Recognized for his profound and spectacular interpretations, Quebec pianist Michel-Alexandre Broekaert is one of the most promising musicians of his generation. Early on, he developed a passion for accompaniment and chamber music, making his experience vast and eclectic. At ease both on stage and in the studio, he divides his time between the instrumental repertoire and the world of opera with equal pleasure. A pedagogue at heart, his activities as a coach / pianist-collaborator at the Université de Montréal and McGill University nourish his passion for passing on knowledge to generations of young musicians. He is also committed to the future of classical music, actively engaging with established organizations and collectives of experienced musicians to present this art form in an accessible and casual way. Michel-Alexandre is very active on the Quebec scene and regularly collaborates with many organizations, such as the Canadian Institute of Vocal Art, Opéra de Montréal, the OSM-Manuvie competition, The Prix d’Europe Competition, Jeunesses Musicales Canada, as well as the collective Un Opéra Une Heure.
Michel-Alexandre has collaborated for many years with Jeunesses Musicales of Canada in several tours across Canada as a chamber musician and artistic director. As an organization with multiple missions, including bringing high-quality classical music concerts to audiences far away from major urban centres, JMC had a significant impact on his conception of the musician’s role in our society.
His thirst for excellence and his communicative enthusiasm have also found fertile ground in the world of competitions, as evidenced by his extensive track record. Winner of several national and international competitions, he first distinguished himself as a soloist, winning first prizes in the Canadian Music Competition, the Trois-Rivières Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition and the Concerto Competition of Université de Montréal, his Alma Mater. In the world of chamber music, he reveals himself to the world, mainly alongside Quebec soprano Andréanne Brisson-Paquin. In 2011, the duo distinguished itself in Paris, receiving a special jury prize in the Nadia and Lili Boulanger International Piano Singing Competition finals. They were back again in 2013, winning the 2nd Prize of the prestigious Lyon International Chamber Music Competition.
Michel-Alexandre also distinguished himself at the “2016 Mary Trueman Art Song Vocal Competition”, receiving the “Pianist Prize” and in 2018, was awarded the Special Prize for the best accompanying pianist at the Concours International de mélodies françaises du Festival Classica. More recently, he took by storm the Concours d’Interprétation de L’Anthologie de la Musique Québécoise, owning the Prix Janine-Lachance (1st Prize collaborative-pianist), the Prix André-Mathieu (1st Prize (ex-aequo) Solo Piano), as well as the Jury’s Coup de coeur.
Alongside cellist Noémie Raymond-Friset, he co-founded in 2018 Duo Cavatine, a duet that has since then established itself as one of the most dynamic chamber music groups on the Canadian scene. Their projects include a tour in the fall of 2021 presented by Début Atlantique and the upcoming launch of their first CD, entitled Nuages, on the KNS label.
He holds a doctorate from the Université de Montréal, under the tutelage of Mr. Jean Saulnier, and perfected his skills in Vienna (Austria) with the renowned pedagogue Avedis Kouyoumdjian.
“He is an excellent listener […] and has a remarkable touch. In his hands, the music breathes and blossoms.” – Revue Opéra