PONSONBY – A 14-year-old budding concert pianist, composer, and favourite local musician, has added top prizes at the national finals of the prestigious Canadian Music Competition to his growing list of accomplishments this summer.
Connor Mahon won first place in piano with his high marks making him also the top ranked soloist in the 11 to 14 age category.
The grand prize was awarded to the Sacora Trio, for which Mahon is the pianist, along with violinist Salma Khakimov and cellist Ryan Yin.
The three young musicians have been invited to perform as soloists with the Toronto-based Urban Orchestra (Greg Hawco, conductor) this November.
“It was an amazing experience,” Mahon said of the competition, held July 2 to 7 in Sherbrooke, Quebec.
“The judges were so encouraging, and their feedback is really helpful. It inspires me to keep working.”
Comments from the judges were glowing.
“Absolutely wonderful performance,” said flutist Heather Howes.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Of the Sacora Trio, pianist Roger Lord enthused, “Impressive ensemble, such energy! Such panache! All three of you are excellent musicians but together? You do wonders!”
Mahon is well known locally for his performances in Guelph and Wellington County.
He regularly performs at charitable events for local organizations.
In 2024, his Connor Mahon & Friends concert welcomed over 200 guests and raised over $3,400 for the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington.
The Children’s Foundation honoured Mahon with the Young Philanthropist Award for 2024.
Despite his busy performing schedule, Mahon hopes to be able to bring back the Connor Mahon & Friends benefit concert in 2026.
In his downtime, he’s working on his first collection of original solo piano works, which he hopes to record for release.
For concert dates and info about Mahon’s musical journey visit connormahon.com.
