Alexandre Da Costa

Violinist Alexandre Da Costa is one of Canada’s rising stars in classical music. This Montreal-born prodigy is known for his faultless technique, energy, exceptional musical talent and charisma. And at the young age of 31, he has already achieved a lifetime of successes.

Da Costa gave his first concert at the age of 9 and has performed on stages around the world ever since. As of 2010 he had recorded 13 CDs and had performed in nearly 1000 concerts worldwide, either as a soloist, or with some of the world’s finest orchestras. 

In October 2010, the Canada Council for the Arts recognized Da Costa’s accomplishments by awarding him the Virginia Parker Prize. This $25,000 prize is awarded annually for classical music performers under the age of 32 who demonstrate outstanding talent and musicianship.

This latest award is one of many milestones for Da Costa. After obtaining his Master degree in Canada when he was 18, he went to live in Europe, where he studied with renowned violin master Zakhar Bron. He is a past winner of the Sylva Gelber Foundation Award (2002) and the Canada Council’s Musical Instrument Bank Competition (2003).

Shown here: Alexandre Da Costa receiving the Virginia Parker Prize at a concert by the Orchestre Métropolitain of Montreal on Oct. 18, 2010, with Janet Riedel Pigott (left) of the Canada Council’s Endowments and Prizes section and Luce Moreau (right), president and CEO of the Orchestre. Photo: Gunthar Gamper