TORONTO, ONTARIO – APRIL 24, 2024: The National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO Canada) is thrilled to announce the winners of the prestigious 2024 Michael Measures Prizes, awarded in partnership with the Canada Council for the Arts. Awarded to only two recipients, these prizes recognize and support the top talent nationwide of young classical musicians aged 16 to 24.

2024 Michael Measures Prizes Winners:

· First Place ($25,000): Arin Sarkissian, Flute (British Columbia)

· Second Place ($15,000): Andrew Busch, Percussion (Ontario)

Arin Sarkissian holds the position of Principal Flute with the Victoria Symphony. The Toronto-born artist has made guest appearances at Orchestre symphonique de Montréal’s La Virée Classique as the 1st Prize and Stingray Audience Choice winner at the 2020 OSM (Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal) Competition. Recent orchestral appearances include concerts with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, National Arts Centre Orchestra, and Vancouver Symphony. Sarkissian holds a Bachelor of Music from Rice University and a Professional Studies Certificate from The Colburn School, studying with Leone Buyse and Jim Walker. Former mentors include Christina Yoo, Cynthia Kelly, and Lilit Hovhannisyan.

Andrew Busch’s versatility is showcased in his performances on both classical and marching percussion stages across North America and Europe. His achievements include first-prize wins in the 2018 National Music Festival of Canada and the 2020/21 Maritsa Brookes Concerto Competition. He is currently the operations manager, co-founder, and active performer with the Kairos Percussion Quartet based in Toronto, Canada. Andrew recently completed his master’s degree at the University of Toronto under Aiyun Huang, Beverley Johnston, Charles Settle, John Rudolph, and Ryan Scott, and was the recipient of the Canada Graduate Scholarships – master’s Program award, and a University of Toronto Fellowship.

Celebrating Excellence

As the Michael Measures Prizes winners, Arin and Andrew will receive significant financial awards and performance opportunities. Arin will be awarded $25,000 as the First Prize Winner and the opportunity to perform a concerto during NYO Canada’s upcoming tour. Andrew, the Second Prize winner, will receive $15,000 and additional performance and recital opportunities throughout the season.

A special concert will be held at Koerner Hall in Toronto on July 19th to celebrate Arin and Andrew’s achievements. The evening will feature the award presentation and a performance of Einojuhani Rautavaara’s Flute Concerto ‘Dances with the Winds’ by Arin.

“We are incredibly proud of Arin and Andrew, their exceptional talent and dedication to their craft are truly inspiring. The Michael Measures Prizes play a vital role in recognizing and fostering excellence in the next generation of Canadian orchestral musicians, and these two remarkable young artists embody the program’s significance.”

Christie Gray CEO of NYO Canada

Don’t miss your chance to hear Arin Sarkissian and the exceptional young musicians of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada live!

Media Contact:  

Emily Dunbar National Youth Orchestra  

Tel: 416-532-4470 x 225  

Toll-Free: 1-888-532-4470 x 225  

Email: edunbar@nyoc.org 

About NYO Canada:   

The National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO Canada) stands as the country’s premier advanced orchestral training and education program for talented musicians aged 16 to 28. By bringing together the finest young musicians from across Canada, NYO Canada offers a unique platform for learning and musical performance. Under the guidance of renowned professional musicians, participants receive world-class training and have the opportunity to perform in top concert halls across the country. 

About Canada Council for the Arts:   

The Canada Council for the Arts is Canada’s public arts funder. The mandate of the Canada Council is to foster and promote the study and enjoyment of, and the production of works in, the arts. The Canada Council’s investments foster greater engagement in the arts among international audiences and within Canada. This contributes to the vibrancy of a creative and diverse arts and literary scene and supports the presence of this scene across Canada and around the world. 

About The Michael Measures Prizes: Awarded since 2011, the Michael Measures Prizes, in partnership with the Canada Council of the Arts, grows to now award two NYO Canada students (previously one) 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:   https://canadacouncil.ca/funding/prizes/michael-measures-prize#:~:text=What%20is%20this%20prize%3F,National%20Youth%20Orchestra%20of%20Canada).

Read More about the award winners at: https://www.ludwig-van.com/toronto/2024/04/24/scoop-flutist-arin-sarkissian-percussionist-andrew-busch-make-history-2024-michael-measures-prize-wins/