Virginia Parker Prize
Michael Bridge
Photographer(s): Sam Gaetz
Latest Winner
Michael Bridge
Michael Bridge is a distinguished musician, proficient on both the acoustic and digital accordion. He has achieved recognition through numerous competitions in Canada and internationally, and was named one of CBC’s 30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30. Dr. Bridge holds a DMA in accordion performance from the University of Toronto and was a Rebanks Fellow at the Glenn Gould School. He performs 100 concerts annually, both as a soloist and as a member of Bridge & Wolak and Ladom Ensemble.
Dr. Bridge’s musical approach is a blend of seriousness and spontaneity, with a repertoire that spans classical, contemporary, jazz, folk music, and improvised silent film accompaniments on digital accordion. He has performed in every province and with major orchestras in Canada, the USA, Brazil and Poland—premiering over 60 new works.
As a teacher, Dr. Bridge has given masterclasses in Finland, France, Ukraine, Poland, the Czech Republic, and across the USA and Canada. He is a sessional instructor at the University of Toronto, teaching a music business course on touring as a freelance artist in North America.
To learn more about Michael Bridge, visit his website at www.michaelbridge.ca.
The prize
The Virginia Parker Prize is awarded to a classical singer, instrumentalist or music conductor under the age of 32 who demonstrates outstanding talent, musicianship and artistic merit, and who makes a valuable contribution to artistic life in Canada and internationally.
Eligibility
For eligibility criteria and further information on this award, please consult the guidelines.
Background
This prize was established by the late Virginia Parker in 1982 and is funded by an annual gift from the Virginia Parker Foundation.
Additional information
virginiaparker-prizes@canadacouncil.ca
1-800-263-5588 (toll-free) or 613-566-4414, ext. 4086
Deadline
January 20, 2025
Annual competition
Amount
$30,000
Application-based
For the upcoming prize deadline, applications will be submitted through the online portal, opening in the summer of 2025.
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.