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Violinist wins 2026 Verna and Peter Janzen Music Competition
Thursday, March 26, 2026 @ 1:38 PM
The Verna and Peter Janzen Music Competition at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) brought together a range of student performers, with violinist Bella-Sophia Rogers earning first place at the finals held in the CMU Laudamus Auditorium on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
"The performance was exhilarating. I have performed for larger audiences before, but never one so full of friendly faces, and as soon as I looked out into the crowd it stopped being about impressing an anonymous crowd of faces and became an opportunity to show all my friends who I really am," Rogers said. "I was floored when it was announced that I had won—everyone performed fabulously and I was honoured to stand on that stage in front of my friends and colleagues for such a triumphant moment."
Continue Reading2026 Verna Mae Janzen Music Competition (video, photos)
Thursday, March 26, 2026 @ 11:20 AM
In its 21st year, the finalists of the 2026 Verna and Peter Janzen Music Competition were:
View Details2025 Verna Mae Janzen Music Competition
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 @ 4:34 PM
In its 20th year, the finalists of the 2025 Verna Mae Janzen Music Competition were:
View DetailsCMU's Verna Mae Janzen Music Competition crowns 20th champion (Classic 107)
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 @ 11:51 AM
The music school at Canadian Mennonite University marked a significant milestone last week as it presented the 20th edition of the Verna Mae Janzen Music Competition.
The competition was founded in 2006 by Peter Janzen in memory of his wife Verna Mae, who was deeply embedded in the Mennonite music community before her death in 1989.
"This competition is a small way that my mom and dad could give back to CMU and Winnipeg," said Peter and Verna Mae's child CJ Janzen in a statement. "Throughout her 13-year battle with cancer, music was her balm, her joy, and comfort."
The competition is an annual highlight for students in CMU's music community, including this year's winner, soprano Julia Norris.
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Continue ReadingCelebrating the 20th anniversary of the Verna Mae Janzen Music Competition
Thursday, March 6, 2025 @ 9:24 AM
The lovely sounds of sonatas, cantatas, and melodies have resonated through the halls of the Laudamus Auditorium every spring for two decades now as Canadian Mennonite University's School of Music celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Verna Mae Janzen Music Competition.
Founded in 2006 by Peter Janzen of Deep River, ON, in memory of his wife, Verna Mae, who died of cancer in 1989, the competition acts as a way for Peter to support the music landscape in which Verna was deeply embedded.
Continue ReadingViolinist wins the 19th annual Verna Mae Janzen Competition
Thursday, April 4, 2024 @ 10:31 AM
The 19th annual Verna Mae Janzen Music Competition at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) reached a rousing crescendo this year, as the night's final performer, William Harder, was awarded first place.
The Winnipeg violinist says, "It is really rewarding to have some very tangible recognition for all of the work that gets put into practicing music."
Continue Reading2024 Verna Mae Janzen Music Competition (video and photos)
Monday, March 25, 2024 @ 9:00 AM
View the full performance of each finalist, hear the jurors' comments, and learn the outcome of the competition.
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Pianist wins 2023 Verna Mae Janzen Music Competition
Thursday, April 20, 2023 @ 3:40 PM
A pianist from Inglis, Manitoba is the winner of the 18th annual Verna Mae Janzen Music Competition at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU).
Georg Neuhofer's performance in the finals, held on Thursday, March 23 in CMU's Laudamus Auditorium, earned him first place and the $700 prize that comes with it.
Continue Reading2023 Verna Mae Janzen Music Competition (video, photos)
Friday, March 31, 2023 @ 12:00 AM
View the full performance of each finalist, hear the jurors' comments, and learn the outcome of the competition.
View DetailsPianist wins 2022 Verna Mae Janzen Music Competition
Monday, May 9, 2022 @ 9:25 AM
A pianist from Fort Frances, Ontario is the winner of the 17th annual Verna Mae Janzen Music Competition at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU).
Anna Schwartz's performance in the finals, held on Friday, April 8 in CMU's Laudamus Auditorium, earned her first place and the $700 prize that comes with it.
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