Schulich School of Music of McGill University Concerts and Publicity 555 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1E3 Phone: (514) 398-8101; Fax: (514) 398-5514

P R E S S R E L E A S E

Schulich School of Music Alumnus bass-baritone Philippe Sly, wins 2012 Montreal International Musical Competition

For immediate release

Montreal, June 8, 2012 – The Schulich School of Music is delighted to announce that voice alumnus Philippe Sly has won first prize at the 2012 Montreal International Musical Competition, held in Montreal from May 28th to June 8th. His prize includes upcoming performances with an international array of arts organizations and, in addition to the $30,000 first prize cash award, he has received the $20,000 Career Development Award, which provides workshops with leading figures from the world of performing arts and classical music, including artist representatives, record producers, and communications specialists. He will also have the opportunity to record a debut CD or work with video and Web professionals.

At the Schulich School of Music, Philippe Sly completed a Bachelor of Music degree in Performance in 2011, studying with Sanford Sylvan. He distinguished himself in Opera McGill in the roles of Marcello in Puccini’s La Bohème, and as Nick Shadow in Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress. While still a student, Philippe was a winner of the 2011 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, and he will make his debut at the San Francisco Opera in the 2012-2013 season as Guglielmo in Mozart’s Così fan tutte.

“This is an extraordinary achievement for Philippe Sly,” says Sean Ferguson, Dean of the Schulich School. “Philippe’s success speaks to the excellence of our Voice Area and the expertise and dedication of his wonderful teacher, Professor Sanford Sylvan.” www.philippesly.com www.concoursmontreal.ca/permanent/en/index.asp www.mcgill.ca/music/

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McGill Contact: Kate Herzberg, Concerts and Publicity: 514-398-8101