Auditions for Pianists

Register now for the National Auditions for Pianists, season 26-27 !

Registration deadline: Friday, December 12, 2025, at midnight

Residency for pianists 

Program

A young artists program at the heart of the Opéra de Montréal, the Atelier lyrique is a springboard for artists who have completed their university training and wish to launch a professional career in opera. Covering the broad spectrum of artistic and personal development in an innovative and bilingual setting, with world-class trainers and regular stage experience, the Atelier ensures that everyone has access to their full potential. 

Click here to see the job description

Duration

The residency for pianists runs from August 2026 to May 2028 (2 years). 

Location

The program takes place in Montreal at the Opéra de Montréal. 

Eligible candidates 

Candidates must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or hold a valid open work permit* for the period of residency (until June 2028) at the time of registration. 

*An open work permit allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada.

Registration requirements 

Registration deadline: Friday, December 12, 2025, at midnight 

Documents required in addition to your online form :  

• Complete and up-to-date resume;
• Photo (8“ x 10”);
• Proof of citizenship or valid work permit;
• REFERENCES: contact information (name, title, phone number, email address) for two professionals in the music industry who can attest to the quality of your work and your professioal ethics.

Responses to applicants: week of December 15, 2025 

Important:

Submitted documents become the property of the Atelier. 

In-person auditions in Montreal 

Selected candidates will be invited to an in-person audition in Montreal on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The following repertoire will be required: 

1. A short solo piano piece OR an opera aria of the pianist’s choice (by any composer) that demonstrates their ideas and orchestral playing; 

      2. Play and sing: a Mozart aria preceded by an accompanied recitative OR a Bel canto aria with recitative; 

      3. Three of the following five scenes:

             a. Massenet, J., Werther, Air des lettres (Charlotte);

             b. Mozart, W.A: Nozze di Figaro, Finale Act II 

             c. Puccini, G., La Bohème Act I, from the beginning of the act to number 10 (Schaunard’s entrance);

             d. Strauss, R., Ariadne aux Naxos: Air du Compositeur (Komponist); 

             e. Stravinsky, The Rake’s Progress: « No word for Tom… I go to him » 

     4. Accompanying a singer from the Workshop in sight-reading; 

     5. Coaching with a singer provided – the candidate will be asked to articulate ideas on how to coach a singer in a specific aria (to be chosen by the pianist in advance); 

In any of the excerpts presented, candidates may be asked to sing the lines while playing. 

Registration fee 

No registration fee is required. 

Travel, accommodation, and per diem 

For artists not based in Montreal, we will provide hotel accommodation for one night and a daily allowance. Travel to Montreal will be at the candidate’s expense. 

Questions?

Please write to Marie Maous, Program and National Auditions Manager : mmaous@operademontreal.com

LEARN MORE: PDF training and pianist responsibilities  

REGISTER NOW: Link to registration form 

REPERTOIRE – PIANISTS: Downloadable repertoire PDF  

National Auditions Partner 

Mme Vanda Treiser, in memory of Mr. Benjamin Treiser