E-Gré National Music Competition returns to BU

The 49th Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition (E-Gré) returns to the Brandon University School of Music from Friday, April 17 to 19, 2026, featuring six of Canada’s most promising emerging vocalists and their pianists.

The competition opens on Friday, with public presentations and workshops:

• 2 to 3 p.m. — Belonging: A Thriving and Inclusive Canadian Community of Music Creators (Holly Nimmons, CEO & President of CMC National);
• 3 to 4 p.m. — Introduction to the commissioned work ayimihîtuwin (The Conversation) by composer Jason Young;
• 4 to 5 p.m. — Framing Your Artistic Narrative (Nolan Kehler, Classic 107 Host).

Friday evening begins with the E-Gré Opening Sweet Singing Pies & Other Round Things Auction, from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., with a special performance by INVICTA Vocal Ensemble.

The Gala concert, which begins on Friday at 7:30 p.m., will feature:

• Marion Newman, a Kwagiulth and Stó:lō First Nations mezzo-soprano recognized for advancing Indigenous storytelling in Canadian classical music;
• Mishael Eusebio, a Filipino-Canadian tenor acclaimed for his work in opera and new music on international stages;
• and Kathleen Lohrenz Gable, an acclaimed collaborative pianist and educator known for her work with singers and opera training programs across Canada.

Saturday is Finalist Day at E-Gré with the six finalists performing in three recital blocks at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall. Recital blocks will take place from 10 a.m., to 1:30 p.m., from 2 to 5:30 p.m., and from 6:30 to 10 p.m.

Sunday’s schedule features a public masterclass from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by the awards ceremony at noon.

Everyone is invited to all events. Admission is free for students and Indigenous community members, in support of equitable access and community engagement.

Full details are available at: https://www.e-gre.ca/

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