CBC Radio Canada is pleased to present the 2016 edition of their annual list of Canada’s emerging classical music talent.

Yearly since 2013, they have been polling conservatories, music competitions and professional training programs from coast to coast, and creating a who’s who of the nation’s next classical music stars.

Something new this year: all of the young musicians being celebrated are newcomers to the 30-under-30 list.

Twenty three year old Michael Bridge from Canada is the first accordionist ever to be on the “30 under 30” list. Excerpts from the CBC website: “Music is not a job, it’s a lifestyle.” says Michael Bridge. He dedicates all his waking hours to performing, teaching and studying his instrument, and it’s paying off.

In May he received an Emerging Artist Award from the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. Last season, he performed as soloist with the Ontario Philharmonic String Quartet, the Lethbridge Philharmonic Orchestra, the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Soundstreams.

Michael also toured Ecuador, Poland, France and Canada with Double Double Duo, the group he co-founded with clarinettist Kornel Wolak. Bridge was the subject of a radio documentary on CBC Radio One’s The Sunday Edition. Through all of that, he gave the world premiere of 15 new works. Upcoming in 2016-17, Michael will complete his master’s degree in accordion performance at U of T and play music by Astor Piazzolla and William Bridges with the Greater Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra.

AWW (Accordions Worldwide) Publications congratulates Michael and wishes him continued successes!

For further information: michael@michaelbridgemusic.com