Jean-Marie Beaudet Award in Orchestra Conducting
Jaelem Bhate
Photographer(s): Darrell Theriault
Last winner
Jaelem Bhate
Jaelem Bhate is a conductor and composer whose diversity defines his career. He was appointed music director of the Prince Edward Island Symphony in 2024 and is the artistic director of Vancouver’s Symphony 21. An alumni of CBC’s 30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30, Jaelem has worked with some of the best orchestras in Canada while continuing his advocacy for orchestral music in communities.
Jaelem studied with Dr. Jonathan Girard at the University of British Columbia School of Music, where he later served as interim director of orchestras and bands. He has furthered his studies with Alexander Shelley and the late Bramwell Tovey and Boris Brott.
To learn more about Jaelem Bhate, visit his website at https://jaelembhate.ca/.
The prize
The Jean-Marie Beaudet Award in Orchestra Conducting was awarded from 1989 to 2016, then in 2024 and 2025 to a talented young conductor from Canada for the artistic merit of their body of work. With funds now exhausted, the prize was awarded for the last time in 2025.
Background
In 1989, Denise L. Beaudet made a bequest to the Canada Council for the Arts for the creation of an award in her husband’s memory. The purpose of the award was to support talented young orchestra conductors from Canada.
Additional information
With funds now exhausted, the prize was awarded for the last time in 2025.
Amount
$20,000
The Canada Council is committed to equity in all its activities, including the administration of prizes and awards.
Accessibility
If you are Deaf, hard of hearing, or a TTY user, please use your preferred MRS (Message Relay Service) or IP service to contact the Canada Council.
The Canada Council for the Arts can also receive calls from a video relay service (VRS). For more information, visit the VRS Canada website.