2023 Juno Awards: Schulich alumni among this year’s winners

The Schulich School of Music was well represented at the 2023 Juno Awards!

Among the winners and nominees were several alumni and staff who exemplify what it means to bring music to life.  

Caity Gyorgy (MMus ‘22) 

Vocal Jazz Album of the Year for her album Featuring 

This is Gyorgy’s second year in a row winning Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. In 2022, she received the same prize for her album Now Pronouncing: Caity Gyorgy. Gyorgy is known for her bebop and swing music and has performed at top venues across Canada and the United States. 

While her name is on the album cover, Gyorgy isn’t the only Schulich alumna featured in Featuring. Recording credits go to Brandon Wells (MMus ‘14) and Seungwoo Han (MMus ‘22) who also mixed the record. Other musicians on the album include: 

• Drums: Jacob Wutzke (MMus ‘22) 

• Saxophone: Christine Jensen (BMus ‘94, MMus ‘06) 

• Tenor saxophone: Lucas Dubovik (Current MMus) 

Marina Thibeault (MMus ‘16 and DMus ‘22), Nicolas Ellis (MMus ‘15) and l’Orchestre de l’Agora 

Classical Album of the Year (Large Ensemble) for their album Viola Borealis 

In Viola Borealis, Schulich alumna Marina Thibeault and l’Orchestre de l’Agora explore musical themes from several Northern cultures, including works from Latvian and Anishinaabe composers. Thibault played solo viola on the album. 

Nicolas Ellis (MMus’15) founded l’Orchestre de l’Agora in 2013. His goal is to use music as a tool for sustainable social change while presenting innovative and audacious concerts. He remains the orchestra’s director and was the conductor on Viola Borealis. Several alumni also play in the orchestra, including: 

• Violin: TJ Skinner (MMus'15, DMus'20) 

• Cello: Thomas Beard (MMus ’18)  

• Double Bass: Samuel-San Vachon (MMus ‘21) 

Elinor Frey (DMus ‘12) 

Classical Album of the Year (Small Ensemble) for her album Early Italian Cello Concertos 

Since graduating from Schulich, Elinor Frey has become a prolific cellist, gambist, and researcher. She is also currently a course lecturer at Schulich. On the album Early Italian Cello Concertos, she dives into the works of Vivaldi, Leo, Sammartini, and Tartini to showcase the power of the violoncello and explores the rich harmonies and counterpoint Baroque is known for. 

Did we miss anyone? Let us know!  

Email us at communications.music [at] mcgill.ca with your nomination and degree information to be included. 

See the complete list of 2023 JUNO Award Nominees and Winners online here.