‘One of Canada’s finest pianists': Sask. musician wins prestigious award

WATCH: Sask. born pianist Meagan Milatz was awarded the prestigious Mécénat Musica Prix Goyer.

Weyburn-born pianist, Meagan Milatz was recently awarded one of Canada’s most prestigious titles for her work. The Mécénat Musica Prix Goyer is annually given to an emerging classical musician for their talent and collaboration skills.

“That’s been it’s been a big part of my career so far, my collaborations with other musicians from Canada and around the world,” Milatz told CTV News. “I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to have those experiences and it’s a big honour to receive this award.”

The pianist shared that her work in chamber music has allowed her to work with various different artists.

Chamber music is played by a small ensemble with one performer per part. The instruments used can vary to achieve the desired sound.

“Chamber music is kind of the lifeblood of the musical community. There’s so much joy in sharing the stage with different musicians and hearing and the way that they play,” Milatz explained.

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One of Milatz’s biggest fans is her music teacher, Cherith Alexander.

Alexander moved from Vancouver to Weyburn after marrying a farmer in the area. She shared that she took on every piano student she could find.

“Along comes Megan, and she just blew everyone out of the water. She had so much natural ability. She worked so hard. She’s from a beautiful, beautiful home where piano was a really high priority,” Alexander said.

“So here were the two of us in rural Saskatchewan, living on farms and I realized I had this amazingly talented, once in a lifetime student.”

Milatz shared that she is happy to call Alexander both a teacher and a friend.

The pair grew in their skills thanks to one another. Often travelling across the country for competitions where Alexander would play alongside Milatz for her concerto pieces.

According to her teacher, Milatz had ‘nerves of steel’ when it came to performing at such a high level.

“It all happened pretty naturally. I just really enjoyed it and a huge part of that was my studies with Cherith because, she just sort of pushed me in the right way and the right pace of things,” Milatz said.

“I never felt forced to practice or anything like that.”

The award winning musician credited much of her success to her Saskatchewan roots.

“I’m constantly reminded of how grateful I am to have grown up on a farm near Weyburn. I think, it was great because there’s a certain work ethic and just sort of energy to the lifestyle that I really learned from my parents and from my family, and from my community as well,” she added.

A notion which her teacher certainly echoed.

“Megan, in part because of her Saskatchewan roots ... during the COVID year when she couldn’t work in Montreal and there were so many restrictions, she came home and helped put a crop in on the farm,” Alexander added.

This particular award comes along with a $125,000 grant, which Milatz intends to put towards continuing her career.

She hopes to record her first solo album in the near future, after an upcoming recital tour in China.

“I feel so, so lucky that I have been able to make a career out of it and this kind of award, the message of the Musica Prix Goyer has been just a huge, huge honour for me and a little bit of an affirmation that the performing life is working and it’s great because I love it so much,” Milatz said.

The Saskatchewan talent will be making her way back to her home province soon, to perform with the Regina Symphony Orchestra on March 1st.

A homecoming which is highly anticipated by many, especially her proud teacher.

“She kindly asked me if I’d be interested in any tickets ... because she wondered if I was able to attend. I just laughed, I’m like, ‘Meagan, I’ve had this day booked in my calendar for ever since it was announced. I’ll be at both concerts, hopefully in the front row,” Alexander said.

Milatz’s performances in Regina will be featured at Darke Hall, which is a stage the pianist has performed on many times throughout her career.

“She’s one of Canada’s finest pianists. She passed me long, long ago,” Alexander said.

“It’s just an absolute delight. It’s also very emotional experience for me to hear her and just see how far she’s come.”