Five Quebec Musicians Shine in CBC Music’s 2024 ’30 Under 30′ List

The annual “30 Under 30” list from CBC Music has recognized five remarkable classical musicians from Quebec among the thirty emerging talents in Canada. This prestigious compilation showcases musicians under the age of 30 who are making significant strides in the classical music scene. The 2024 edition highlights their achievements, including prestigious awards, notable performances, and innovative compositions.

The featured musicians from Quebec include conductor Benoit Gauthier, mezzo-soprano Kady Evanyshyn, bass-baritone Alex Halliday, mezzo-soprano Justine Ledoux, and producer and violinist Aaron Paris. Each artist is contributing uniquely to the classical music landscape, showcasing both traditional and contemporary influences.

Celebrating Emerging Talents in Classical Music

Benoit Gauthier, 29, is the recipient of the 2025 $20,000 Jean-Marie Beaudet Award in Orchestra Conducting from the Canada Council for the Arts. Hailing from Baie-Comeau, Gauthier founded the Orchestre symphonique de la Côte-Nord at just 16 years old. His recent accomplishments include conducting the Curtis Symphony at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall, a collaboration with his mentor, Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Gauthier attributes his success to the ancient Chinese practice of qigong, which he believes enhances his inner awareness. Next season, he will tour with his orchestra, presenting Healing Requiem by Innu composer Alexis Vollant.

Another standout, Kady Evanyshyn, also 29, is making waves in Europe as a member of the Staatsoper Hamburg. Notable upcoming performances include her role as Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro at the Opernhaus Zürich and her debut at the historic Teatro la Fenice in Venice. Evanyshyn’s dedication to her craft is evident in her passion for Dungeons & Dragons, which helps her unwind amid her busy schedule.

Alex Halliday, also 29, is set for a remarkable 2025-26 season, making his debut with three Canadian opera companies. His roles include Angelotti in Tosca and Colline in La Bohème. Halliday recently won the $3,000 third prize in the Rumbold Vocal Prize, reflecting his growing reputation in the opera community.

Innovative Voices and Promising Futures

Justine Ledoux, 29, performed the role of Serena Joy in the Banff Centre’s production of The Handmaid’s Tale. As a member of the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal, she is set to take on significant roles in productions including Jenůfa and The Turn of the Screw. Ledoux’s recent accolades include winning the $5,000 third prize at the Prix d’Europe Competition.

Violinist and composer Aaron Paris, also 29, has gained recognition for his collaborations with pop artists such as Ariana Grande and Kali Uchis. His collective, Strings from Paris, aims to bridge the gap between classical and contemporary music, earning him six Grammy nominations. Paris recently released his debut orchestral album, LotusLand, and served as music director for a unique performance combining elements from various musical genres.

Additionally, the list features young talents like soprano Emma Fekete, 29, whose recent debut at the Aix-en-Provence Festival marked a pivotal moment in her career. Fekete will perform at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris and is expected to make significant contributions to the classical repertoire.

The “30 Under 30” list serves as a platform for emerging artists to gain recognition and connect with audiences. CBC Music encourages listeners to tune in on July 28, 2024, for a special edition of “About Time,” hosted by Tom Allen, to celebrate these rising stars in classical music.