Musical Instrument Bank

What is this prize?

Every three years, talented professional classical musicians from Canada compete for a chance to borrow one of the more than 20 legendary instruments from the Canada Council’s MIB.

How to qualify

To be considered for this competition, you must apply with the Council.

A committee of professional musicians and peers will select the recipients following a major national competition.

For eligibility criteria, the application form and further information on the competition, see the Canada Council’s MIB Guidelines and the Musical Instrument Bank website.

We are committed to equity in all our activities, including in the administration of our prizes.

Who created this prize?

The MIB was established in 1985 with a $100,000 bequest from the Barwick family and through the fundraising efforts of the late William Turner, a businessman, and Denis Brott, a cellist, both from Montréal. It enables established soloists and chamber musicians, as well as musicians on the threshold of an international career, to give concerts around the world and to record pieces with MIB instruments over the entire length of the loan.

The MIB includes more than 20 magnificent instruments worth a total of approximately $50 million. The violins, cellos and bows, created by such master craftsmen as Stradivari, Gagliano and Pressenda, have been donated or lent to the MIB since it was created in 1985.

Ric Heinl and his team of luthiers at Geo. Heinl & Co. Limited are responsible for restoring and maintaining the instruments.