportunity to fully dedicate my efforts to pursuing my artistic development and vision without compromise, and allowing me to focus on establishing an international performance career where I am able to utilize my passion for art as a tool to bring people together.”
Classical Music - Winds, Brass, Percussion
Aidan Rigor (he/him)
Photo: Bella Nguyen.
Aidan Rigor is a saxophonist studying at the University of Calgary, under the tutelage of Dr. Jeremy Brown. Aidan began to take an interest in the saxophone in sixth grade despite not coming from a musical family, nor did his school have a band program. Although jazz was what initially inspired Aidan to pursue music, classical saxophone was what inspired him to further his studies. In addition to full time studies at the University of Calgary, Aidan hs attended Mount Royal University’s Woodwind Academy program, receiving scholarships and recognition. Aidan has also attended the North American Saxophone Alliance in 2023 performing in masterclasses for Claude Delangle with his quartet and for Dr. William Street, for Nicolas Arsenijevic in 2025, Dr. Kenneth Radnofsky in 2023, and Dr. Joe Murphy in 2024. He also took part in Sound Atlas Festival in 2024 and 2025, performing alongside Latitude 49 and other highly skilled and incredible musicians and composers. Chamber music is another big part of Aidan’s musical career, playing in a saxophone quartet in 2022-2024, and with a mixed chamber trio consisting of Flute, Saxophone and Piano in 2024-2025, the Contour Trio. Aidan is forever grateful to his family for supporting his journey, and to his friends for encouraging him to continue.
“Thank you to the Hnatyshyn Foundation and its donors for this grant. It has relieved a lot of financial pressure and allowed me to commit myself fully to my degree and to exploring where I can next take my experiences and share the joy of music with the communities of which I am a part.”
Classical Music - Piano
Julien Gagné (he/him)
Photo courtesy of Julien Gagné.
Julien Gagné is a classical pianist studying at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal. A student of Richard Raymond at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal, he has distinguished himself in several competitions. He won first place at Cégeps en Concert, the grand prize for ages 15-18 at the Classival competition, the grand prize at the Festival-concours de musique de Sherbrooke, and the grand prize for ages 19 and over at the Canadian Music Competition. He also won first prize in the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations National Piano Competition. His performances, which were praised by the jury, earned him a place among the finalists in the 2025 edition of the Citta di San Donà di Piave International Piano Competition in Italy. In 2023, at the Concours de musique de la Capitale, he won first place in the piano challenge and piano concerto categories, as well as the Violons du Roy Foundation Prize, which allowed him to perform with the famous orchestra in March 2024. He also performed with the Sherbrooke Youth Symphony Orchestra (2022), the Sherbrooke University Orchestra (2023), and the Sinfonia de Lanaudière (2024). In addition, he has honed his skills in master classes with André Laplante, Benedetto Lupo, Christian Blackshaw, Ronan O’Hora, Charles-Richard Hamelin, Henry Kramer, Jean Saulnier, and Éric Lesage. He has also studied with Line Villeneuve and Tristan Longval-Gagné.
“This grant will allow me to dedicate myself wholly to my artistic development. This support is more than just financial; it is a concrete recognition of my dedication, my work ethic, and my passion for music.”
Jazz Performance
Sam Fortin (he/him)
Photo: Alejandro Fuentes.
Sam Fortin is a jazz pianist and composer studying at the Schulich School of Music. He holds a degree in jazz performance from Vanier College, where he studied under Eric Harding and Chad Linsley. He has also studied with Dave Watts, Carlos Jimenez, and Chris Smith, who are notable members of the Montreal jazz scene. At McGill, Sam has been fortunate to play and study with Jean-Michel Pile, Kevin Dean, John Hollenbeck, Remi Bolduc, Jeff Johnston, and other inspiring musicians. His objective is to cultivate a sound of his own at the piano, drawing from jazz masters like Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Paul Bley, as well as other styles like ambient/electronic music, free improvisation, and contemporary music. He has had many gig opportunities outside of McGill, gaining experience in rock, funk, pop, and hip hop. He has regularly performed around Montreal for about 6 years.
Photo: Brad Hurley.
“I am proud and honoured to receive this award. In addition to supporting my studies, this grant will allow me to upgrade my performance equipment and professionalize my live sound. It will help me with costs associated with graduate studies in music, which I hope to pursue.”
Acting - English Theatre
Sydney Fisher (she/her)
Photo: Ian Redd.
Sydney Fisher is a Vancouver-based actress studying at the University of British Columbia. For Sydney, performing came as a second skin; while she started pursuing acting professionally in her teens, Sydney made her debut in her family living room, expressing herself through song and dance before she could properly form sentences. Even in her childhood, the art of turning breath into stories called to her. Now, performing is a conduit for greater purpose. The significance and influence of storytelling is a deep passion for Sydney, and she is eager to continue harnessing these skills through her education and into her career. She is hopeful to share her art with the world and reach a a greater audience as she progresses and refines her craft.
“I see this award not only as the utmost honour, but also as a great motivator. It is such a gift to be pursuing something that I am unequivocally passionate about, and this award has helped both the continuing of my ambitions, and the strengthening of my confidence as a performer. Thank you, deeply, to the Hnatyshyn Foundation for recognizing my dedication to my work and allowing me to continue chasing the thing that makes me feel most alive in life.”
Acting - English theatre
Vladmir Victor (he/him)
Photo: Maxime Côté.
Vladmir Victor is an actor studying at the École nationale de théâtre du Canada.
“I want to prove that our wildest dreams can come true. I want to prove that being an artist is worthwhile and feasible. I hope to break down the stereotypes that surround me and to represent a human being, not just an image. Thanks to this grant, I will push myself to grow, enrich myself, and refine my craft in order to touch people on human issues or, quite simply, to inspire them to make a living from their art.”
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2025
Classical Vocal Performance
Clarence Frazer, baritone
Asitha Tennekoon, tenor
Maria Lamont, opera stage director
Contemporary Dance
Calder White, dancer, choreographer and laureate of a Hnatyshyn Foundation Ukraine – Heritage, Spirit, and Future Award
Alison Kause, dancer and founder of Good Women Dance Collective
Tony Chong, choreographer, artistic director
Classical Music - Strings
Yolanda Bruno, violinist, Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Bryan Cheng, international cello soloist and chamber musician
Claude Lapalme, Music Director, Red Deer Symphony Orchestra
Classical Music - Winds, Brass, Percussions
Claude Lapalme, Music Director, Red Deer Symphony Orchestra
Martin Bui, former principal percussionist, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
Juliane Gallant, Resident Director and Advisor, Pops, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Classical Music - Piano
Michelle Mares, pianist
Larry Strachan, orchestral conductor, Founder of Chamber Orchestra Without Borders, and Associate Composer, Canadian Music Centre
David Jalbert, pianist
Jazz Performance
Allison Au, jazz musician
Anthony Fung, jazz musician and professor at Cal State Northridge
Audrey Ochoa, jazz musician
Acting - English Theatre
Sherry J Yoon, Co-Artistic Director, Boca del Lupo
Jovanni Sy, director, performer and playwright
Acting - French Theatre
Geneviève Pelletier, Artistic Director and co-Executive Director, Théâtre Cercle Molière
Marc-André Charron, Artistic/General Director, Théâtre Satellite
Marie Brassard, Artistic Director, infrarouge
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The 2025 Developing Artist Grant for Classical Vocal Performance was generously supported by Andrea Michailoff Russell, in honour of her late parents, Carl and Trudy Michailoff.
About Carl and Trudy Michailoff
Carl and Marjorie “Trudy” Michailoff were Toronto-based patrons of the arts who shared a particular affinity for the opera. In explaining their wish to leave a legacy gift in support of the arts, the late Mr. Michailoff said: “the celebration and enjoyment of the arts has been an essential, vibrant and emotional part of our lives, and it is our sincere hope this gift allows others to appreciate the intrinsic beauty it holds. Investing in the next generation ensures the longevity of creative expression and the joy it provides.”
The Hnatyshyn Foundation is extremely grateful for the trust and vision of the Michailoff family. Their decision to honour their parents by supporting the next generation of artists is deeply meaningful.
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In 2003, Mrs. Hnatyshyn visited famed jazz pianist and composer Dr. Oscar Peterson, C.C. C.Q. O.Ont., at his home. When she was about to leave, he said, “I’d like to do a benefit concert for the Foundation.”
In 2004, The Hnatyshyn Foundation was formally launched at “An Evening with Oscar,” a fundraising concert at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa with The Oscar Peterson Quartet.
To this day, The Hnatyshyn Foundation is tremendously grateful for the late Dr. Peterson’s generosity. Since 2005, the Oscar Peterson Award has supported exceptional emerging jazz performers, many of whom have gone on to enjoy impressive careers as performers and composers.
