Auditions for pianists

Register now for the National Auditions for Pianists, season 27-28!

Registration deadline: Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 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 what the program has to offer and the job description.

Duration

The residency for pianists runs from August 2027 to May 2029 (2 years).

Location

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

Eligable candidates

Candidates must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or hold a valid open work permit* for the period of residency (until June 2029) 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 9, 2026, 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 14, 2026

In-person auditions in Montreal

Selected candidates will be invited to an in-person audition in Montreal on Wednesday 13 or Thursday 14, January, 2027. 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:

• Massenet, J., Werther, Air des lettres (Charlotte);
• Mozart, W.A: Nozze di Figaro, Finale Act II
• Puccini, G., La Bohème, Act I, from the beginning of the act to number 10 (Schaunard’s entrance);
• Strauss, R., Ariadne auf Naxos: Air du Compositeur (Komponist);
• Stravinsky, The Rake’s Progress: “No word for Tom… I go to him”

4. Accompanying a singer from the Atelier 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.

Important

The submitted documents become the property of the Atelier lyrique and will not be returned.

Questions?

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

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REPERTOIRE – PIANISTS 

National Auditions Partners

• Mrs. Vanda Treiser, in memory of Mr. Benjamin Treiser
• Stingray
• Caisse de la culture Desjardins