The National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO Canada) has announced the winners of the 2025 Canada Council for the Arts Michael Measures Prize. First place goes to violinist Justin Saulnier, and second place to cellist Sabina Sandvoss.
The Michael Measures Prize recognizes talented Canadian classical musicians between the ages of 16 and 24.
The prizes include:
“I was beyond thrilled when I received the call from NYO,” Justin recalls in a statement. “I had applied for the prize for many years and I was so honoured to be recognized this year by the Canada Council for the Arts. I am so thankful to NYO Canada and Canada Council for this generous award and fantastic opportunity to perform with the orchestra. I had a great summer, my first time around with NYO and I am very excited to be back!”
Justin Saulnier is oiginally from Orléans, Ontario, and made his orchestral debut at the age of 12. Since then, he’s performed with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, and the Orchestre Métropolitain, among others. Other competition wins include top prizes at the Eckhardt-Gramatté, NACO Bursary, and OSM Competitions. Justin is currently studying at McGill University with OSM Concertmaster Andrew Wan.
“I am very excited to meet all of the other participants and to play beautiful music with everyone,” said Sabina. “It’ll be a summer filled with learning, collaboration and fun. At the GGS Maestro Naomi Woo came to conduct one of our Royal Conservatory Orchestra concerts (RCO) and I felt she was one of the most influential conductors we’ve had the opportunity to work with — and knowing the passion she has for music is fuelling my excitement for NYO this summer.”
A native of Alberta, Sabina Sandvoss is currently studying at the Glenn Gould School. She recently won the 2025 Corcoran Concerto Competition, and she is a three-time concerto competition winner in Calgary. She performs on a cello handcrafted by her father, Christopher Sandvoss.
“Justin’s and Sabina’s exceptional musicianship are a clear reflection of their dedication and the high standard of musical excellence we cultivate at NYO Canada,” says NYO Canada CEO Christie Gray. “We are so excited to see their talent and efforts acknowledged on a national stage this summer, and we look forward to following their promising careers.”
Along with the cash award, Justin will be performing as the featured soloist on NYO Canada’s 65th Anniversary Tour during the summer of 2025.
Ottawa audiences will get a chance to see both in a special concert on July 20 at Carleton-Dominion Chalmers Centre. Along with an award presentation, there will be a performance of Sergei Prokofiev — Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 63 by Justin and the 65th anniversary orchestra.
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