Michael Ducharme’s X-1 (2015) will be performed by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) led by Resident Conductor, Julian Pellicano. The concert, on Tuesday, January 31 at 7:30pm at the Centennial Concert Hall, is part of the 2017 Winnipeg New Music Festival.

“We’re thrilled Michael was chosen as the winner of this important competition. While this year’s competition was highly competitive, with many high quality entries from across the region, Michael’s unique perspective and fresh approach captivated our judges,” said Prairie Region Director, John Reid.

This year the CMC Prairie Region Emerging Composer Competition (ECC) welcomed applicants of all ages. Submissions were reviewed by a jury comprised of Alexander Mickelthwate (Music Director, WSO), Harry Stafylakis (Composer-in-Residence, WSO), and Jim Hiscott (Associate Composer, Canadian Music Centre). Four previous ECC winners have gone on to be composers-in-residence for Canadian orchestras: Jocelyn Morlock, Vincent Ho, Abigail Richardson, and Andrew Staniland.

Born in Winnipeg, Michael Ducharme graduated from the University of Manitoba with a B.Mus in music composition and continued his studies at the University of British Columbia (UBC) as a Master of Music Composition. He is currently pursuing his DMA in Composition at UBC. Michael commented: “I’m honoured to receive this prestigious award and eagerly anticipate the upcoming performance.”

2017 is the 26th anniversary of the Winnipeg New Music Festival, “…the leading voice for new music in North America!” according to WSO Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate.