Finalists: COMPOSERS (music for orchestra), 2018-19

The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts, David Lazaar Katz, founder and chief judge, is pleased to announce 2018-19 FINALIST composers in the ORCHESTRA divisions. Congratulations!

"The strongest field since the competition began."—DK

As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

If you are not a finalist this year, please remember that the contests are not yet over. The American Prize reserves the right to award Honorable Mentions and Citations for Special Achievement to any contestant, regardless of final placement. TAP has honored a number of semi-finalists and quarter finalists in the past--to recognize a unique talent or focus, unusual repertoire, vital programming or outreach. Citations and Honorable Mentions are usually awarded at the same time as winners and runners-up, but can be presented at any time up to the last winners' announcement of the contest year.

All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until the end of the contest year. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com

We invite finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.

NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Composition—ORCHESTRA, professional division, 2018-19

Lee Actor
Monte Sereno CA
Prelude to a Tragedy   
      
Sergio Bernal
Logan UT
Andares  (Trumpet Concerto)
      
Luke Carlson
Hollister MO
Creations  

Arthur Gottschalk
Houston TX
Upon Whose Shoulders We Stand   
           
Saad Haddad
New York NY
Takht   
             
John Hennecken
De Pere WI
Symphony for the Garden City   
      
Dorothy Hindman
Miami FL
Setting Century Symphony   
      
Wayne B. Horvitz
Seattle WA
Those Who Remain—Concerto for Orchestra and Improvising Soloist
      
Douglas Knehans
Cincinnati OH
Unfinished Earth   
    
Nan Schwartz
Tarzana CA
Aspirations; Angels Among Us   
    
Larry Tuttle
Van Nuys CA
By Steam or by Dream   
      
Meira Warshauer
Columbia SC
Symphony No. 1—Living Breathing Earth

Steven Winteregg
Dayton OH
Resolution   
      
Diane Wittry
Allentown PA
Ode to Joy Fanfare   
      

NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Composition—ORCHESTRA, student division, 2018-19

Keith Allegretti
Austin TX
Ricercar   
    
Ching-Shan Chang
Brooklyn NY
When the Sun Rises   
      
Jack Frerer
New York NY
On-Again, Off-Again   
      
Clare Glackin
Santa Fe NM
Archaea   
    
Martin Hebel
Hamden CT
Symphony No. 3  in E Minor: Concert in Three Acts   
      
Patrick O'Malley
Los Angeles CA
Between Two Chasms   
      
Tianyi Wang
Boston MA
Under the Dome   
           
Xuesi Xu
Urbana IL
The Song of Roland   


***


We encourage finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.

Here is a sample announcement:

"Great News! I've just been selected as a finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing winners in my division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "

Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.

Congratulations to all finalists.

Semi-finalist ensembles: ERNST BACON AWARD (American Music Performance), 2018-19

Ernst Bacon

(This listing was revised before publication to move several applicants properly to the soloist category. See previous post.—DK)

The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts, David Lazaar Katz, founder and chief judge, is pleased to announce SEMI-FINALISTS in the ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD for the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC contest, 2017-18 in ensemble divisions. Congratulations!

Among the many contests of The American Prize, the Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music is unique. It recognizes and rewards the best performances of American music by ensembles and individual artists worldwide, based on submitted recordings. Applications are accepted from professional, college/university, community and high school age solo artists, chamber ensembles or conducted ensembles, competing in separate divisions, and from composers with excellent recordings of their works. Beginning in 2017-18, categories were expanded to encompass performances of American music in practically any instrumentation or genre, with very few repertoire restrictions.

Focused exclusively on works by American composers from any period and in any style, the contest not only judges performances, but in the case of new or unfamiliar works, the music itself.

Ernst Bacon (1898—1990) was one of that pioneering generation of composers who, along with Thomson, Copland, Harris, and others, found a voice for American music. Winner of a Pulitzer Scholarship (for his Symphony in D minor) and no fewer than three Guggenheim Fellowships, Ernst Bacon set out to create compositions that expressed the vitality and affirmative spirit of our country. It is fitting, and with honor, that The American Prize creates an annual award in the memory of Ernst Bacon, recognizing the finest performances of American orchestral music worldwide. To learn more about the music & legacy of Ernst Bacon, please visit the website of the Ernst Bacon Society.

As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until the end of the contest year. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com

We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.


NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD for the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC, PROFESSIONAL ensemble division, 2018-19

Edward Benyas
Southern IL Music Festival Orchestra
Southern IL
American Symphony—Lionel Semiatin

Reuben Blundell
Gowanus Arts Ensemble
Brooklyn IL
Foster / Foote / Cadman / Van Gelder 

Oliver Caplan
Juventas New Music Ensemble
Boston MA
You Are Not Alone—Oliver Caplan  

Justin Croushore
Some Assembly Required
Boston MA
Higdon / Kline / Stark

Darrell J. Jordan
Vox Nova
Columbia MO
Billings / Ives / Heruth, more

Yoon Lee
Noree Chamber Soloists
New York NY
Soul Garden—Derek Bermel

Nanette McGuinness
Ensemble for These Times
San Francisco CA
music by David Garner 

Kevin Purcell
The Synchron Stage Orchestra / Bratislava Studio Orchestra
Vienna / Bratislava
Nan Schwartz / Brenton Broadstock

Elaine Rinaldi
Orchestra Miami
Miami FL
Inquisition & Masada—Marvin David Levy  

Tom Trenney
Sounding Light
Plymouth MI
Diorio / Clausen / Elder  

Dean Whiteside
New World Symphony
Miami Beach FL
Symphony in One Movement—Barber  


NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD for the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC, COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY ensemble division, 2018-19

Nicholle Andrews
University of Redlands
Redlands CA
Messages from Myself—Christopher Theofanidis  

Heather C. Barclay
Palomar/YPO Percussion Ensemble
San Marcos CA
Daughtrey / Peel

Heather C. Barclay
Palomar/YPO Percussion Ensemble
Casella / Schulze

Mark Bartley
West Texas A&M University Choirs and Orchestra with Canyon HS Chamber Singers
Canyon TX
Psalm 150—Rene Clausen  

Brian Coffill
University of Maryland Wind Ensemble
College Park MD
Decoration Day—Charles Ives  

Daniel Cook
Northwestern University Chamber Ensemble
Evanston IL
Sparrows—Joseph Schwantner  

Austin Davis
University of Redlands Symphonic Band
Redlands CA
Ticheli / Whitacre / Clarke

Zachary Durlam
UW Milwaukee Combined Choirs and Symphony Orchestra
Milwaukee WI
Chichester Psalms—Leonard Bernstein  

Jeffrey D. Gershman
Capital University Symphonic Winds
Columbus OH
George / Runestad / Ives / Maslanka

Joseph Higgins
Rowan University Wind Ensemble
Glassboro NJ
Mr. Tambourine Man—John Corigliano  

Zebulon M. Highben
Muskingum Concert Choir
New Concord OH
Simikic / Luboff / Jarjisian, more

Jeremy D. Jones
Miami University Men's Glee Club
Oxford OH
Night, Veiled Night—Anthony J. Maglione  

Travis Jurgens
Ohio Northern Symphony
Ada OH
Mandolin Concerto: From the Blue Ridge—Jeff Midkiff  

Tara Villa Keith
Davidson College Symphony Orchestra
Davidson NC
Silvestri / Gershwin

Chris Younghoon Kim
Cornell Symphony Orchestra
Ithaca NY
Blues Symphony—Wynton Marsalis  

Tremon Kizer
UCF Symphonic Band / University of Miami Symphonic Band and UCF Wind Ensemble
Oviedo FL
Grainger / Holst / Thomas / Reed

Chris Knighten
University of Arkansas Wind Ensemble
Fayetteville AR
Concerto for  Soprano Saxophone and Wind Ensemble—Mackey  

Pamornpan Komolpamorn
The University of Texas Wind Ensemble
Austin TX
Dooley / Brant / Gershwin

Ianthe Marini
Columbus State University Schwob Singers
Columbus GA
Whitacre / Bernstein / Hogan  

Matthew C. Morse
Sacramento State Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Sacramento CA
Bernstein / Bennett / Mackey  

Joseph P. Scott
University of Maryland Wind Ensemble
College Park MD
Amerian Guernica—Adolphus Hailstork  

Shayna Stahl
University of Washington Recital Ensemble
Seattle WA
Albert / Schwantner  

Kevin Sutterlin
The Concordia Orchestra
Moorhead MN
Hanson / Hochstatter / Glass, more

John William Trotter
Wheaton College Concert Choir
Wheaton IL
Psalm 121—Stephen Paulus  

Chris David Westover
Denison University Wind Ensemble
Granville OH
Persichetti / Barber

Jeremy Wiggins
The Florida State University Choral Union
Tallahassee FL
O Magnum Mysterium—Libby Larsen  

Lisa Wong
The College of Wooster Chorus
Wooster OH
Runestad / Whitacre / Lauridsen, more

Boyang Yu
NEC Wind Ensemble
Boston MA
Schuller / Minakakis  


NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD for the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC, COMMUNITY ensemble division, 2018-19

David Anderson
Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra
Lake Geneva WI
…this noble company—Kevin Puts

Donald L. Appert
Clark College Orchestra
Vancouver WA
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra—Donald L. Appert  

Reuben Blundell
Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra
Lansdowne PA
David Stanley Smith / Carl Busch  

Patricia Brown
Texas Medical Center Orchestra
Houston TX
Merry Mount Suite—Howard Hanson  

Philip Brunelle
Vocal Essence Chorus & Ensemble Singers
Minneapolis MN
Larsen / Heggie / Paulus  

Elizabeth Patterson, conductor
Gloriae Dei Cantores Choir
Orleans MA
Neswick / Ned Rorem / Samuel Adler  

Ronald Demkee
The Allentown Band
Allentown PA
music by Morton Gould  

Curt Ebersole
Westchester Symphonic Winds
Tarrytown NY
Brooklyn Bridge—Michael Daugherty  

Lois Ferrari
Austin Civic Orchestra
Austin TX  
Copland / Bernstein / Ives / Barber, much more

Trent A. Hollinger
Quincy Concert Band
Quincy IL
Give Us This Day—David Maslanka  

Brian Hughes
Quad City Wind Ensemble
Davenport IA
Willson / Giroux / Moross / Curnow

Christopher Koch
Springfield Drury Civic Orchestra
Springfield MO
Symphony No. 3—Zwilich  

Ryan James Brandau
Monmouth Civic Chorus
Red Bank NJ
Fern Hill—Corigliano, more

Erik Peregrine
Ensemble Companio
Niskayuna NY
Betinis / Trumbore  

Martha Stoddard
Oakland Civic Orchestra
Oakland CA
Alrich / Stoddard  


NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD for the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC, OUTH & HIGH SCHOOL division, 2018-19

Catherine Fish
Herricks HS Chamber Orchestra
New Hyde Park NY
Michael Daugherty / David Diamond  

Michael Isadore
Houston Youth Symphony Philharmonia
Houston TX
Red Line Tango—John Mackey  

Chris Maunu
Arvada West HS Vocal Showcase
Arvada CO
Mulholland / Muehleisen 

Noreen Murdock
David Hattner, conductor
Camerata PYP
Portland OR
Muse—Christopher Theofanidis 


***

We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.

Here is a sample announcement:

"Great News! I've just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD for the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC, 2018-19. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in my division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "

Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.

Congratulations to all semi-finalists.

Semi-finalist soloists: ERNST BACON AWARD (American Music Performance), 2018-19

Ernst Bacon

(This listing was revised on 3/14/19 to include three soloist listings that had been placed in the wrong category.—DK)

The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts, David Lazaar Katz, founder and chief judge, is pleased to announce SEMI-FINALISTS for the ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD for the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC, 2018-19, in the solo division. Congratulations! (A separate announcement will be made in the ensemble division tomorrow afternoon, March 14, 2019.)

Among the many contests of The American Prize, the Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music is unique. It recognizes and rewards the best performances of American music by ensembles and individual artists worldwide, based on submitted recordings. Applications are accepted from professional, college/university, community and high school age solo artists, chamber ensembles or conducted ensembles, competing in separate divisions, and from composers with excellent recordings of their works. Beginning in 2017-18, categories were expanded to encompass performances of American music in practically any instrumentation or genre, with very few repertoire restrictions.

Focused exclusively on works by American composers from any period and in any style, the contest not only judges performances, but in the case of new or unfamiliar works, the music itself.

Ernst Bacon (1898—1990) was one of that pioneering generation of composers who, along with Thomson, Copland, Harris, and others, found a voice for American music. Winner of a Pulitzer Scholarship (for his Symphony in D minor) and no fewer than three Guggenheim Fellowships, Ernst Bacon set out to create compositions that expressed the vitality and affirmative spirit of our country. It is fitting, and with honor, that The American Prize creates an annual award in the memory of Ernst Bacon, recognizing the finest performances of American orchestral music worldwide. To learn more about the music & legacy of Ernst Bacon, please visit the website of the Ernst Bacon Society.

As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until the end of the contest year. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com

We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.


NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD for the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC, semi-finalists, PROFESSIONAL soloists or composers, 2018-19

Chris Holly Aa, composer
Aa—Awakening, Bloody Tiananmen, Rise Up!

Lee Actor, composer
Presidential Symphony Orchestra Ankara Turkey
Actor—Symphony No. 3  

Elizabeth Avery, piano
Joel Burcham, tenor
Juliana Hall—The Holy Sonnets of John Donne

Jerry Casey, composer
Casey—Autumn  

Brian Ciach, composer & piano
Ciach—Fourth Sonata for Piano

Chris Gekker, trumpet
Ghost Dialogues

Ching-chu Hu, composer
Hu—Spheres of Influence

Gloria Justen, composer & violist
Justin—Sonaquifer: Music for Solo Viola

Mary Mackenzie, soprano
Heidi Louise Williams, piano
Holy the Firm—James Primosch  

Lansing McLoskey, composer
The Crossing / Philadelphia PA
McLoskey—Zealot Canticles

Patrice Michaels, composer & soprano
Michaels—The Long View: A Portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg  

Ian Mitchell, clarinet
Bass Clarinet and Friends - a miscellany

Justin John Moniz, tenor
Musto—Shadow of the Blues  

Hannah Porter Occena, flute
Joseph Kern—Shenandoah Variations

Michael Rickelton, composer
Rickelton—Time and Memory

Thomas Schwan, composer & pianist
Thomas Schwan, Liudmilla Georgievskaya, Victor Diaz, pianists
Canone Infinito—Thomas Schwan  

Benjamin Shorstein, composer
Shorstein—Partita for Solo Violin

Valerie Stern & Karen Spurney, pianists
Los Angeles CA
Gershwin / Copland / Bolcom

Reed Tetzloff, pianist
Ives—Piano Sonata #2 (Concord)

Kenneth Thompkins, trombone
Sonatas, Songs and Spirituals

Ludwig Tuman, composer
Chamber Choir of CA State University—Long Beach CA
Tuman—Lord of the Cranes; Cat's Protector; The Happy Man's Shirt

Nathan Williamson, piano
Copland—Piano Sonata

Jaco Wong, composer
Wong—Psithaura

Rain Worthington, composer
MSU Symphony / Croatian Chamber Orchestra
Worthington—In Passages—for violin solo and string orchestra


NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD for the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC, semi-finalists, COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY soloists or composers, 2018-19

Ching-Shan Chang, composer
Chang—It was not Death  

Scott Greene, composer & clarinet
Greene—Untitled Work for Clarinet and Electronics  

Martin Hebel, composer
Brno Philharmonic Orcherstra
Hebel—Symphony No.3 in E Minor

Darrell J. Jordan, baritone
music by Barber, Ives, Luksan, more

Solene Le Van
Princeton University Orchestra
Barber—Knoxville: Summer of 1915

John Wilson, pianist
Bernstein—Symphony No. 2: Age of Anxiety 



***

We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.

Here is a sample announcement:

"Great News! I've just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD for the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC, 2018-19. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in my division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "

Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.

Congratulations to all semi-finalists.

Finalists: PIANO (SOLO DIVISION), 2018-19

The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts, David Lazaar Katz, founder and chief judge, is pleased to announce FINALIST pianists for 2018-19 in the SOLO division.

Congratulations!

As the contests unfold, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when winners will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

If you are not a finalist this year, please remember that the contests are not yet over. The American Prize reserves the right to award Honorable Mentions and Citations for Special Achievement to any contestant, regardless of final placement. TAP has honored a number of semi-finalists and quarter finalists in the past--to recognize a unique talent or focus, unusual repertoire, vital programming or outreach. Citations and Honorable Mentions are usually awarded at the same time as winners and runners-up, but can be presented at any time up to the last winners' announcement of the contest year.

All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until the end of the contest year. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com

We invite finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.


NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Piano Performance (solo)—professional division, 2018-19

Svetlana Belsky
Northbrook IL 
  
Matthew Bengtson
Saline MI 
  
Yi-Yang Chen
Johnson City TN 
    
Anchie Donn
West Hartford CT 
   
Jooyoung Kim
Fishers IN 
    
Jin Ah Kwon
Lewisville TX 
         
Hyojin Rhim
Forest Hills NY 
  
Reed Tetzloff
Forest Hills NY 
  
Olivia Xin Zhang
Lexington KY 



NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Piano Performance (solo)—college/university division, 2018-19

Meilin Ai
Denton TX 
  
Nathan Cheung
Pleasanton CA 
  
Hyejin Cho
Ann Arbor MI 
 
Ahyoung Cho
East Lansing MI 
  
Hokyong Choi
Cambridge MA 
    
Anna Keiserman
Newark NJ 
    
Aoshuang Li
Beijing, China
  
Jane Liu
Cleveland OH 
  
Lingxu Peng
Wuhan Hubei, China
  
Christopher Richardson
Danville CA 
    
Cecilia Sakong
State College PA 
    
Wei-Yi Sun
Columbus OH 
    
John Wilson
Miami Beach FL 
  
Brian Woods
Winchester VA 
  
Yin Zhang
Lincoln NE 


NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Piano Performance (solo)
—high school division, 2018-19

All semi-finalists in the high school division were advanced. The level of artistry was high and The American Prize feels that each contestant listed below is worthy of the encouragement (and evaluation) finalist selection provides. Congratulations!

Jane Bua
New York NY 
  
William Chang
San Francisco CA 
  
Jasper Heymann
New York NY 
  
Henry Jiaxiang Huang
Columbia MO 
  
Annika Huprikar
Deerfield IL 
  
Michael McClure
Kenmore NY 


***

Finalists are encouraged to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media and by including a link to this announcement on your website or blog.

Here is a sample announcement:

"Great News! I've just been selected as a FINALIST in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing WINNERS in my division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "

Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.

Congratulations to all finalists!

Finalists: COMPOSERS (opera/theater/film/dance), 2018-19

The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts, David Lazaar Katz, founder and chief judge, is pleased to announce 2018-19 FINALIST composers in the OPERA/THEATER/FILM/DANCE division. Congratulations!

As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

If you are not a finalist this year, please remember that the contests are not yet over. The American Prize reserves the right to award Honorable Mentions and Citations for Special Achievement to any contestant, regardless of final placement. TAP has honored a number of semi-finalists and quarter finalists in the past--to recognize a unique talent or focus, unusual repertoire, vital programming or outreach. Citations and Honorable Mentions are usually awarded at the same time as winners and runners-up, but can be presented at any time up to the last winners' announcement of the contest year.

All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until the end of the contest year. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com

We invite finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.

NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Composition—OPERA/THEATER/FILM/DANCE, professional division, 2018-19

Jenni Brandon
Long Beach CA
Three Paderewskis      

Roger Cichy
Scituate RI
Journey Home to the USS Arizona    
   
Austin Jaquith
Cedarville OH
Dracula Bloodlines      
  
Evan Mack
Albany NY
The Ghosts of Gatsby  
   
Patricia Elizabeth Martinez
Buenos Aires Argentina
Short Sleep/Breve Sueño  
   
Eric Sawyer
Amherst MA
The Scarlet Professor      

Tony Solitro
Philadelphia PA
Triangle  
   
Ludwig Tuman
Oxnard CA
Lord of the Cranes; Cat's Protector; The Happy Man's Shirt  
  
William Vollinger
Woodcliff Lake NJ
Let's Talk  


NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Composition—OPERA/THEATER/FILM/DANCE, student division, 2018-19

Joshua Baerwald
Milwaukee WI
The Process    
   
Jennifer Barker
Newark DE
Waulking in the Glen        

Madeline Merwin
Traverse City MI
Ceilings Made of Glass; Over the Top    
   
Yuxin Ouyang
Durham NC
Trajectory             


***


We encourage finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.

Here is a sample announcement:

"Great News! I've just been selected as a finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing winners in my division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "

Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.

Congratulations to all finalists.

Finalists: CHAMBER ENSEMBLES, 2018-19

The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts, David Lazaar Katz, founder and chief judge, is pleased to announce NATIONAL FINALIST chamber music ensembles for 2018-19. Congratulations! To know the exact date when winners and runners-up will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

If you are not a finalist this year, please remember that the contests are not yet over. The American Prize reserves the right to award Honorable Mentions and Citations for Special Achievement to any contestant, regardless of final placement. TAP has honored a number of semi-finalists and quarter finalists in the past--to recognize a unique talent or focus, unusual repertoire, vital programming or outreach. Citations and Honorable Mentions are usually awarded at the same time as winners and runners-up, but can be presented at any time up to the last winners' announcement of the contest year.

All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until the end of the contest year. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com

We invite finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.

Finalists are listed by ensemble name, city and state.


NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Chamber Music Performance, 2018-19: professional division

"Serious, compelling, thought provoking—music performed at exceptionally high levels of artistry by these finalists."—DK

Blanka Bednarz and Matthew Bengtson
Carlisle PA    
   
Estrella Piano Duo
Northbrook IL        

The Sierra Duo
Saline MI    
   
Seraph Brass
Naples FL    
  
District5
Takoma Park MD    
   
In Motus Tuba Quartet
Pullman WA    
       
DuoSeraphim
Brooklyn NY 

Rosco String Quartet
Salt Lake City UT       
       
Ensemble 365  
Bayside NY
   
Ensemble for These Times
Berkley CA    
   
Sheridan Solisti
Highland Park IL   

Sylvestris Quartet with Harry Baechtel and Michael Seregow
San Francisco CA    
   
Mackenzie-Williams Duo
Tallahassee FL 


NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Chamber Music Performance, 2018-19: college/university division

Koinonia Trio
Ann Arbor MI    
   
International Counterpoint
Atlanta GA    
  
The Prima Piano Quartet
Columbia SC    
   
Aruna Quartet
Lubbock TX    
   
Zelos Quartet
San Jose CA    
   
Estampe Trio
Savoy IL    
   
Bierstadt Brass Quintet
Greeley CO    


NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Chamber Music Performance, 2018-19: high school division

The Brahms Piano Quintet
New York NY    
  
Huntley High School Saxophone Quartet
Huntley IL    
   
The Ariose String Quartet
Jacksonville FL        

Trio Cantare
Santa Clara CA    
   
The Orenda Quartet
Edwardsville IL    
  
Firefly Quartet
Ridgewood NJ    
   
Quantum Quartet
Carrollton TX    


***

Finalists are encouraged to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media and by including a link to this announcement on your website or blog.

Here is a sample announcement:

"Great News! I've just been selected as a FINALIST in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing WINNERS in my division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "

Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.

Congratulations to all finalists!

Finalists: WOMEN in ART SONG & ORATORIO—the Friedrich & Virginia Schorr Memorial Award, 2018-19

PLEASE NOTE: Because of the exceptional quality of this year's many finalists, a separate prize in ORATORIO has been created in the professional division. FINALISTS in the ORATORIO contest are listed first, followed by the listing of FINALISTS in ART SONG, some of whom also may have provided an oratorio selection.—DK

The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts, David Lazaar Katz, founder and chief judge, is pleased to announce NATIONAL FINALIST women in art song and oratorio for 2018-19 in all divisions, The FRIEDRICH and VIRGINIA SCHORR MEMORIAL AWARD in VOICE. Congratulations! To know the exact date when winners and runners-up will be announced, please "like" our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award honors the memory of the greatest Wagnerian baritone of his age, Friedrich Schorr, who commanded the operatic stage between the world wars, and his wife, Virginia Schorr, who taught studio voice at the Manhattan School of Music and the Hartt School of Music for nearly fifty years. 

If you are not a finalist this year, please remember that the contests are not yet over. The American Prize reserves the right to award Honorable Mentions and Citations for Special Achievement to any contestant, regardless of final placement. TAP has honored a number of semi-finalists and quarter finalists in the past--to recognize a unique talent or focus, unusual repertoire, vital programming or outreach. Citations and Honorable Mentions are usually awarded at the same time as winners and runners-up, but can be presented at any time up to the last winners' announcement of the contest year.

All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until the end of the contest year. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com

We invite finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.

NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Voice / Friedrich & Virginia Schorr Memorial Award—NEW: ORATORIO DIVISION, professional (women),  2018-19

Melissa Kornacki
Damascus MD
   
Ewa Kowcz-Fair
Chicago IL 

Penelope Shumate
Macomb IL  

Nicole Van Every
Norman OK  
   
Jamie Van Eyck
Waco TX


 
NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Voice / Friedrich & Virginia Schorr Memorial Award—ART SONG, professional division (women),  2018-19

Lauren Auge
Kansas City MO  
   
Katherine Beck
Denver CO  
       
Emily Yocum Black
Paducah KY  
   
Johanna Bronk
Newton MA  
   
Jaely Chamberlain
Centreville VA  
   
Ann Belluso Cravero
West Des Moines IA  
  
Donata Cucinotta
Seymour IN    
   
Olga Perez Flora
Reno NV  
   
Sarah Hawkey
Brooklyn NY
   
Melanie Helton
East Lansing MI
   
Laura Kay
New York NY  
      
Kim Leeds
Lincoln MA  
   
Alice Anne Light
Kansas City MO  
   
Brittany Michaelsen-Mulkey
Cedar Park TX  
   
Valeria Sokolova Ore
Las Vegas NV
   
Jennifer Piazza-Pick
Columbia MD  
       
Alissa Rose
Westboro PA  
       
Emma Sorenson
Chicago IL  
   
Emily Sternfeld-Dunn
Wichita KS  
   
Christine Steyer
Oak Park IL  
   
Anna Tonna
Bronx NY  
   
Melissa Treinkman
Venice CA  
       
Dana Lynne Varga
Brighton MA  
   
Katie Walders
La Mesa CA  
   
Ivy Walz
Candor NY  


NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Voice / Friedrich & Virginia Schorr Memorial Award—art song & oratorio, college/university division (women),  2018-19

Alyce Daubenspeck
Nazareth PA  
   
Marina Davis
San Francisco CA 

Claire Dillahunty
Heath TX
   
Clare Demer
Tucson AZ  
       
Francesca Federico
New York NY  
   
Makeda Hampton
Lexington KY  
   
Christine Jobson
Miramar FL  
   
Victoria Lawal
Los Angeles CA  
   
Shaina Martinez
Germantown MD    
   
Theodora Ivanova Nestorova
Acton MA  
   
Samantha Noonan
Lincoln NE  
   
Galen Otten
Rochester NY  
   
Tessa Romano
Boulder CO  
   
Emily Simmons
Phoenix AZ  


NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Voice / Friedrich & Virginia Schorr Memorial Award—art song & oratorio, high school division (women),  2018-19

Pauline Rogers
Fremont CA  
   
Alea Vernon
Cheshire CT  
   
Victoria Lourdes Whatley
Fairhope AL  
  

***

We encourage finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.

Here is a sample announcement:

"Great News! I've just been selected as a national finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing winners in my division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "

Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.

Congratulations to all finalists.

Semi-finalists: ARTS MARKETING. 2018-19

The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts, David Lazaar Katz, founder and chief judge, is pleased to announce NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS in arts marketing for 2018-19. Congratulations!

As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until the end of the contest year. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com

We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.


NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Arts Marketing, 2018-19

Unison Media
Beth Holub
New York NY  

San Francisco Opera
Rod Lemaire
San Francisco CA  

Distinguished Concerts International NY
Andrea Neiderman
New York NY 



***

We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.

Here is a sample announcement:

"Great News! We've just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in the division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "

Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.

Congratulations to all semi-finalists.

Semi-finalists: MUSICAL THEATER, 2018-19

Marilyn Miller, 1930s Broadway star

The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts, David Lazaar Katz, founder and chief judge, is pleased to announce NATIONAL SEMI-FINALIST musical theater companies for 2018-19. Congratulations!

As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until the end of the contest year. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com

We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
 

NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Musical Theater Performance, 2018-19

Hub City Players
Tammy Mansfield
Hattiesburg MS
Mike Lapinto, Producer and Director
James & the Giant Peach  

Blindfold Studios
Gregg Brandalise
Poway CA
Love is the Answer 

Denison University
Belinda Andrews-Smith
Granville OH  
Spring Awakening
  
Arizona State University
Brian DeMaris
Tempe AZ  
Legally Blonde The Musical

Southern Opera & Musical Theatre Company
Mike Lopinto
Hattiesburg
Jay Dean/Michael Miles, Music Directors
The Phantom of the Opera 

Top Biilling Entertainment
Kristina Keener Ivy
Glendora CA  
Peter Pan / Beauty and the Beast
  
The Pope St. John Paul II Theater Troupe
of St. Augustine Academy
Paul Rugg
Ventura CA  
My Fair Lady 

The Pope St. John Paul II Theater Troupe
of St. Augustine Academy
Paul Rugg
Ventura CA
HMS Pinafore 
  
Saint Patrick School
Kelly Stevens
Rodeo CA 
In The Heights
***

We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.

Here is a sample announcement:

"Great News! I've just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in my division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "

Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.

Congratulations to all semi-finalists.

Semi-finalists: ORCHESTRAS, 2018-19

The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts, David Lazaar Katz, founder and chief judge, is pleased to announce NATIONAL SEMI-FINALIST orchestras for 2018-19 in all categories. Congratulations!

As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until the end of the contest year. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com

We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.


NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—professional division, 2018-19

Gowanus Arts Ensemble
Reuben Blundell
Brooklyn NY  
  
Oconomowoc Chamber Orchestra
Roberta Carpenter
Oconomowoc WI  
  
Distinguished Concerts Orchestra 
Jonathan Griffith
New York NY  
  
Western Piedmont Symphony
John Gordon Ross
Hickory NC  
  
Symphony Number One
Jordan Smith
Baltimore MD     

Michigan Philharmonic
Nan Harrison Washburn
Plymouth MI  

 
NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—college/university division,  2018-19

St. Olaf Orchestra
Steven Amundson
Northfield MN  
  
West Texas A&M University Orchestra 
Mark Bartley
Canyon TX  
  
OSU Symphony Orchestra
Thomas Dickey
Stillwater OK  
  
William & Mary Symphony Orchestra 
David Grandis
Williamsburg VA  
  
Baylor Symphony Orchestra 
Stephen Heyde
Waco TX  
  
FSU Symphony Orchestra
Alexander Jimenez
Tallahassee FL  
  
Davidson College Symphony Orchestra
Tara Villa Keith
Davidson NC  
  
Cornell Symphony Orchestra
Chris Younghoon Kim
Ithaca NY  
  
ASU Symphony Orchestra
Jeffery Meyer
Tempe AZ  
  
NAU Symphony
Daniel O'Bryant  
Flagstaff AZ
 
University of Washington Symphony Orchestra
David Rahbee
Seattle WA  
  
The Concordia Orchestra
Kevin Sutterlin
Moorhead MN  


NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—community orchestra division, 2018-19

Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra 
David Anderson
Lake Geneva WI  
  
Oregon Sinfonietta
Donald L. Appert
Portland OR     

Clark College Orchestra
Donald L. Appert
Vancouver WA  
 
Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra
Reuben Blundell
LandsdownePA  
  
The Riverside Orchestra
Reuben Blundell
New York NY  
  
Texas Medical Center Orchestra
Patricia Brown
Houston TX  
Libi Lebel, conductor
  
Baytown Symphony Orchestra
Pierre-Alain Chevalier
Baytown TX  
  
Carlisle Chamber Orchestra 
Kathleen Chick
Carlisle MA 
Alan Yost, conductor
  
Austin Civic Orchestra
Lois Ferrari
Austin TX

Williamson County Symphony Orchestra 
John B. Gordon
Round Rock TX  
Thomas Rainey, conductor
  
Lee County Community Orchestra
Tara Villa Keith
Sanford NC  
  
Springfield Drury Civic Orchestra 
Christopher Koch
Springfield MO  
  
Poway Symphonette
Ulli Reiner
Poway CA     

Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra 
Charles Salembier
Waynesboro VA 
Peter Wilson, conductor
  
Parthenon Chamber Orchestra
David P. Sartor
Nashville TN  


NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—youth orchestra division, 2018-19

Houston Youth Symphony
Sarah D. Loudermilk
Houston TX 
Michael Webster, conductor
  
Portland Youth Philharmonic
Noreen Murdock
Portland OR 
David Hattner, conductor
  
Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra 
Patrick Reynolds
Dayton OH 

Greenville County Youth Orchestra / Young Artist Orchestra 
Emily Schaad
Greenville SC  
  
Denver Young Artists Orchestra
Kelly Waltrip
Denver CO  
Wes Kenney, conductor


NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—high school orchestra division, 2018-19

Herricks HS Chamber Orchestra
Catherine Fish
New Hyde Park NY  
  
Klein Chamber Orchestra
Creston Herron
Klein TX  
  
Sartartia Middle School Symphony Orchestra 
Sophia Hsieh
Sugar Land TX  
   
Interlake HS Chamber Orchestra
Shira Katsman
Bellevue WA  
  
Denver School of the Arts Full Orchestra
Enrique Lasansky
Denver CO  
  
Denver School of the Arts String Orchestra 
Enrique Lasansky
Denver CO  
  
Klein Oak HS Symphony Orchestra 
Tanner Ledford
Houston TX  
  
Klein Oak HS Chamber Orchestra 
Tanner Ledford
Houston TX  
  
Westwood Symphony Orchestra
Joshua Thompson
Austin TX  



***

We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.

Here is a sample announcement:

"Great News! Our ensemble has just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in the division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "

Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.

Congratulations to all semi-finalists.


  

Semi-finalists: CONDUCTORS (orchestra), 2018-19

The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts, David Lazaar Katz, founder and chief judge, is pleased to announce 2018-19 SEMI-FINALIST conductors in orchestra divisions. ongratulations!

As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until the end of the contest year. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com

We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.


NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—professional orchestra division, 2018-19

David Bernard
Massapequa Philharmonic / Park Ave. Chamber Symphony
New York NY  
  
Cheung Chau
Hunan Symphony
Changsha Hunan Province China  
  
Chad Goodman
Elevate Ensemble
San Francisco CA     

Travis Jurgens
Macon Symphony Orchestra
Macon GA     

Paul Mauffray
Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic
Zlin Czech Republic
  
Elaine Rinaldi
Orchestra Miami
Miami FL  
   
Jordan Randall Smith
Symphony Number One
Baltimore MD  
   
Vlad Vizireanu
Royal Camerata
Bucharest Romania


NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—college/university orchestra division, 2018-19

Mark Bartley
West Texas A&M University Symphony Orchestra
Canyon TX
   
Kaleb Benda
Oklahoma City University Symphony Orchestra
Oklahoma City OK  

Sergey Bogza
Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra
Decatur IL  
  
Cheung Chau
Utah Valley University Symphony
Orem UT     

Thomas Dickey
OSU Symphony Orchestra
Stillwater OK  
  
Gregory Grabowski
Susquehanna University Orchestra
Selinsgrove PA  
  
Chad Hutchinson
University of Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra
Madison WI  
  
Tara Villa Keith
Davidson College Symphony Orchestra
Davidson NC  
  
Yutaka Kono
The University of Vermont Symphony Orchestra
Burlington VT  
   
John Masko
San Francisco Conservatory Orchestra
San Francisco CA  
  
Edward Messerschmidt
Marist College Orchestra
PoughkeepsieNY  
  
Daniel O'Bryant
NAU Symphony
Flagstaff AZ  
  
David Rahbee
University of Washington Symphony Orchestra
Seattle WA  
  
Rebecca Tong
Music School Festival Orchestra
Chautauqua NY  
   
Alex Wise
University of South Carolina Symphony Orchestra
Columbia SC  


NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—community orchestra division, 2018-19

David Anderson
Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra
Lake Geneva WI  
  
Reuben Blundell
The Chelsea Symphony
New York NY     

Matthew J. Brooks
Shasta Symphony Orchestra
Redding CA  
  
Pierre-Alain Chevalier
Baytown Symphony Orchestra
Baytown TX  
  
Lois Ferrari
Austin Civic Orchestra
Austin TX     

Michael Isadore
Houston Civic Symphony
Houston TX     

Matthew Makeever
Milwaukee Philharmonic
Milwaukee WI  
  
Walter Morales
Edgewood Symphony Orchestra
Pittsburgh PA  
   
John Morrow
JM Recital Orchestra
Norman OK     

Dahn T. Pham
Coeur D'Alene Symphony Orchestra
Coeur D'Alene ID  

Thomas E. Rainey
Williamson County Symphony Orchestra
Round Rock TX  
  
David P. Sartor
Parthenon Chamber Orchestra / Nashville Concerto Orchestra
Nashville TN  
  
Martha Stoddard
Oakland Civic Orchestra
Oakland CA     

Russell Vinick
Lake Shore Symphony Orchestra
Chicago IL      


NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—youth & school  orchestra division, 2018-19

Hector Aguero
Junior Salem Youth Symphony
Salem OR 

Beau Benson
Midway Symphony
Waco TX 
  
Alyze Dreiling
YPO Festival Orchestra
San Diego CA     

Michael Isadore
Houston Youth Symphony Philharmonia
Houston TX  
  
Michael Webster
Houston Youth Symphony
Houston TX 

Dorian Neuendorf
Hendersonville Symphony Youth Orchestra
Hendersonville NC  
   
Ulli Reiner
California Music Educators Honor Middle School Orchestra
Poway CA

Emily Schaad
Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra/Greenville County Youth Orchestra Asheville NC  
  
Sayra Siverson
Albuquerque Youth Symphony
Albuquerque NM  
   
Alex Wise
MISA Summer Festival Youth Orchestra
Shanghai China



***

We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.

Here is a sample announcement:

"Great News! I've just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize National Non-profit Competitions in the Performing Arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in my division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "

Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.

Congratulations to all semi-finalists.

Semi-finallists: CONDUCTORS (orchestral programming)—Marijosius Award, 2018-19

Vytautas Marijosius

The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts, David Lazaar Katz, founder and chief judge, is pleased to announce 2018-19 SEMI-FINALIST conductors in orchestral programming, The Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award. Congratulations! As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

The American Prize—Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award in Orchestral Programming honors the memory of the great Lithuanian conductor, Maestro Vytautas Marijosius, music director of the Lithuanian State Opera, and for nearly thirty-five years Director of Orchestral Activities at the Hartt School of Music. The Prize recognizes and rewards the best achievement in the unique field of orchestral programming, where the selection of repertoire by knowledgeable, creative and courageous music directors builds orchestras and audiences, educates young people and adults, and enriches the community. 

Please make us aware of any misprints in the listings below by emailing: theamericanprize@gmail.com

We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
 

NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Programming / Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award—college/university division, 2018-19

Thomas Dickey
Oklahoma State University Symphony Orchestra
Stillwater OK  
  
Chris Younghoon Kim
Cornell Orchestra
Ithaca NY  
   
Jeffery Meyer
ASU Symphony Orchestra
Tempe AZ    

David Rahbee
University of Washington Symphony Orchestra
Seattle WA  
  
Rachel L. Waddell
University of Rochester Orchestras
Rochester NY


NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Programming / Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award—community & youth division, 2018-19

Donald L. Appert
The Jewish Community Orchestra of Portland
Portland OR  
  
Robert Boardman
South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestras
South Bend IN
 
Reuben Blundell
Landsdowne Symphony Orchestra
Landsdowne PA  

Warren Friesen
Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra
Duluth MN    

John Gordon
Williamson County Symphony Orchestra
Round Rock TX 
Thomas Rainey conductor
  
Travis Jurgens
Ohio Northern Symphony
Ada OH     

Tara Villa Keith
Lee County Community Orchestra
Sanford NC  
  
Walter Morales
Edgewood Symphony Orchestra
Pittsburgh PA  

Felipe Morales-Torres
Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestras
Cincinnati OH
  
David William Oertel
Starlight Symphony Orchestra
Wimberley TX     


***

We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.

Here is a sample announcement:

"Great News! I've just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize National Non-profit Competitions in the Performing Arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in my division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "

Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.

Congratulations to all semi-finalists.

Semi-finalists: STAGE DIRECTORS, 2018-19: The Charles Nelson Reilly Prize

CNR in "The Life of Reilly"

The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts, David Lazaar Katz, chief judge, is pleased to announce NATIONAL SEMI-FINALIST stage directors for 2018-19—The Charles Nelson Reilly Prize. Congratulations!

There are two divisions this year—one for opera directors, a second for theater and music theater directors. 

As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from these lists. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

Charles Nelson Reilly was a Tony Award-winning actor and Broadway stage director, and an acclaimed opera director and teacher. Far more than the zany television personality by which he was most often identified, Reilly nurtured the creation of a whole series of unique one-person stage plays. Most famously, he directed Julie Harris in her Tony Award-winning star turn in "The Belle of Amherst", on the life and poetry of Emily Dickinson. Among Reilly's many Broadway directing credits were Ira Levinʼs "Break a Leg", Larry Shueʼs "The Nerd", and the revival of "The Gin Game", starring Julie Harris and Charles Durning, for which Mr. Reilly was the sole American director to be nominated for a Tony in 1997. Mr. Reillyʼs career as an opera director included productions for Chicago Opera Theater, Dallas Opera, San Diego Opera, Palm Beach Opera, Toledo Opera, Milwaukee Opera and Opera Pacific. Charles Nelson Reilly and The American Prize chief judge David Katz were friends for three decades, first meeting through their mutual Hartford voice teacher, Mrs. Friedrich Schorr. Mr. Reilly served as honorary chairperson of the Friedrich Schorr Memorial Performance Prize in Voice from the competition's founding in 1990, until his death. To read more about the career of Charles Nelson Reilly, please click here.

All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until the end of the contest year. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com

Please make us aware of any misprints in the listings below by emailing: theamericanprize@gmail.com

We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
 

NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Directing—The Charles Nelson Reilly Prize, 2018-19, opera division

Marc Callahan
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill NC  
Massenet: Cinderella

Tracelyn Gesteland
University of South Dakota Opera
Vermillion SD 
Die Fledermaus
  
Lisa Grevlos Augustana University
Sioux Falls SD 
Callie D. Stadem: The Ransom of Sophia
  
Andreas Hager
Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
Cincinnati OH  
Gianni Schicchi
  
Rachel M. Harris
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond LA 
Dan Shore: Works of Mercy
  
Melanie Helton
Michigan State University Opera Theatre
East Lansing MI 
Hansel & Gretel
  
Melanie Helton
Michigan State University Opera Theatre
East Lansing MI 
Street Scene
  
Melanie Helton
Michigan State University Opera Theatre
East Lansing MI 
Nelson: A Room With a View
  
David Holley
University of NC - Greensboro
Greensboro NC  
Die Zauberflote   

Paul Houghtaling
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa AL 
Semele
  
Paul Houghtaling
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa AL  
Jeremy Gill: Letters from Quebec to Providence in the Rain
  
David Lefkowich
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Bloomington IN 
Don Giovanni
  
Dugg McDonough
LSU Opera/Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge LA  
David P. Little: Dog Days
  
Dugg McDonough
LSU Opera/Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge LA  
The Cunning Little Vixen
   
Justin John Moniz
Hawaii Performing Arts Festival
Waimea HI
The Mikado
  
Nicholas Muni
UNCSA AJ Fletcher Opera Institute
Winston-Salem NC 
Debussy/Constant: Impressions de Pelleas
   
Isai Jess Munoz
University of Delaware Opera Workshop Ensemble
Newark DE  
various: Waulking in the Glen
  
David Ronis
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison WI 
La Boheme    

Jeffrey Stegall
Bob Jones University
Greenville SC  
Lucia di Lammermoor   

Copeland Woodruff
Lawrence University
Appleton WI 
Le Comte Ory
  
Copeland Woodruff
Red River Lyric Opera
Wichita Falls TX
The Turn of the Screw


NATIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Directing—The Charles Nelson Reilly Prize, 2018-19, theater and musical theater division 

Kristina Keener
Ivy Top Billing Entertainment
Glendora CA
Peter Pan
  
Belinda Andrews-Smith
Denison University
Granville OH
Spring Awakening
  
Geoffrey Arndt
Saint Patrick High School
Chicago IL
Dracula
  
Geoffrey Arndt
Saint Patrick Summer Theatre
Chicago IL
Into the Woods
   
Julie Lyn Barber
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green KY
Guys & Dolls
  
Paul Rugg
The Pope St. John Paul II Theater Troupe of Saint Augustine Academy
Ventura CA
My Fair Lady


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We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.

Here is a sample announcement:

"Great News! I've just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in my division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "

Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.

Congratulations to all semi-finalists.