A Forgotten Quebecoise Shines at the Grammy Awards
While the spotlight at the 2025 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles ofen falls on household names like Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Kaytranada, another Quebec talent quietly made her mark. Classical pianist Marika Bournaki,though lesser-known in her native province,earned her first career nomination in the “Classic Vocal Solo” category for her work on the album Bespoke Songs.
at 33, Bournaki, now based in Virginia where she teaches, attended the ceremony with her father, Pierre. Though she didn’t take home the award, she remained unfazed. “For me, to be named, it was already winning,” she shared. Reflecting on the event, she added, “It feels good to be part of this large musical community. I was afraid that thay were not celebrations because of the fires, but ultimately everyone is coming to celebrate music. It’s really gorgeous.”
Bournaki’s journey to the Grammys began decades ago. A child prodigy, she performed with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra at just nine years old. By ten,she graced the stage of New York’s legendary Carnegie Hall,and at eleven,she collaborated with Yannick Nézet-Séguin in the metropolitan orchestra. Her remarkable talent even inspired a 2012 documentary, Marika’s Dream.
Despite her early success, Bournaki’s move to the United States at 14 may have contributed to her relative obscurity in Quebec. “It makes me a little sad, but I left so long ago. I finished my studies and started working in the united States. I played much further in Quebec and Canada, but I now think that people forget that I exist,” she said with a laugh.
| Key Highlights | Details |
|————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Grammy Nomination | “Classic Vocal Solo” for Bespoke Songs |
| Early Career | Performed with Montreal Symphony Orchestra at 9, Carnegie Hall at 10 |
| Documentary | Marika’s Dream (2012) |
| Current Role | Teaches at a school in Virginia |
bournaki’s story is a testament to the enduring power of passion and perseverance. while her nomination may have gone unnoticed by many in Quebec, her talent and dedication to music remain undeniable. As she continues to inspire her students and audiences alike, her journey serves as a reminder that recognition, though sometimes delayed, is always worth the wait.
For more on the 2025 Grammy Awards and its winners, explore the complete list of winners.
