Alexander Merpaw

piano

The Nicole Senécal Emerging Artist Award recognizes an exceptional graduating student from the University of Ottawa’s School of Music on the cusp of a professional career. This year, the award recipient is pianist Alexander Merpaw, who studies under David Jalbert. Alexander plans to participate in multiple renowned international competitions this coming year – catch him in our local arena before he takes off!

Alexander Merpaw began playing piano at the age of three under the teaching of his mother, Martina Merpaw, who received her master’s degree in organ performance and church music from the University of Western. He now studies at the University of Ottawa with David Jalbert (where he also studied for a short time with Carson Becke). Amongst Alexander’s many concerts and accolades are the first prize at the University of Ottawa concerto competition (allowing him to perform the Chopin e minor piano concerto with the University of Ottawa symphony orchestra), second prize in his category in the Canadian Music competition, solo and chamber recitals at the Ottawa National Arts Center, and solo concerts at the DOMS concert series in Ottawa. Alexander was also the 2024 recipient of the Nicole Senécal emerging artist grant allowing him to make his solo recital debut with the Ottawa ChamberFest. Other notable experiences include performances at the Gilles-Lefebvre Concert Hall at Orford Musique and studying with pianists Andre Laplante and Kevin Kenner during his past residencies at the Orford Musique summer academy. Masterclasses include performances for Charles-Richard Hamelin, Andre Laplante, and Jamie Parker.

This concert and this prize are presented with the generous support of Nicole Senécal, and in partnership with the University of Ottawa Music Department.