(Image Credit: Courtesy/Diana Monet)

By Jett Schwaier

SMILE SUNDAYS

Rotary Music Festival Rose Bowl winner Monet calls the experience overwhelming and surprising

Mar 29, 2026 | 7:01 AM

A 14-year-old pianist, Diana Monet, has won the Rose Bowl at the Rotary Music Festival, earning top honours among the event’s standout young performers.

Monet said the experience of performing at the prestigious event held as part of the festival’s final weekend was both exciting and unexpected.

“It was a very wonderful experience. Everyone was really accommodating and really helpful during the entire performance, and all the performers themselves were very kind,” Monet said.

“Winning felt overwhelming and surprising,” she added.

“I was really surprised by the outcome because there were so many other amazing performers there.”

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The Rose Bowl, held Friday at the Medicine Hat College Theatre, brings together the eight highest performers selected by adjudicators from across disciplines, each representing their category, including piano, vocal and musical theatre.

Monet was chosen as the top piano performer and said she was honoured to be included among what she called “so many other amazing performers.”

“But it makes me really happy to think about that night because I made so many wonderful memories with everyone,” Monet said.

Winners were announced Sunday during the Stars of the Festival event at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, another key showcase that wraps up the nearly two-week celebration of young musical talent.

According to festival organizers, the Rose Bowl features top performers selected for excellence by adjudicators, with one participant from each discipline competing in front of a large audience.

Monet performed two contrasting pieces, Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy and an étude by Sergei Rachmaninoff, to showcase both technical skill and emotional range.

“The Debussy is more lyrical, whereas the Rachmaninoff is a lot more dramatic,” Monet said.

“I felt that I could show both my technique and my emotions to the audience through playing them both.”

Monet said the opportunity to perform in front of a large audience helped build confidence and prepare for future competitions.

“Oftentimes it’s really rare to get the opportunity to play in front of such large crowds and people,” Monet said.

“It really helps me to not only develop my skills, but to overcome nerves and prepare for bigger competitions like provincials.”

Festival organizers said that kind of growth is a key part of the event’s long-standing impact, as the Rotary Music Festival, now in its 71st year, continues to provide young musicians with performance experience while fostering confidence and development.

Monet said she is grateful for the support she received along the way.

“I’m very thankful for my teachers and the adjudicators from the festival for giving me feedback and helping me know what I can improve on for other competitions,” Monet said.

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READ: Medicine Hat’s 71st annual Rotary Music Festival heads into the final weekend showcases

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