Matthew Christakos Wins Michael Measures Prize

Published on July 28, 2019

Matthew Christakos credits The Royal Conservatory’s Taylor Academy for propelling him towards a career in music. His journey will be made even easier thanks to the $25,000 Canada Council Michael Measures Prize. 

Matthew received the award, one of the most prestigious prizes for young Canadian classical musicians, on July 29 prior to his performance with the National Youth Orchestra Canada (NYOC). He performed the Brahms Concerto for Violin and Cello in front of a highly appreciative audience in Koerner Hall. The accomplished young musician played on an 1816 Thomas Kennedy cello loaned by The Royal Conservatory.

The Michael Measures Prize recognizes outstanding young performers enrolled in the annual summer training program of the NYOC. Fellow Taylor Academy alumni Blake Pouliot and Daniel Hass have also earned the accolade in recent years. 

The prize is the second major music award Matthew has received in as many months. In June, he placed second at the 2019 Stepping Stone competition, earning $5,000.  

Matthew is a recent graduate of The Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists, The Royal Conservatory’s internationally acclaimed program for gifted musicians. Matthew studied on a full scholarship and is grateful for the “high-calibre training” he received in all areas of professional musicianship.

Matthew is especially appreciative of the nurturing work of his teachers, acclaimed educators David Hetherington and Hans Jørgen Jensen. “They gave me all the tools I need to play the cello,” he asserted.  

The bonds Matthew developed with his teachers are among the many meaningful connections he established with faculty and fellow students. “It’s amazing how strong the relationships are between the colleagues in the Taylor community,” he exclaimed.  

The collegial environment is one of many reasons Matthew recommends The Taylor Academy as a great place for young artists to learn.  

“If you really love music and have the commitment, it will change your life!” 

To support The Taylor Academy, visit the donation page. Academy applications open in January.