Press Release
For immediate release
Montreal, April 28, 2026 – The Jeunesses Musicales Canada Foundation is pleased to announce that Dami Choi, age 26, has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2026 Iwan-Edwards Scholarship.
This honour includes a $5,000 scholarship that will enable her to participate in the Sarteano Choral Workshop, a 13-day international choral conducting intensive held in Tuscany.
“It is a great honor to receive this award, and I am beyond grateful to have been selected. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity. Your support is making a lasting difference in my journey.” — Dami Choi
Dami Choi is a choral conductor, educator, composer, and collaborative pianist based in Vancouver. She is currently completing her master’s degree in Choral Conducting at University of British Columbia and will begin a DMA in Choral Conducting this fall at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Dami Choi stands out for her exceptionally expressive, energetic, and deeply embodied conducting. Gifted with a natural presence on the podium, she communicates her musical intentions with clarity and immediately inspires performers.
The jury highlighted the remarkable quality of her technique, her joyful and engaging leadership, as well as her rare ability to move beyond the purely technical aspects of music to embrace its human and educational dimensions. Despite being at an early stage in her career, she already demonstrates an impressive level of artistry, strong career potential, and a particularly promising professional development project.
About the Iwan-Edwards Scholarship
The Iwan Edwards Scholarship supports emerging choral conductors by offering travel, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities, honoring the lasting legacy of the distinguished conductor and educator Iwan Edwards.
About Iwan-Edwards
Iwan Edwards made significant contributions to Canadian choral music through his influential teaching roles and leadership of renowned choirs, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire emerging conductors nationwide.
About the JM Canada Foundation
The JM Canada Foundation is committed to promoting classical music and nurturing emerging talent through various initiatives and scholarship programs, thereby enriching Canada’s cultural fabric.
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For more information:
Véronique Desjardins
Executive Director
JM Canada Foundation
vdesjardins@jmcanada.ca
