2019 Adjudicators

Michel Fournier

Piano Concertos

As a student of French pianist Yvonne Hubert in Montreal, Canadian pianist Michel Fournier completed a Master’s degree before continuing his studies in France and Austria. He also studied under legendary pianist Menahem Pressler at University of Indiana. He earned a Doctorate in Music from Université de Montréal with Marc Durand.

Praised both as a soloist and a chamber player, Michel Fournier has performed with a number of orchestras and is widely appreciated for the many recitals he has given in Canada, Europe and United States. His repertoire covers a broad spectrum of piano music from different eras and styles.

He has a special fondness for French music and has earned critical acclaim for the originality of his interpretation and his refined sound : “…perfect knowledge of the expressive resources of the piano, a tour de force that ranks him among the masters of impressionist music.” (Adveratul de Cluj –
Romania)

Dr Michel Fournier toured extensively with world class musicians and ensembles (Quartango, Les Chambristes de Montreal, violin and piano duo with Hungarian-born violinist Gyorgy Terebesi); he has several Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) recordings, many albums and movie soundtracks to his credit (The colors of my father : portrait of Sam Borenstein, André Mathieu musicien). His numerous CD’s have won public and critical acclaim all over Canada.

Highly appreciated as an educator, Michel Fournier has provided guidance to thousands of musicians, teaching masterclasses, coaching and adjudicating national and international competitions for young musicians across North America, Europe and Asia. As a teacher, many of
his student are award-winners in national and international competitions (Tureck International Bach Competition, American Protégé, Thousand Islands International Chopin Competition, Canadian Music Competition, National Music Festival in Canada and others). His music studio in Montreal welcomes students from around the world for artist residency. Each summer, he is invited
to join the faculty of Camp Musical des Laurentides in Quebec.

Michel is also co-owner, artistic director and advisor for the classical music division of St-André Management Inc., which is responsible for developing and promoting the talent of promising young  musicians.

Michel is also passionate about photography, and likes to share his love of nature and life through
the pictures he takes during his many travels around the world.