Toronto, Ontario — May 8, 2025 – The National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO Canada) is thrilled to announce the winners of the prestigious 2025 Canada Council for the Arts Michael Measures Prizes. These prizes recognize and support Canada’s finest young classical musicians aged 16 to 24, celebrating their extraordinary artistry and dedication. 

2025 Michael Measures Prizes Winners:  
First Place ($25,000): Justin Saulnier, Violin (Ontario) 
Second Place ($15,000): Sabina Sandvoss, Cello (Alberta) 

About the Winners 

Justin Saulnier 
Featured in CBC Music’s “30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30,” violinist Justin Saulnier is a rising star in Canada’s music scene. Originally from Orléans, Ontario, Justin made his orchestral debut at age 12 and has since performed with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra, the Orchestre Métropolitain, and more. He has earned top prizes at the Eckhardt-Gramatté, NACO Bursary, and OSM Competitions, and currently studies at McGill University with Andrew Wan. Justin plays on a 1680 Francesco Ruggeri violin generously loaned by Canimex Inc. 

“I was beyond thrilled when I received the call from NYO” Justin recalls “I had applied for the prize for many years and I was so honoured to be recognized this year by the Canada Council for the Arts. I am so thankful to NYO Canada and Canada Council for this generous award and fantastic opportunity to perform with the orchestra. I had a great summer, my first time around with NYO and I am very excited to be back!” 

Sabina Sandvoss 
Known for her passionate and expressive performances, cellist Sabina Sandvoss is currently studying at the Glenn Gould School under Hans Jørgen Jensen and Andrés Díaz. A recent winner of the 2025 Corcoran Concerto Competition and a three-time concerto competition winner in Calgary, Sabina’s musical journey is deeply rooted in her family’s musical legacy. She performs on a cello handcrafted by her father, Christopher Sandvoss. 

“I am very excited to meet all of the other participants and to play beautiful music with everyone.” said Sabina “It’ll be a summer filled with learning, collaboration and fun. At the GGS Maestro Naomi Woo came to conduct one of our Royal Conservatory Orchestra concerts (RCO) and I felt she was one of the most influential conductors we’ve had the opportunity to work with – and knowing the passion she has for music is fueling my excitement for NYO this summer.”  

Celebrating Excellence 

As Michael Measures Prize winners, Justin and Sabina will receive significant financial awards and major performance opportunities. Justin will be awarded $25,000 as the first prize winner and perform as a featured soloist during NYO Canada’s 65th Anniversary Tour. Sabina, the second prize winner, will receive a $15,000 prize and be featured in performances and recitals throughout the 2025 session and tour. Justin Saulnier will perform as soloist at the concerts marked with an asterisk.

A special concert will take place at Koerner Hall in Toronto on July 18 to honour Justin and Sabina’s remarkable achievements. The evening will include an award presentation and a performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 63, featuring Justin as soloist alongside the 65th Anniversary Orchestra.  

“Justin’s and Sabina’s exceptional musicianship are a clear reflection of their dedication and the high standard of musical excellence we cultivate at NYO Canada,” says NYO Canada CEO Christie Gray. “We are so excited to see their talent and efforts acknowledged on a national stage this summer, and we look forward to following their promising careers.” 

Don’t miss your chance to hear Justin Saulnier, Sabina Sandvoss, along with 89 of NYO Canada’s exceptional young musicians live across Canada this summer! 

2025 Cross-Canada Tour Highlights: 

• Toronto – July 18 – Koerner Hall* 

• Kingston – July 19 – Isabel Bader Centre 

• Ottawa – July 20 – Carleton-Dominion Chalmers Centre (Ottawa Chamberfest)* 

• Vancouver – July 26 – Chan Centre 

• Nanaimo – July 30 – Port Theatre* 

• Victoria – August 1 – Christ Church Cathedral* 

• Victoria – August 2– Symphony SPLASH! at the Inner Harbour 

• Victoria – August 3 – Symphony SPLASH! at the Inner Harbour* 

(*Concerts featuring Justin Saulnier’s solo concerto performance.) 

For full tour details and ticket information, visit: https://nyoc.org/concerts/65-anniversary-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

Read More about the award winners at: https://myscena.org/newswire/justin-saulnier-and-sabina-sandvoss-awarded-2025-michael-measures-prizes/

About NYO Canada: 
The National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO Canada) is the country’s premier training and orchestral program for musicians aged 16 to 28. Participants receive mentorship, intensive coaching, and the opportunity to perform at prestigious venues across Canada under the guidance of leading musicians. 

About Canada Council for the Arts: 
The Canada Council for the Arts is Canada’s public arts funder, investing in fostering creativity, promoting the arts, and strengthening Canada’s vibrant cultural landscape. 

About The Michael Measures Prizes: 
Awarded since 2011 in partnership with the Canada Council for the Arts, the Michael Measures Prizes recognize two NYO Canada musicians each year for outstanding achievement on orchestral instruments. The First Prize winner receives up to $25,000 and performs a concerto on tour; the Second Prize winner receives up to $15,000 and additional performance opportunities.