Meet nine additional laureates for 2024! Runner-Up Developing Artist Grants
December 12, 2024
The Hnatyshyn Foundation is thrilled to announce that we are awarding nine additional scholarships to young Canadian performing artists this year!
In 2024, we received an outstanding group of applicants to our Developing Artist Grants. We have decided to recognize the talent of some of the artists who came in second place. In addition to the eight grants of $12,500 announced in September (read about the laureates here), we have decided to award nine prizes of $5,000 each. This brings our support for performing arts students to $1.475 million since 2005.
Please join us in congratulating these exceptional young artists!
Jazz Performance
Duncan Wilson is a Toronto-based pianist rooted in the bebop tradition. Since moving to Toronto from his hometown of Orillia in 2021, Duncan has been gaining attention as one of the city’s most promising young talents in jazz. At the University of Toronto, Duncan has studied with Chris Donnelly, Hannah Barstow (a 2015 Developing Artist Grant laureate!), Jon Maharaj, Kelly Jefferson, and Ethan Ardelli. Duncan leads a trio featuring fellow rising stars Christopher Parnis on bass and Petros Anagnostakos on drums. He can be found performing at such renowned clubs as The Jazz Bistro, The Rex, Hirut and The Jazz Room, and as a featured artist in performing arts centres in Guelph, St. Catharines, and Owen Sound. He has shared the stage with notable Canadian artists, including Luis Deniz, Morgan Childs, Pat Collins, Larnell Lewis, Terry Clarke, Ted Warren, Juliet Dunn, Tia Brazda, and Geneviève Marentette.
Duncan Wilson, photo by Olivia Presti, 2024
Isaac Kashino is a trombonist committed to spreading the joy of music through performance, composition, and education. Middle school concert band and musical theatre introduced him to the fun and friendships that emerge from making music with others. He embraced any opportunity to perform in high school, during which time he joined the Oakville Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Etobicoke Jazz Band. In 2021, Isaac was accepted into the University of Toronto Faculty of Music for music education and jazz studies and was awarded the Noreen and Phil Nimmons Entrance Scholarship in Jazz Performance, which has been renewed each year since. He also received U of T’s Jazz Arranging Prize in 2024. Isaac now seeks out opportunities to grow as a musician in and outside the Faculty of Music. Notable performances include the Jim Lewis 12tet, the U of T Jazz Orchestra, the Toronto Trombone Collective led by Vanessa Fralick, and appearances at the Rex, the Emmet Ray, the DROM Taberna, the Toronto Undergraduate Jazz Festival, the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, and the Beaches Jazz Festival, with various groups including the Jakob Durst quartet, Joseph Funk 10tet, the Carandang-Pincente Jazz Orchestra, and Isaac’s co-led double trombone quintet with Angela Pincente, which revives the style of J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding’s famous partnership. He also spent two years as lead trombonist in the Toronto All-Star Big Band, performing across Ontario. Isaac is immensely grateful for the opportunity to perform with and for others and to be pursuing a career in music. He thanks his teachers Nuno de Castro, Justin See, William Carn, Karl Silveira and Tara Davidson, and his previous public school music teachers and U of T professors for their passion and mentorship. He also thanks his friends and family – especially his parents – for their encouragement and guidance.
Isaac Kashino, photo by Hannah Scholes
Classical Vocal Performance
Ian Sabourin is a countertenor enrolled in Opéra de Montréal’s Atelier Lyrique. His love for singing began in childhood; he was always singing and he quickly knew it was his lifelong calling. Growing up, in Ottawa, he sang with a prestigious church choir under the direction of Matthew Larkin, while also performing in a rock band and writing his own songs. At 18, he started formal voice lessons, which marked the true beginning of his musical journey — despite a significant setback when he underwent vocal surgery in 2019. After a full recovery, he became the first countertenor in the history of the Atelier Lyrique, where he is now training to launch an international career. Ian is passionate about making classical music accessible to everyone. Much of his life has been spent busking in Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal, where he performs his favorite classical pieces a cappella, sharing music with the public and earning some extra income along the way. Additionally, he has explored blending genres by creating crossover pieces that combine electronic and baroque elements, as in his reimagining of Purcell’s Music for a While, where he used synthesizers and added original improvisations to give the piece a modern twist. At the core of Ian’s approach to music is a dedication to community. Whether on the streets or in formal settings, he believes that music should connect people. He seeks to bridge the traditional and contemporary to make it truly inclusive.
Ian Sabourin, photo by Curtis Perry
Contemporary Dance
Jane Millette is a dancer currently in her third year of training at the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal (EDCM). A graduate of Cégep de Saint-Laurent’s dance program (2022), she has worked in several styles such as ballet, hip-hop, popping and krump. In 2022, Jane obtained recognition from Quebec’s Assemblée nationale for her solo at the 43rd edition of Cégeps en spectacles. At the finals, she received the Festival Trans Amérique prize and the École de danse de Québec prize. As part of her studies at EDCM, she has had the opportunity to perform the works of Ohad Naharin, Crystal Pite, Sofia Nappi, Sharon Eyal, and Andrew Mikhaiel. She has performed works by Dana Gingras, Manuel Roque, James Viveiros, Sylvain Emard, Jera Wolfe, and Amaia Elizaran. She has also performed a solo excerpt from the Rubberband company taught by Brontë Poiré-Prest. Jane has had the opportunity to perform alongside 50 dancers, including some from Ballet BC, in BOLERO X by Shahar Binyamini, presented at Danse Danse (Montreal) and the National Arts Centre (Ottawa). Jane is active in the dance community as a teacher and co-organizer of multidisciplinary improvisation events in Montreal. Her goal is to bring together the community of emerging artists and spread care, inclusivity and collective listening through her work.
Jane Millette, photo by Jordan Blackburn
Dante Gonzalez is a dancer studying at Arts Umbrella in Vancouver. His introduction to dance was accidental, when he attended a show by the American Ballet Theatre as a child, when his parents were unable to find a babysitter and took him with them. His eyes followed the dancers’ every movement, so his parents rapidly enrolled him in dance classes in is hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. At age 13, Dante and his family moved to Toronto, following an invitation to attend Canada’s National Ballet School. In addition to his education in classical ballet, Dante has engaged with different dance practices, choreographers and peers in diverse and rich environments. He was a participant in Johan Inger’s Take Off Dance program in Seville, and in the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival summer intensive at the Nederlands Dans Theater. Dante felt particularly connected to the choreographies of Peggy Baker, Ethan Colangelo, Lilliana Barros, Lukáš Timulak, Crystal Pite, Ralitza Malehounova, Roy Assaf, and Fernando Hernando Magadan. Following his graduation from the National Ballet School, Dante decided to pursue his post-secondary education at Arts Umbrella. These experiences have allowed Dante to develop his artistry and discover a passion for choreographing. Dante is looking forward to the next stages of his career as he continues to hone his craft and continually draw inspiration from the artists he encounters and collaborates with along the way.
Dante Gonzalez, photo by David Penny
Classical Music (Piano)
Nicole Wu is a pianist studying at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music under the supervision of Dr. Ilya Poletaev. She began her musical journey at the age of four and swiftly transitioned into public performances and competitions at the age of six. Nicole has won prizes in multiple international competitions, including the Golden Award at the 2016 Shanghai International Competition, first place in the 2017 Irmler International Competition, two senior scholarships at the 2022 Ottawa Kiwanis Festival, and first prize in the 2022 Ontario provincial piano competition. She was a semi-finalist in the 2022 OSM competition and a finalist in McGill’s 2024 romantic piano concerto competition. She has also participated in renowned music festivals, including the 2023 Domaine Forget Academy, Orford Academy, and International Holland Music Academy. Additionally, she was invited to participate in the 2024 Piano Texas Young Artist program with a full scholarship. She has attended masterclasses by renowned musicians including Daniel Shapiro and Robert Levin. These experiences, along with guidance from esteemed professors such as Angela Chang, Benedetto Lupo, Ronan O’Hora, Kevin Kenner, Christopher Elton, Jan Jiracek von Arnim, Boris Berman, Norma Fisher, and Arie Vardie, have enriched Nicole’s artistry and affirmed her commitment to continuous growth and musical excellence.
Classical Music (Winds, Brass, Percussions)
Sara LeBlanc is an oboist from Ottawa. She started playing the oboe at the age of 12, studying with Angela Casagrande. She is currently completing her undergraduate degree in music performance at the University of Ottawa, studying with Charles Hamann. Other notable teachers she has worked with include Anna Petersen, Sarah Jeffrey and Suzanne Lemieux. Sara has performed in masterclasses for Robert Walters and Dr. Andrew Parker and has participated in programs across Canada, including the Young Artist Program at the Scotia Festival in 2023 and 2024. In 2024, she was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, where she had the opportunity to perform nationwide as part of the Horizons Tour. This experience allowed Sara to hone her skills, perform a challenging repertoire, and connect with audiences across the country. Sara has a strong interest in performing works by diverse composers and hopes to continue incorporating this focus into her future performances. In addition to her studies and performing, Sara is a dedicated oboe teacher. Teaching has provided her with the opportunity to encourage and guide new oboists and to impart valuable insights from her own experiences. With each of these opportunities, Sara continues to refine her skills as an oboist and looks forward to contributing to her community in meaningful ways.
Sara LeBlanc, photo by Ed LeBlanc
Classical Music (Strings)
Mario Rodriguez McMillan is a twenty-year-old cellist from Mexico City. He grew up surrounded by music and began his musical studies at the age of seven. He studied classical guitar at Escuela Superior de Música del Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes y Literatura, an acclaimed conservatory in Mexico. His love for music inspired him to play various instruments proficiently, including piano, drums, and trumpet. He decided to pursue a career in cello because of the instrument’s incredibly expressive quality. Mario was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada in 2022 and went on to receive its award of excellence and become its principal cellist in 2023. He studied with renowned faculty including Sascha Goetzel, Blake Pouliot, David Hetherington, and Bryan Epperson. He was also principal cellist of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra for two seasons, and section cello for two seasons. In 2022, Mario had his solo debut with the first movement of the Schumann Cello Concerto after winning the North York Concert Orchestra concerto competition. He has performed in masterclasses for world-class cellists Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Jean-Guihen Queyras, and Johannes Moser. Mario is currently in his third year of a Bachelor’s degree in cello performance, studying with Paul Widner, and previously with Joseph Johnson, at the University of Toronto.
Acting (French Theatre)
Marie Luciani-Grimaldi is an actress studying at the Conservatoire d’art dramatique de Montréal. Born in France, Marie got her first taste of the stage at the age of 5, beginning with classical ballet and her first drama classes, where she bravely recited Jean de la Fontaine fables. Upon her arrival in Canada, still driven by her desire to perform, to be on stage, and to create, Marie continued to nurture her artistic talent by pursuing a highly specialized major in arts and culture throughout high school. It was during these years that she deepened her unconditional love for the arts and people. Building her reputation as an artist through short and feature films, theater, and writing projects, she began her post-secondary studies at the University of Ottawa’s Department of Theatre, followed by studies at the Conservatoire d’art dramatique de Montréal, where she continues to grow and learn. Luminous and passionate, Marie is a curious artist who is always seeking to reinvent herself.
Marie Luciani-Grimaldi performing in Ça ira (1) Fin by Louis de Joël Pommerat, directed by Florent Siaud. Photo: Alexandre Lirette.
What our awards mean to artists
Since their inception in 2005, The Hnatyshyn Foundation Developing Artist Grants have supported 145 exceptional Canadian artists. The grants are highly sought-after and until now, there has only ever been one award per discipline. We are thus very excited support a greater number of exceptional young artists this year.
The recipients share what this support means to them:
“At this stage in my development as a musician, I am immensely grateful to have resources that allow me to commit as much of my time as I can to growing as an artist. I believe that music, especially jazz, enriches the culture of a community and can bring people so much joy, so I intend to use this opportunity to further dedicate myself to promoting positive creation through music.”
– Duncan Wilson
“Receiving this prize allows me to fully dedicate myself to launching my career as a countertenor. Opportunities for countertenors are limited in Canada, so this support is invaluable. With the Foundation’s help, I can focus on intensive training with top voice teachers, coaches, and directors, and prepare for an international audition tour to expand my reach and connect with new audiences.”
– Ian Sabourin
“I am incredibly grateful and honored to have received the support of the Hnatyshyn Foundation. This will enable me to pursue my passion in a professional environment. Thanks to this support, I will be able to continue to develop my art and realize my artistic aspirations."
– Jane Millette
“Studying music and being surrounded by musicians has been an incredible privilege for me. I value the bonds I have formed within the music community and hold them close to my heart. Receiving this grant is a tremendous honour and it motivates me further to pursue my music studies. I aspire to use my music to make a meaningful impact on society.”
– Nicole Wu
“This grant will allow me to dedicate more time to my development as an artist and to sharing the joy I experience while performing with my audiences. I am truly grateful for my family, friends and mentors who have supported me this far in my journey, and am excited to see where my career takes me next.”
– Sara LeBlanc
“This grant will have an immense and lasting impact on my musical development by shaping how I am able to spend my time this school year. This grant relieves some of the financial pressure of paying for school, enabling me to spend more time on the scene checking out live music, practicing, listening to different artists, composing and arranging, and pursuing performance opportunities. I’m thankful for the support of the Hnatyshyn Foundation and their donors for their crucial commitment to arts education in Canada.”
– Isaac Kashino
“Looking ahead to the next stage of my development, I will be required to travel abroad for auditions to acquire a contract as a company dancer. This scholarship will allow me to cover my living expenses and what’s left of my tuition in Vancouver so that I can afford the travel expenses required for auditions.”
– Dante Gonzalez
“I thank the Hnatyshyn Foundation from the bottom of my heart for recognizing me with this award. Theater has always been profoundly necessary to me. The Foundation’s support for young emerging artists is incredible and I feel privileged to be able to navigate my studies more easily thanks to it. I want to continue to pass on this love through what I create and what I embody. This recognition strengthens my determination to move forward in this profession that already fulfills me and that will continue to shape my life.”
– Marie Luciani-Grimaldi
“I am deeply grateful to the Hnatyshyn Foundation for this award. Getting financial support, as well as recognition of my hard work and talent, means the world to me as a young artist. I feel honoured to have people out there rooting for me, and it gives me the extra push I need to keep working hard.”
– Mario Rodriguez McMillan
Reminder
We are now accepting nominations for The Gerda Hnatyshyn Launch Grants! We encourage performing arts professionals to nominate recent graduates pursuing a career in theatre, classical music, contemporary music or contemporary dance for one of five $10,000 grants that will be awarded in 2025.
Nominations for the 2025 Developing Artist Grants will open in early 2025.
