Tiffany Yeung and Thomas Roy-Rochette Triumph as Winners of the 2023 Michael Measures Prize 

 NYO Canada proudly announces violinist Tiffany Yeung and bassoonist Thomas Roy-Rochette as the distinguished winners of the 2023 Michael Measures Prize. This prestigious prize recognizes promising young classical musicians from Canada and provides them with invaluable s  

Tiffany Yeung, a gifted violinist from Richmond Hill, Ontario, and Thomas Roy-Rochette, an accomplished bassoonist from Québec City, have demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication. As well-deserving recipients of this honour, their achievements will be celebrated at a special concert on August 2 at Koerner Hall in Toronto. 

For Tiffany Yeung, a dream has turned into reality. “Winning the Michael Measures Prize is such a dream and an honour,” Tiffany exclaims, her voice filled with excitement and gratitude. “I can’t believe that I’ll be touring with the orchestra playing the Brahms concerto this summer. Last year, I was considering not pursuing music anymore. I faced a challenging roadblock in my career, and winning this prize has been such an encouragement for me to keep going.” 

It’s a remarkable transformation. Just one year ago, Tiffany’s musical path seemed uncertain, and doubt had cast shadows on her passion for the violin. Yet, here she stands today, ready to embark on a tour this summer and share her musical prowess with audiences across the country. The journey hasn’t been easy, but Tiffany is quick to acknowledge the people who have been instrumental in her success. “I’m just so grateful for the people that have surrounded me and been such an encouragement – all my former and present teachers, my family, and my friends. I would just encourage any musicians who are struggling the way I was to put yourself around people that will love you, support you, and encourage you in your success.” 

Thomas Roy-Rochette, an accomplished bassoonist hailing from Québec City, shares Tiffany’s sentiments. Reflecting on his own path, Thomas offers words of wisdom to his fellow musicians: “If I had one piece of advice for my colleagues, it would be to really believe in yourself and always apply for the things you don’t think you could get. School programs, competitions – you never know what can happen, and every time I’ve been surprised.” 

The accomplishments of these two exceptional musicians will be celebrated on August 2 at Koerner Hall in Toronto during a special concert presented by the Canada Council for the Arts. 

This eagerly anticipated event promises to be an unforgettable evening. Tiffany, Thomas, and their fellow musicians will captivate the audience, with Tiffany performing as the soloist for Brehm’s “Violin Concerto in D Major, op. 77,” followed by a performance of SOCAN Emerging Composer Kalen Smith’s “Glacial Titan,” and the evening will conclude with a performance of “Pictures at an Exhibition” by Modest Mussorgsky /orch. Maurice Ravel. 

To be part of this remarkable celebration and witness the award ceremony, tickets can be purchased through The Royal Conservatory of Music’s website: https://www.rcmusic.com/tickets/seats/268201. 

These talented musicians have demonstrated their remarkable abilities and dedication throughout the summer training program of NYO Canada, and we are delighted to honour them with the Canada Councils Michael Measures Prizes. The First Prize winner, Tiffany Yeung, will receive a grant of $25,000 and the opportunity to perform a concerto during our upcoming tour. The Second Prize winner, Thomas Roy-Rochette, will be awarded $15,000 and additional performance and recital opportunities during the session and on tour.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Tiffany and Thomas on this well-deserved recognition. Their commitment to their craft is an inspiration to us all.

The Michael Measures Prize: Awarded since 2011, the Michael Measures Prize, in partnership with the Canada Council of the Arts, grows to now award two students (previously one) of NYO Canada displaying extraordinary talent on their respective orchestral instruments. The first prize winner will receive up to $25,000 and the opportunity to perform a concerto while on tour; the second prize winner will receive up to $15,000 as well as additional performance/recital opportunities during the session and on tour. 

To learn more about the Michael Measures Prize and NYO Canada’s exceptional young musicians, visit the Canada Council website: HERE