Virginia Parker Prize
Joanne Yesol Choi
Photographer(s): Stuart Lowe
Winner
Joanne Yesol Choi
Korean-Canadian cellist Joanne Yesol Choi, recipient of the 2025 Virginia Parker Prize and one of CBC’s 30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30, is a distinguished artist in the chamber music world. As a founding member of the award-winning Dior Quartet, she has captivated audiences at Carnegie Hall, Koerner Hall, the Banff Centre and beyond. A passionate educator, she has guest lectured at Stanford University and the University of Toronto, and coached at the Royal Conservatory of Music, the Mostly Modern Festival and more. She now leads Solegio Arts and Art of Four, two bold initiatives advancing accessibility, representation and innovation within the evolving landscape of classical music.
To learn more about Joanne Yesol Choi, visit her website at www.joanneyesolchoi.com.
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.
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
Annual competition
The next competition will be held in 2026.
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.