The American Prize

POSTMARK DEADLINE EXTENDED to Monday, FEBRUARY 6, 2012 for vocalists, pianists, composers

2012-01-15T10:34:00.001-05:00

We have heard from a number of applicants who just discovered The American Prize and would appreciate a little more time to complete applications.

We are pleased to announce postmark deadline extensions of two weeks: to Monday, FEBRUARY 6, 2012 for vocalists, pianists and composers in all categories for our 2012 contests. There is no need to contact the office to request an extension. They will be granted automatically.

Any application postmarked by February 6 will be considered ON TIME for this year's competitions. (Please note that the date on the application forms and on the website will not be changed to reflect the later deadline date.)

Questions? Please email the office at theamericanprize@gmail.com

ROBERT SOLLER, former Schorr Prize judge, has died

2012-01-10T11:39:00.000-05:00

The American Prize notes with sadness the passing of Robert Soller, former artistic director of the Croswell Opera House. It was Soller, together with The American Prize chief judge, David Katz, who served as the first adjudicator for the Friedrich Schorr Prize, the precursor to The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards.

The Friedrich Schorr Prize was the vehicle Katz created to select vocal soloists for productions of OPERA!Lenawee, the professional opera company he and Soller founded in 1990 to bring professional opera to the magnificently restored civil-war-era Croswell Opera House in Adrian, Michigan. OPERA!Lenawee was a unique collaboration between Lenawee County Michigan's two premiere performing arts organizations, the Croswell and the Adrian Symphony Orchestra, where Katz was music director.

Between 1990 and 1995, with Soller as stage director and Katz as conductor, the team produced La Boheme, Die Fledermaus, Carmen, La Traviata and Tosca, with gifted professional casts, selected from thoughout the country through the Schorr Prize contest, bringing live opera to the opera house (and to Lenawee County) for the very first time. Later, with Katz conducting and renowned English soprano Lorna Haywood as stage director, OPERA!Lenawee went on to produce Albert Herring, Madama Butterfly, Gianni Schicchi, I Pagliacci, and a semi-staged production of Cosi fan tutte, before a final La Boheme, (this this time directed by William Shomos), ten years later, bringing the company full circle.

To read Katz's remembrance of his friend and colleague, please follow this link to the Friedrich Schorr Prize blog.

THE AMERICAN PRIZE: A Competition LIKE NO OTHER and a unique career builder

2012-01-08T06:40:00.109-05:00

You have recordings. We want to hear them.

WHAT CAN THE AMERICAN PRIZE DO

FOR YOU?

The American Prize is unique—the only national, nonprofit competitions in the performing arts based solely on the evaluation of commercial and noncommercial CDs and DVDs of performing artists.

No live competition.
No age limits.
Few repertoire restrictions.
1 page application form.
Multiple divisions for professional, college/university, community, high school musicians.

Complete information, application forms, biographies of judges and winners: www.theamericanprize.org

2012 Competitions:

National: Pianists (solo, concerto)
National: Classical Vocalists (opera/operetta, art song)
Chicago Opera Award (additional opportunity)
National: Composers (choral music, orchestral music)

Postmark Deadline Monday, January 23, 2012
Automatic two-week extensions to February 6, 2012 for those who just heard of the competitions and need more time to complete applications.

Winners of The American Prize receive:

cash awards
award certificates (to all semi-finalists, finalists and winners)
unbiased written evaluations from our national panel of distinguished judges (to all contestants who place as a finalist or higher)

but more important, laureates of The American Prize derive local, regional and national recognition to help them generate opportunities, build audiences and sustain careers.

In a world where the performing arts are more marginalized than ever before and media coverage harder than ever to get, The American Prize provides its contestants with the visibility and recognition they need to stand out from the rest.

EASY:

1-page application form.
Send bio and photo by email.
Send CD, DVD or VHS tape by mail.
All applications are acknowledged upon receipt.

You need not prepare a special tape for The American Prize. A previous recording, whether of a concert made in front of an audience or one created in a recording session without an audience, is perfectly acceptable. Neither the location nor the repertoire of any qualified individual limits eligibility, provided the general guidelines have been met. Excellence within categories is the primary criteria for the selection of finalists and winners.

Since 2010, more than $7500 in prize money has been distributed to winners.

Other 2012 Competitions:

Orchestras
Choruses
Bands/Wind Ensembles
Opera and Musical Theater companies
Conductors

Postmark Deadline Thursday, March 15, 2012

***

UNIQUE:

No live competition. Contestants are judged solely through their recorded performances.
No age limits.
Separate categories for professional, college/university, community and high school musicians.
Few repertoire restrictions.
Written evaluations provided to all finalists, runners-up and winners from our distinguished panel of judges.
Personal communication and published timelines for the announcement of semi-finalists, finalists and winners.
Minimal application fee.

Complete information: www.theamericanprize.org

For the most up-to-date information, including questions and answers from contestants, please visit THE AMERICAN PRIZE HEADLINE NEWS.

Famed American soprano, BRENDA LEWIS, named DISTINGUISHED JUDGE EMERITUS of The American Prize

2012-01-05T10:21:00.118-05:00

The American Prize is honored to announce that the extraordinary American soprano, Brenda Lewis, (shown above with composer Marc Blitzstein, photo courtesy Sony Music Entertainment) is our first Distinguished Judge Emeritus. Miss Lewis's career, jaw-dropping in its variety and accomplishment, has included outstanding successes in opera and light opera (at the Met, New York City Opera, on tour, and in world premieres of operas by Marc Blitzstein and Jack Beeson) on Broadway and television, and as stage director and educator.

“I have had the privilege (and the fun) of knowing Brenda Lewis for more than three decades,” commented David Katz, chief judge of The American Prize, “starting as her assistant conductor for performances of Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring at the Hartt School in 1980s.

"When I moved the original Friedrich Schorr Prize from Michigan to Connecticut in 2000, it was Brenda (and her dear friend and fellow artist Adelaide Bishop) who I turned to to head up the judging panel.

"I am delighted that Brenda Lewis has agreed to offer her name and expertise to the Schorr competition’s reincarnation as The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards. We are deeply honored by her attention and interest.”

***

(Photo of Brenda Lewis as Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus.)

The following biography of Miss Lewis is excerpted from a longer version written by Lucy Cross of MasterworksBroadway.com, where the full version may be found.

Brenda Lewis grew up in Sunbury, PA. After attending the Curtis Institute, she auditioned for the Philadelphia Opera Company and at the age of nineteen made her operatic debut with the Company in the role of the Marschallin(!) in Richard Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier.

Miss Lewis’s first Broadway appearance was in The Merry Widow (1944), with the famous Polish tenor Jan Kiepura. After World War II, Brenda Lewis supplemented performances at the City Center Opera (The Bartered Bride, Faust, and The Gypsy Baron, Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia), with gigs as a nightclub blues singer and standup comic.

Brenda Lewis attributes her early success to the fact that she could absorb music and words (in any language) almost on the spot: to learn the role of Marie in Wozzeck at the NY City Center Opera she took only three days, and once in 1945, when a scheduled soprano became indisposed, she learned Marguerite in Faust in twenty-four hours.

By 1949 Brenda Lewis was the Carmen, the Salome, and the Santuzza of choice at the City Opera. One night after a performance of Salome, Marc Blitzstein and Leonard Bernstein came backstage to congratulate her, and Blitzstein mentioned in the course of the conversation that although the title role of Regina in his new opera (based on Lillian Hellman’s play The Little Foxes) was being written for a mezzo-soprano, the soprano role of Birdie was still open. “I felt that it was fated to be mine,” said Lewis later...Regina came to the 46th Street Theatre in New York on October 31, 1949, and played to excited and uplifted audiences for 56 performances.

Brenda Lewis made her debut with the Metropolitan Opera Company in 1952 in the role of Musetta in La Bohème, and followed it very shortly thereafter with Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus.

Over the next ten years Lewis appeared at the Met as Rosalinde, as Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni, Venus in Tannhäuser, Marie in Wozzeck, Marina in Boris Godunov, and as Carmen, Salome, and Vanessa. Yet she did not abandon Broadway – for a three-month run in 1954 she performed with French ballet star Zizi Jeanmaire in The Girl in Pink Tights. She continued to sing with City Opera as well, taking on the central role of Regina in revivals of the Blitzstein opera, when the production was recorded for Columbia.

Lewis traveled extensively in the 1950s: she toured with the Metropolitan Opera to leading American cities coast to coast and had comparable successes in her signature roles with regional opera companies in Pittsburgh, Central City, New Orleans, Boston, Montreal, Seattle, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Chicago. Nor was she confined to the shores of North America: she went to Rio de Janeiro to sing Venus, Musetta, Santuzza, Marguerite, Marina, and Donna Elvira, and to Cuba to sing Santuzza.

In 1956 she was engaged at the Volksoper in Vienna, Austria, to star in the first gala full-scale European production of Cole Porter’s Kiss Me, Kate. It was such a sensational success that she was asked to return the following season in Annie Get Your Gun, in the Ethel Merman role. She was subsequently invited to sing both these roles at the Zurich Opera in Switzerland, as well as Carmen and Salome.

In 1963 Lewis began a new career as producer and stage director for the New Haven Opera Company in Connecticut. She had not stopped performing, however. In 1965 Jack Beeson’s Lizzie Borden, with Lewis in the title role, had its world premiere at the New York City Opera; it was filmed by WGBH in Boston and broadcast nationally.

In 1973 Lewis took on yet another role: as Professor of Voice and Opera at the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford. Inaugurating a new Musical Theater Program at Hartt, her Die Fledermaus at the University of Hartford in 1989 was filmed for Connecticut Public TV and won a regional Emmy.

JAY WHITE (8 year veteran of CHANTICLEER) and TAP judge, shares a sample VOCAL EVALUATION

2012-01-02T10:58:00.005-05:00

JAY WHITE, eight-year veteran of the Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble, CHANTICLEER, and a distinguished member of the judging panel for The American Prize, shares an evaluation he wrote for one of last year's finalists for The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich & Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards.

Although judges have a great deal of leeway about the structure and length of the evaluations they provide (some are shorter, some may be longer—others are provided in a matrix format, where the judge ranks each of a number of specific criteria) the paragraphs below represent a sample of the quality of evaluation we aspire to provide to every contestant who reaches Finalist status or higher in the competitions of The American Prize.

(Please note that judges' assignments are rotated annually, based on their qualifications, areas of interest, years of service and availability for a particular stage of the process.)

Here is what Dr. White wrote about one opera contestant. (The name of the vocalist has, of course, been removed.)

A warm, resonant, and strong sound.
This is a well-produced tone! Very grounded and easy.

X has a strength to his sound that is very much based on resonance and a strong control of breath energy. There is no pushing to his tone and his upper range is well managed.

His lower range is well set within his body.
He has a good sense of textual phrasing.

His command of languages is spot on! He seems very at ease with French especially. (His strong character work here helped tremendously).

While I think his Rossini was not the strongest of his submissions, I did very much enjoy the attention he placed into his character (he seems to be having difficulty with managing his breath here).

X is a fine performer and a delight to listen to. His reverberant, warm voice is produced with such ease as to draw you in to hear every nuance. He has an intensity to his delivery that makes one want to see and hear just what he is to do next.

Dr. Jay White
Associate Professor of Voice
Hugh A. Glauser School of Music
Kent State University

PIANISTS WEIGH in on the VALUE of The American Prize

2011-12-31T11:10:00.005-05:00

How valuable is The American Prize in Piano Performance to those who participate? We have received unsolicited emails from several laureates we are proud to share.

In the welter of media "noise" every day, it is sometimes difficult for artists to get the recognition they so clearly deserve: we are pleased that the value of The American Prize is getting through, even after only one year.

From Sarah Chan, winner of The American Prize in Piano Performance, 2011, professional division, concerto:

"I thank you for the objectives of your organization in encouraging many fine artists in their development. I am very thankful for the honor of The American Prize and am grateful for your continued support of excellence in music across this nation....Through The American Prize, your...efforts to encourage excellence in the arts at all levels nationally remain inspirational as a model of generosity, expressing the very soul of art."

—Sarah Chan, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Keyboard Studies / Music Theory
Northwestern Oklahoma State University

From Catharine Dornin, The American Prize in Piano Performance
3rd place, 2011, professional division, concerto

"I am so thrilled to have been a part of this competition and all the wonderful opportunities it offers to its finalists and winners. I'm delighted to have my picture on your website and to have won third place in the Concerto Performance Category in the Professional Division. I definitely saw the press release that the Concord Monitor, our local newspaper, ran in August concerning my award and I appreciate this recognition so very much. It is wonderfully helpful to me both as a performer and music teacher.

I've received so many congratulations from friends and acquaintances. I've tried to explain to them how The American Prize is a new and wonderful award opportunity for artists who've been laboring in relative obscurity for years to have their performances listened to and adjudicated by highly qualified judges and to give those performers professional recognition that is just invaluable and is so very affirming.

It's so helpful to my musical career to have all this great support and recognition. It is just a wonderful idea! We are all so very grateful."

—Catharine Dornin, faculty
St Paul's School and Concord Community Music School, Concord, NH

And this, from a member of the national judging panel for The American Prize in Piano Performance:

"you've created a new type of art music competition. Fantastic!"

Michael Benson
Assistant Professor of Music, Coordinator of Keyboard Studies and Education, Malone University, Canton, OH

*****

The American Prize is unique. A non-profit organization that focuses on recognizing and rewarding artists solely based on their recorded performances, contestants avoid the hassle and expense of traveling to competitions. Our distinguished panel of nationally recognized judges provides every contestant, from finalist to winner, with unbiased written evaluations. With no age limits and few repertoire restrictions and separate divisions for professional, college/university, high school and amateur artists, we assist artists in building careers, audiences and visibility.

The postmark deadline for The American Prize in Piano Performance, 2012, which includes separate competitions in solo performance and in concerto, is Monday, January 23, 2012. Visit the The American Prize website for complete information, application forms, bios and photos of past winners, and more.

COMPOSER Q&A #2: rights, recordings and more

2011-12-30T11:00:00.000-05:00

Some additional questions from composers.
(To read the first composer Q&A, follow this LINK.)

1. Does the composer retain all rights to his/her music if he applies (or wins)?

Without question. The composer relinquishes no rights whatsoever. We only ask to publish photos and bios of runners-up and winners, which may be posted to our website and blog. We do expect The American Prize channel on YouTube to go live shortly and hope to post excerpts of winning compositions on the site, but only with the permission of the composer. (Sometimes, union rules or other contracted limitations prevent this from being possible.) The composer makes the final call.

2. In the choral contest, is there any limitation to the number of choral works that may be submitted to fill 30 minutes on the tape? May the recordings be by different ensembles?

There is no limit to the number of pieces represented within the 30 minutes, and no restrictions on the number or type of groups performing them, provided they are all identified. The focus in the composition contests is on the works themselves, rather on the performers, though of course, the performances that do the best justice to the music (in the opinion of the composer) are the ones to send.

3. Who gets to be selected for The American Prize Winning Links?

The American Prize Winning Links is our new blog devoted to links of winners, runners-up, finalists and semi-finalists for The American Prize, including composers. Use the site to see some of the many different ways contestants have shared their success in the competitions, or to learn more about The American Prize laureates. We will update the site regularly, and will include 2012 laureates, when selected.

To submit a link or if you have additional questions, simply email theamericanprize@gmail.com.

Singers Q&A: MEZZOS REJOICE! (and other good news)

2011-12-29T14:48:00.000-05:00

Here are some answers to a few questions we have received from classical vocalists about The American Prize in Vocal Performance, which has a postmark deadline of Monday, January 23, 2012.

1. Are mezzo-sopranos prohibited from applying for the Chicago Opera Award?

Of course not! All voice types and fachs are welcome to apply. We have clarified the requirements on the application form and on the website. (If you already downloaded the older application, don't worry—you can still use it!)

The CHICAGO OPERA AWARD is a special opportunity in 2012.

In addition to the national competitions of The American Prize listed on the website in opera/operetta and in art song, three $500 prizes will be awarded as performance fees to opera soloists selected to appear under Maestro David Katz's baton in concert with the Chicago Bar Association Symphony Orchestra & Chorus in May 2012. The Chicago Opera Award is geared primarily to those who live within comfortable travel distance of Chicago and can make their own housing arrangements.

The selection process for the Chicago Opera Award is separate from The American Prize judging. Winning one competition does not preclude the possibility of winning the other. Maestro Katz expects to select the winners of the Chicago Opera Award by March 1, 2012.

For more information about this opportunity, please follow this LINK to reach the application form and the specific webpage, which includes additional important information about the Chicago Opera Award.

2. The American Prize competition honors the memory of Friedrich Schorr, who was a great Wagner singer. I don't sing Wagner. Isn't that really what you are looking for?

Absolutely not. Schorr was a great Wagnerian, yes, but he sang Mozart and Beethoven, and was a brilliant lieder and oratorio singer. (In fact, he credited his success and longevity in Bayreuth and at the MET to the fact that he said he sang Wagner like it was Mozart!)

The American Prize seeks to recognize and reward the finest vocalists in America at professional, college/university and amateur levels through the evaluation of your recorded performances. Wagner singers have no special advantage nor disadvantage: we seek excellence in any repertoire and at all levels of endeavor.

3. I don't live in the US and my recordings were made elsewhere. May I still apply?

Yes. The competitions of The American Prize are open to all U.S. citizens, whether living in this country or abroad, and to others currently living, working and/or studying in the United States of America, its protectorates and territories. You need not prepare a special tape for The American Prize. A previous recording, whether of a performance made in front of an audience or one created in a recording session without an audience, is perfectly acceptable. Neither the location nor the repertoire of any qualified individual limits eligibility, provided the general guidelines have been met. Excellence within categories is the primary criteria for the selection of finalists and winners.

4. Who gets to be selected for The American Prize Winning Links?

The American Prize Winning Links is our new blog devoted to links of winners, runners-up, finalists and semi-finalists for The American Prize. Use the site to see some of the many different ways contestants have shared their success in the competitions, or to learn more about The American Prize laureates. We will update the site regularly, and will include 2012 laureates, when selected.

To submit a link or if you have additional questions, simply email theamericanprize@gmail.com.

THE AMERICAN PRIZE-winning CHORUS performs at WHITE HOUSE Tuesday

2011-12-19T06:45:00.002-05:00

The New World Singers, winner in 2010 of The American Prize in Choral Performance in the youth choir division, performs at the White House in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday morning. The New World Singers is the top ensemble of the Columbus and Central Ohio Children’s Chorus Foundation, Sandra Mathias, conductor, formed as a non-profit foundation in 1995.

Quoting from Zanesville (OH) Times-Reporter:

“Dr. Mara Gross, the choir's managing director, said the group officially was contacted in September by the (White House’s) Social Affairs office.

"It's unique because groups usually request to sing but they got the call to go there," said Susan Hankinson, (parent.) "It's an honor, and to be there at Christmastime is exciting. I know it will be a wonderful experience for the kids..."

The group will...give a two-hour performance Tuesday morning in the Grand Foyer, the formal entrance of the White House...”

The New World Singers has toured in the U.S., Russia, Eastern Europe, and Canada. They have performed with the National Repertory Orchestra, Chautauqua Symphony, and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

This past summer, the New World Singers performed at the Lancaster Festival at the personal invitation of Maestro Gary Sheldon, festival music director, and winner, with his Lancaster Festival Orchestra, of The American Prize in Orchestral Performance and Conducting, also in 2010. www.columbuschildrenschoir.org

New! PRIZE-WINNING LINKS site now LIVE!

2011-12-16T19:30:00.005-05:00

We are very excited to announce that a new blog has joined our family of The American Prize websites. The American Prize Winning Links, is now live, featuring 2011 laureates of our piano, composition, and vocal competitions.

WINNING LINKS features websites and news stories from winners, runners-up and finalists for The American Prize. Use the new site to track how others share their success in the competitions, or to learn more about some of The American Prize laureates.

Whether semi-finalist, finalist or winner, participants in The American Prize are utilizing their success in the contests to bolster careers, build resumes and improve visibility.

We plan to add many more links in the coming days, including from choruses, orchestras and conductors. If you have a link you think we should highlight, please email us the URL address at theamericanprize@gmail.com

COMPOSER Q&A—what style of music is most likely to win The American Prize? The answer may surprise you...

2011-12-09T16:01:00.020-05:00

Here are some answers to questions we have received from composers interested in The American Prize in Composition, which has a postmark deadline of Thursday, January 23, 2012. There are separate divisions for choral music and orchestral music, with categories for both professional or student composers, no age limits and few restrictions as to the length, instrumentation or style of works which can be submitted.

I. Why must composers send recordings? Why don't you just accept the scores? And why not mp3 or other online files?
The recorded component is key to the philosophy of The American Prize—central to what makes it unique. Different from many composition contests which require that only new, unperformed works be submitted, The American Prize in Composition seeks to evaluate and reward composers of works which have already been performed and recorded. Here's why we think that's important:

In an age when second hearings are sometimes more difficult to obtain than premieres, TAP provides a forum for the composer who has already accomplished thousands of hours of toil—shepherding a work from conception through to performance. By being previously performed—whether by a student, community or professional ensemble—submitted works have, to a certain extent, already been vetted. The scores (and parts) are more likely to be free of errors (and therefore more attractive to conductors interested in additional performances); the recording also helps provide the judges with more than a mind's ear conception: music being an aural art, they can hear (as well as see) the extent to which the composer seems to have satisfied his or her intended artistic aims, taking into consideration who is performing, of course.

As for recordings sent via the internet, not everyone has exceptional audio playback on their computers, but most musicians have excellent systems to listen to cds and dvds. Internet connections are not yet all created equal—some are prone to failure, others may be exceptionally slow. Besides, there is something tangible about a recording in the hand. Having one requires a commitment to the act of audition; it requires the musician to say "now I will focus on listening to this new work by Composer X."

Likewise, printed scores. Of course many composers have their music available as PDFs, but speaking as a conductor, I like to have the score open before me: I like to easily turn the pages, turn back quickly, check a fact, confirm a hunch, observe on the printed page the geography of the work. Music is far easier to read on paper than on a computer screen, where the monitor may be too small to see the whole page, or too small to read the notes.

II. What type of composers does The American Prize attract?

Serious ones, both professionals and students. In the first year of the contest at least one composer—one we know about, that is—generated additional performances of his work directly as a result of his placement in the competition.

We are told that The American Prize helps give its laureates a way to cut through the welter of "noise" in the marketplace, to derive local, regional and national attention for their work, while seeking to provide contestants at various stages of the selection process—whether they win or not—with visibility and feedback far beyond the modest application fee.

Click on the WINNERS button on the homepage of The American Prize website to see our 2011 composer laureates. To see how winners of The American Prize have used their placement in the competitions to promote their music and their careers, please visit The American Prize Winning Links.

III. I am an American citizen living outside the U.S. May I still apply? What about recordings by foreign ensembles?
Perfectly fine. The competitions of The American Prize are open to all U.S. citizens, whether living in this country or abroad, and to others currently living, working and/or studying in the United States of America, its protectorates and territories. All application fees must be remitted in U.S. funds. Be sure your application is postmarked by the deadline date of Thursday, January 23, 2012. Recordings by student, community or professional ensembles from anywhere in the world are acceptable. (When it comes time to upload excerpts of the winning work to our YouTube channel—soon to be active—we will of course discuss any copyright/union issues that may affect your work's ability to be accessed in that fashion.)

IV. May I enter with more than one work?

In the choral contest, up to thirty minutes of music may be submitted in one application. In the orchestral contest, only one work may be submitted per application, but more than one application may be submitted in either or both categories. Each application will be judged separately.

V. What about style. Aren't so-called "romantic" or "accessible" works more likely to win?

I hate those words as much as you do, and the short answer is a resounding "no." "Challenging" music, whatever that means, elegantly crafted, performed at a level of accomplishment where its merits are clearly discernible, is every bit as likely to win The American Prize as more conventional works.

We have no compositional axe to grind here—other than to bring to the larger musical community information about valuable pieces with which it may not be familiar. I charge my fellow judges to favor no style over another as a matter of policy, make every effort to avoid bias and conflict of interest (the judges' guidelines are particularly clear on this last point) and try to provide well-considered evaluation at every stage of the audition process. The best music, in the opinion of the judges—the work that most closely fulfills its artistic intent, regardless of style—should win.

(It strikes me with a certain irony, as someone who has "been in the business" longer than I care to admit, that it used to be the composers of "romantic" or "accessible" music who worried about being frozen out of the running—at least in competitions sponsored by elite performing and educational institutions...)

Anything we at The American Prize can do to raise the profile of the art of musical composition through the winning works we select, helps regain for American composers some of the attention and respect they once had, and still deserve.

Q&A Vocalists and Q&A Pianists soon on this blog.
More questions from composers? Email me at theamericanprize@gmail.com

David Katz, chief judge
The American Prize
www.theamericanprize.org

CHICAGO OPERA AWARD is Additional Opportunity in 2012

2011-11-30T09:37:00.001-05:00

In 2012, in addition to national voice competitions in opera and art song outlined on The American Prize website, contestants for The American Prize in Vocal Performance (opera/operetta division), 2012, may also apply to be considered for the Chicago Opera Award, three $500 prizes (any voice type or fach is eligible) to be awarded as performance fees to opera soloists selected to appear under Maestro David Katz’s baton in concert with the Chicago Bar Association Symphony Orchestra & Chorus.

The postmark deadline for The American Prize and the Chicago Opera Award is Monday, January 23, 2012.

WHO is ELIGIBLE: Applicants for The American Prize in Vocal Performance (opera/operetta division), 2012, in the professional and college/university categories, only.

WHAT is the PRIZE:
Winners will be featured in a concert of opera selections under the baton of Maestro David Katz and the Chicago Bar Association Symphony Orchestra and Chorus at St James Episcopal Cathedral, Wabash at Huron Streets, Chicago, on Wednesday evening May 16, 2012. (Dress rehearsal Tuesday evening, May 15, 2012, same location.) Each winner will receive a $500 all-inclusive fee (no additional housing, travel or per diem), payment to be made on the day of the performance.

The selection process for the Chicago Opera Award is separate from The American Prize judging. Winning one competition does not preclude the possibility of winning the other. Maestro Katz expects to select the winners of the Chicago Opera Award by about March 20, 2012. The decisions of the judges are final.

There is no additional application fee for the Chicago Opera Award beyond the $35 fee to apply for The American Prize in Vocal Performance (opera/operetta division).

Although the Chicago Opera Award is an additional contest open to all professional and college/university applicants for The American Prize in Vocal Performance (opera/operetta division), 2012, it is geared primarily to those who live within comfortable travel distance of Chicago and who can make their own housing arrangements.

For more about the 25 year history of the CBASO & Chorus, Chicago's unique ensemble of attorneys and judges, click this link.
Recent CBASO & Chorus vocal soloists have included sopranos Patrice Michaels and Kathleen Van de Graaff, tenors William Chamberlain and Ian McEuen, baritone Jacob Lassetter, and bass-baritone Peter van de Graaff.

VOCAL COMPETITION updated to numerous online listings.

2011-11-28T14:31:00.002-05:00

The American Prize has updated its listing of the 2012 Vocal Performance competition and Chicago Opera Award on Singer's Link, YAP Tracker, the Vocalist, Classical Singer and the New Forum for Classical Singers. If you are aware of other online sites where the competition should be listed, we would appreciate an email to theamericanprize@gmail.com

The postmark deadline for 2012 is Monday, January 23, 2012. Full information at theamericanprize.org

DEADLINE for VOCALISTS, PIANISTS, COMPOSERS is JANUARY 23, 2012

2011-11-16T09:31:00.003-05:00

The published postmark deadline for The American Prize in Vocal Performance, in Piano Performance, and for Composers has been changed to Monday, January 23, 2012. Because of two recent storms that uprooted our office for multiple days, the additional time will allow us to "get the word out" and provide a better opportunity for us to answer questions from applicants. PDFs of the revised applications are available on our website but we will of course accept applications that contain the older date. Questions? Email theamericanprz@aol.com or theamericanprize@gmail.com. We are always happy to help.

OFFICE to REOPEN MONDAY

2011-11-05T06:20:00.000-04:00

Thanks to an Ameren line crew that drove through the night all the way from north-central Missouri to help the citizens of Connecticut following last week's devastating winter storm, power has now been restored to the offices of The American Prize. We will open on Monday on a normal schedule.

Look for website and blog updates coming this week about 2012 competitions.

OFFICE RELOCATED TEMPORARILY

2011-11-02T06:28:00.002-04:00

We have relocated The American Prize office to temporary quarters while we wait for electrical service to be restored at our building—following the devastating pre-winter snow storm this past weekend. Other than a slight delay in responding to emails, we should be able to handle all duties now more or less as usual. Thanks for your patience.

OPERA and MUSICAL THEATER companies and CONDUCTORS—2012

2011-10-25T15:33:00.000-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce 2012 competitions for OPERA and MUSICAL THEATER COMPANIES and their CONDUCTORS. The postmark deadline for these competitions is Thursday, March 15, 2012. Complete information and application forms may be found on The American Prize website, where recent winners are profiled. Additional competitions, including those for classical vocalists in art song and opera, are outlined below.

ORCHESTRAS, CHORUSES, BANDS, CONDUCTORS—2012

2011-10-25T15:30:00.000-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce 2012 competitions for ORCHESTRAS, CHORUSES, CONCERT BANDS and CONDUCTORS. The postmark deadline for these competitions is Thursday, March 15, 2012. Complete information and application forms may be found on The American Prize website, where recent winners are profiled. Additional competitions are outlined below.

PIANISTS, VOCALISTS, COMPOSERS—2012

2011-10-06T10:02:00.004-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce 2012 competitions for PIANISTS (in both solo and concerto performance), classical VOCALISTS (in both opera/operetta and art song performance), and COMPOSERS (in both choral and orchestral music.) The postmark deadline for these competitions is Thursday, December 15, 2011. Complete information and application forms may be found on The American Prize website, where recent winners are profiled.

More updates shortly.

WINNERS PAGES are now updated

2011-10-04T14:38:00.000-04:00

The WINNERS pages on The American Prize website are now updated with all 2011 winners, runners-up and citation recipients, including choruses, orchestras and conductors. Please let us know of any misprints. (Listings of all semi-finalists and finalists in the various competitions may always be found on this blog, using the archive tool in the right-hand column. More updates here and on our facebook page throughout the week.)

Response to editorial in USA Today about choruses, orchestras, music education

2011-10-03T09:15:00.000-04:00

We will be sharing many updates about The American Prize all this week, but before we do:

A student from Oberlin College has a big bully pulpit in today's issue of USA Today concerning high school music education and classical music. His opinion is, in my view, so well-meaningly misguided that I had to respond. I wanted to share my comments on The American Prize blog, whether the newspaper prints my letter or not.

Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/story/2011-10-02/high-school-music-programs/50635878/1

And my response:

I agree with David Sall that music education in America needs to better embrace technology in an effort to broaden its appeal and its offerings—but not to the exclusion of classical music.

To imply that Shostakovich (and by extension Beethoven and Mozart, choruses and orchestras) are now irrelevant because people can create their own music through Garage Band means students are not learning the fundamental value and importance of art. Music education in high schools is not, nor should be, primarily vocational, nor recreational. The greatest classical music (of any period—and from any culture) contains nothing less than the emotional history of mankind.

To not know Shostakovich, Beethoven, Mozart, (or Villa-Lobos, Revueltas or Ginastera, for that matter) means to be that much more ignorant of empathy—to understand less about how hope, oppression, joy, beauty, fear, love have molded humankind since the beginning. I would not wish that on any young person. In a world where interconnectedness is more about electrons than personal interaction, we downgrade the teaching of the classical performing arts at our peril.

David Katz, chief judge
The American Prize
www.theamericanprize.org
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THE AMERICAN PRIZE GIFTS—free shipping code on FACEBOOK Sept 16.

2011-09-14T07:00:00.006-04:00

To semi-finalists, finalists & winners of The American Prize:

You're invited to celebrate your achievement with exclusive 2011 The American Prize Gifts available only to you, family and friends, (and to ensemble members and their families) and only for a limited time.

Our new catalog of The American Prize Gifts is now online. Popular with conductors, choir and orchestra members, board members, parents and individual contestants, our catalog features specially-designed The American Prize polos, tees, tote bags, mugs, lapel and dress pins, and signature conducting batons, available nowhere else. Proceeds from the sale of The American Prize Gifts directly support the non-profit competitions. Show you're Prizeworthy!

A FREE SHIPPING code will be posted on our Facebook page on September 16th—good on all orders postmarked, emailed or faxed by October 17, 2012, which will ship in plenty of time for the holidays.

OPERA PERFORMANCE WINNERS' PAGE

2011-09-13T12:32:00.001-04:00

The winners' pages for The American Prize in Opera Performance and Conducting is now uploaded. Please email us about any misprints. (For winners of The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Opera Division click here.

Visit The American Prize to see our updated home page which includes banner photos of winners, top and bottom. (A sample of one of the banner images illustrates this post, above.) The banners will be rotated periodically to feature additional winners of The American Prize.

For important updates, please scroll down:

THE AMERICAN PRIZE in VOCAL PERFORMANCE, 2012
UPDATE: Press Releases and Publicity
UPDATE: Certificates and Prizes
UPDATE: Winner Pages and Website

ADVANCE ANNOUNCEMENT: The American Prize in Vocal Performance, 2012

2011-09-09T15:35:00.000-04:00

The American Prize in Vocal Performance: Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards & Chicago Opera Awards. Although official announcement of the 2012 contests of The American Prize in Vocal Performance (opera/operetta and art song) will not be made until next week, information and application forms may be downloaded now from our website. The postmark deadline for applications is Thursday, December 15, 2011.

PIANO and COMPOSITION WINNERS' PAGES uploaded, plus HOME PAGE UPDATE

2011-09-07T11:11:00.000-04:00

Visit The American Prize to see our updated home page which includes banner photos of winners, top and bottom. These banners will be rotated periodically to feature additional winners of The American Prize (although not ensemble photos, which would, needless to say, be much too small.)

Also, the winners' pages for The American Prize in Composition and The American Prize in Piano, 2011, have been uploaded. Winners and runners-up of The American Prize are featured. Please email us about any misprints.

For three important updates about recent contests, please scroll down:
UPDATE: Press Releases and Publicity
UPDATE: Certificates and Prizes
UPDATE: Winner Pages and Website

HOME PAGE update / WINNERS' PAGES

2011-09-06T10:17:00.005-04:00

Visit The American Prize to see our updated home page which includes banner photos of winners, top and bottom. These banners will be rotated periodically to feature additional winners of The American Prize (although not ensemble photos, which would, needless to say, be much too small.)

Also, the winners' pages for The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award, 2011, have been uploaded. Winners and runners-up of The American Prize are featured. Please email us about any misprints.

For three important updates about recent contests, please scroll down:
UPDATE: Press Releases and Publicity
UPDATE: Certificates and Prizes
UPDATE: Winner Pages and Website

TAP UPDATES: September 1, 2011

2011-09-01T14:49:00.000-04:00

With power restored, The American Prize can get back to business.

Below, please find three separate blogpost updates about the competitions of The American Prize.

UPDATE: Press Releases and Publicity
UPDATE: Certificates and Prizes
UPDATE: Winner Pages and Website

Thanks for your good wishes post-Hurricane Irene.

TAP UPDATE: Press Releases and Publicity

2011-09-01T14:45:00.000-04:00

PUBLICITY: Publicity announcing The American Prize finalists, runners-up, winners (and in some cases, semi-finalists) has been recently featured in a number of national publications, especially online. Not every competition is found on every site (many are content-specific, others make an editorial choice about what to publicize) but among online resources where stories about The American Prize contestants have appeared are Musical America, ChoralNet, League of American Orchestras, OrchestraList, National Forum for the Classical Singer, SingersLink, VocalList, and many more. Names of all winners, finalists and semi-finalists may always be found on this blog (use the archive feature in the right-hand column to search for a specific competition.)

If you know of additional national online resources to whom we can send finalist and winner information, especially in the areas of voice, composition and piano, we will add them to the list. Please email us: theamericanprize@gmail.com

PRESS RELEASES: Personalized press releases about winners and runners-up (and in some cases, finalists and semi-finalists) have been sent to the literally hundreds of local media contacts provided by The American Prize contestants. We are delighted that these announcements have generated tens of thousands of webpages about the success of our applicants. Within about a week, a copy of each personalized press release will be forwarded to the contestant. Feel free to share it with more contacts with whom you wish to share your news. We do always recommend you contact your personal media list to be sure the information we sent was received (and did not find its way to a spam folder.)

If you need a generic press release to create your own announcement, we are happy to provide one, please email us.

OFFICIAL LOGO and SEAL: Although many contestants have already downloaded our logo and official seal for use in programs, publicity and online, each contestant at the semi-final level or higher will receive these materials via email.

THE AMERICAN PRIZE GIFTS: Our new catalog of The American Prize gifts (popular with individual contestants as well as with conductors and members of ensembles) is available on our website and will soon be emailed. Featuring specially-designed The American Prize polos, tees, tote bags, mugs, lapel and dress pins, signature batons, all available nowhere else, proceeds from the sale of The American Prize gifts directly support the non-profit competitions. Look for a FREE SHIPPING code to be posted on our Facebook page soon—but good for only a limited time.

TAP UPDATE: Certificates and Prizes

2011-09-01T14:32:00.001-04:00

With Hurricane Irene behind us, we now begin to prepare packets of certificates, evaluations (and for winners, cash prizes). They will be sent to the address found in the applications, in this order: all winners, then all runners-up, all citation recipients, all remaining finalists, then all remaining semi-finalists. Please be patient with this process as each packet is prepared individually.

TAP UPDATE: Winner Pages and Website

2011-09-01T14:30:00.000-04:00

WINNERS PAGES: Winners pages in all 2011 competitions will be going live on our website in the coming days. As each one is uploaded, we will announce it on our facebook page and by tweet. We make every effort to be correct and comprehensive, but if you find a mistake or misprint in your information, please email us and we will make the fix. Look for photos of all winners and runner-ups to be added to our Facebook albums soon, as well.

NEW COMPETITIONS: We have been updating all national competitions for 2012 with revised applications forms and in some cases, revised descriptions.

Contests with December 15, 2011 deadlines (voice, piano, composition) go live first. We will announce on Facebook and by Tweet as each one becomes available.

NEW BLOG: In the coming weeks, a new The American Prize blog will come online. Called The American Prize Winning Links, it will catalog websites and press reports about The American Prize laureates in all contests and at all levels of achievement. Look for more about Winning Links soon.

As always, we welcome comments and suggestions: theamericanprize@gmail.com

POWER has RETURNED!

2011-08-31T20:28:00.000-04:00

Power has returned (but not for 10s of thousands of others still waiting.) We will publish an update about all competitions tomorrow. Thanks for your patience.

TWATAP—but first Hurricane Irene

2011-08-29T10:22:00.000-04:00

We plan to publish an update this week about The American Prize, with lots of information for semi-finalists, finalists and winners, but at the moment, no electricity—I'm sitting outside a (closed) McDs just to email everyone that we lost power during Irene and it may be several days before it is on again. TAP info as soon as we can! Thanks for your patience.

DK

THREE CHORUSES receive CITATIONS from THE AMERICAN PRIZE

2011-08-22T17:00:00.003-04:00

In the highly competitive annual contest for The American Prize in Choral Performance, The American Prize has singled out three choruses for special citations in 2011. Although the citations carry with them no monetary award, they are awards of distinction, acknowledging unique organizations, performances or musical contributions that might otherwise go unrecognized.

Two choirs will receive citations for Unique Choral Programming in 2011:

Cantori New York, Mark Shapiro, music director—for their March 2011 concert at Church of the Holy Trinity, New York City, featuring Romancero Gitano by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, the world premiere of Night Keeps its Promise, by Frank Ezra Levy, and selections by John Dowland.

Currently in its 27th season, three-time recipient ASCAP Programming Award recipient Cantori New York has been praised by The New York Times for its “spirit of exploration” and “virtuosity,” winning acclaim for its artistic excellence and innovative programming. Cantori’s collaborators have included Tony winner Maryann Plunkett, the Cassatt String Quartet, and the Prism Saxophone Quartet; Cantori has been presented by Zankel Hall, Lincoln Center, and GEMS and MATA at Le Poisson Rouge.

Milwaukee Choral Artists, Sharon Hansen, director—for their 10th Anniversary compact disc on the Clarion label made up entirely of commissions and world premieres.

The Milwaukee Choral Artists is Wisconsin's premiere professional choral ensemble, and one of only a handful of professional women’s choral ensembles in the country. With its signature lush sound, MCA brings a distinctive repertory of choral and vocal masterworks— including well-known pieces, new music, and seldom-performed works—to concert audiences throughout the region. Committed to presenting music from diverse cultures, the ensemble has performed music in twenty-eight languages from more than forty world cultures.

***

Sistrum—Lansing Women's Chorus, Meredith Bowen, music director will received a Joy of Music citation, honoring the ensemble for the depth of its artistic vision and its infectious performances in "an exuberant and delightful recording entitled Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn."

Sistrum is an inclusive women's chorus committed to creating music together that Inspires, Empowers, and Entertains. We strive to provide a musical haven where women may find their voices and enjoy the camaraderie offered by the Sistrum community. We further endeavor to create a choral instrument by which our members can use their voices to raise beautiful music and powerful energy. It is our intent to challenge and entertain our audiences and ourselves, such that all are moved to emotion, thought and action. We believe in the magic and joy of raising our voices together. In doing so, we lend our spark to the worldwide struggle for peace, equality and freedom for all people.

Congratulations!
To view recent winners of The American Prize in Choral Performance, as well as winners in other categories, please scroll down or use the archive feature to the right.

TWO CONDUCTORS AWARDED CITATIONS from THE AMERICAN PRIZE

2011-08-22T16:00:00.014-04:00

A veteran music director and a young conductor have been singled out by The American Prize for special citations in 2011. Although the citations carry with them no monetary award, they are special distinctions, acknowledging important musical skills or unique contributions of certain Prize applicants which might otherwise go unrecognized.

The two conductors receiving citations in 2011 are:

Robert Butts, music director of the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey and Opera at Florham, will be recognized for Excellence in Music Education, Enrichment and Outreach.

The citation recipient provided this short bio: Maestro Butts brings musicology and conducting skills together with the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey. His concerts are the most varied in the state, featuring concertos for flute, oboe and bassoon as well as for violin and piano. His concerts feature music from the 17th through the 21st centuries. Maestro Butts edits oratorios and concertos by Baroque and Classical composers for modern day premieres, composes music for the ensemble, and interprets the great works of orchestral literature.

In acknowledging Maestro Butt's contributions, the competition wrote: "As your work demonstrates, excellence in music education, enrichment and outreach is not confined to the classroom or to the applied music studio. Conductors, whether leading school ensembles, community or professional organizations, have a major role in education, teaching not only the performers they lead, but also audiences of all ages, boards, donors, media, parents, and the community at large. In fact, everyone who comes in contact with an ensemble and its musical leadership benefits from the learning the conductor facilitates. As we witness more and more music programs in peril, as the study of (and the knowledge of) music becomes more and more of an afterthought in many communities, it is conductors such as you who assume a greater role than ever before in bringing the value of this great art to the attention of American society...Congratulations."

***

Jason Lim will receive a special Young Conductor citation, recognizing his burgeoning leadership skills, in evidence both in rehearsal and performance in a broad array of repertoire.

The citation recipient provided this short bio: Jason Lim born in Malaysia, received his formal training in conducting in Canberra, Australia, serving as apprentice with the Canberra Youth Orchestra and assistant conductor with the Ku Ring Gai Philharmonic Orchestra in Sydney. Jason added to his awards and achievements the New South Wales Ministry of Arts Conducting Scholarship. In 2000 Jason led the NOVA Ensemble in its first commercial recording in under the auspices of the “Equilibrum” label, conducting the world premier performance of Brian Bavelander’s Distant Visions for orchestra and pre recorded tape. Jason was Music Director and Conductor for two years. In 2005, Jason conducted the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra Classical subscription concert and conducted the Abilene premier of Michael Remson’s opera, Sibanda with Hardin Simmons University Opera.

Congratulations!
To view recent winners of The American Prize in Conducting, as well as winners in other categories, please scroll down or use the archive feature to the right.

WHILE WE TRANSITION TO NEW WINNERS PAGES...

2011-08-18T20:06:00.000-04:00

We are currently in the process of updating the winners' pages on The American Prize website to reflect 2011 results in all competitions and categories. We will announce when the conversion is complete. During the transition, winners and runners-up from all competitions in 2010 and 2011 may still be found here on our blog. Use the archive feature to the right to find what you are looking for. Many thanks.

TWATAP: August 1, 2011

2011-08-01T13:24:00.000-04:00

This week at The American Prize we continue to contact national media about winners, runners-up and honorable mentions. We will also email local media with press releases tailored to those individual contestants. (Copies of press releases will be forwarded.)

We also hope to announce several citation recipients later in the week who deserve additional recognition for their work.

The American Prize office will be closed from August 8-21. We will have limited access to email during that time.

The office reopens August 22 at which time we will begin to send packets to orchestral, choral, opera and conducting contestants, including prizes, evaluations and certificates to winners; evaluations and certificates to runners-up and finalists; certificates to semi-finalists.

All contestants (semi-finalist or higher) will receive The American Prize logo and official seal, to use in print and online publicity, as well as our catalog of The American Prize signature gifts. Look for a “free shipping” code to appear on our facebook page later in the month to use for orders placed before the deadline. (Proceeds from the sale of The American Prize merchandise directly support the non-profit competitions.)

The Winners page on the website will be updated to reflect the results of 2011 competitions and applications and information about 2012 competitions will soon be available on the website.

All judges will be contacted later in the month concerning their participation.

Many thanks.

THE VYTAUTAS MARIJOSIUS MEMORIAL AWARD / THE AMERICAN PRIZE in ORCHESTRAL PROGRAMMING

2011-07-29T16:00:00.006-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the winner of The American Prize in Orchestral Programming—Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award.

Among a field of very strong contenders that included many who program new music on a regular basis (especially within college and university music departments), the focus fell to conductors who take courageous chances, giving over large portions of their programs to unusual (but not necessarily new) repertoire, while balancing it with standard works or composers in ways that appear natural on the page, or who include less common names or pieces on their concerts as a matter of course, or who seem to make “adventure” part of the regular experience for their orchestras and audiences. All these approaches honor the memory of Maestro Vytautas Marijosius, for whom the prize is awarded.

From David Katz, chief judge: “For nearly thirty five years Director of Orchestral Activities at the Hartt School, Vytautas Marijosius programmed concerts that were alive in every sense—not programming for novelty’s sake alone, nor neglecting the great masters of the past—but always bringing to the awareness of his students and his audience great composers of the current time and potential masters of the future. I believe he would be pleased in different ways with each of the four honorees listed below.”

For more about Maestro Marijosius, please visit the companion blog here.

(Additional information about the programs and programming philosophies of the 2011 winner and runners-up will be published soon.)

The American Prize in Orchestral Programming—Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award:

Donald L. Appert, music director/conductor, Oregon Sinfonietta, Portland, OR

Donald Appert has been Music Director/Conductor of the Clark College Orchestra since 1990. He has guest conducted orchestras in Europe, Central America, Japan and Australia. Currently he is a Professor of Music and Head of the Music Department at Clark College in Vancouver, Washington. In addition he is the Music Director/Conductor of the Oregon Sinfonietta in Portland, Oregon and the Sanctuary Choir Director for the First United Methodist Church of Vancouver, Washington.

David Leibowitz, music director of the New York Repertory Orchestra, New York, NY, placed second.

Jeffery Meyer, director of orchestral activities of the Ithaca College Orchestras, Ithaca, NY, placed third.

Peter Freisinger, music director and conductor of the Freisinger Chamber Orchestra, Boston, MA, received an Honorable Mention.

Congratulations!

WINNER in CHORAL PERFORMANCE (Professional)

2011-07-29T15:55:00.003-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the winner of The American Prize in Choral Performance (professional division), 2011.

Washington Bach Consort, J. Reilly Lewis, music director, Washington, D.C.

Founded in 1977 by J. Reilly Lewis, the Washington Bach Consort is a professional chorus and orchestra noted for its performance of 18th-Century music on period instruments. The Consort has appeared at numerous festivals and has made three European tours and four recordings. The Consort completed Bach’s entire 215-cantata cycle in 2006 with a second cycle now underway at the Consort’s free Noontime Cantata series. www.bachconsort.org

Sinfonia Voci, Daniel Abraham, music director, Washington, D.C., placed second.

The Princeton Singers, Steven Sametz, artistic director, Princeton, NJ placed third.

WINNER in ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE (high school orchestra) announced

2011-07-28T16:00:00.004-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the winner of The American Prize in Orchestral Performance (high school orchestra division), 2011.

Arlington High School Philharmonia, Jonathan Handman, conductor, LaGrangeville, NY

Arlington High School is located in LaGrangeville, NY and Philharmonia is the most advanced of the four orchestras in the school. The program consists of one ninth grade string orchestra and three symphonic orchestras for students in grades 10-12, of which Ms. Elizabeth Handman and Mr. Jonathan Handman are the directors. In total, the program has over 250 string students and 75 wind/percussion members that join the strings every other day as their second ensemble in addition to the band program that they are members of. Arlington Central School District’s Music Coordinator is Mr. Joseph Szabo and the High School Principal is Dr. Brendan Lyons.

Horace Mann High School String Sinfonietta, Darin Lewis, conductor, of Bronx, NY, placed second.

Congratulations!

WINNER in ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE/CONDUCTING (youth orchestra) announced

2011-07-28T15:55:00.003-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the winner of The American Prize in Orchestral Performance (youth orchestra division), 2011.

Houston Youth Symphony, Michael Webster, artistic director, Houston, TX

Houston Youth Symphony was founded in 1947 and now serves over 300 student in four orchestras. Michael Webster has been Artistic Director since 1997, and has led the Symphony, its most advanced orchestra, at the inauguration of Houston mayor Lee Brown, the 2002 National Youth Orchestra Festival and at Carnegie Hall. HYS is the national first prize winner of Choice Music Events' Mark of Excellence competition in 2008/9/10 and The American Prize in 2010.

Maestro Webster wrote on accepting The American Prize for the Houston Youth Symphony: It is an honor for HYS to be selected for The American Prize, and I accept the award on behalf of our organization, which consists of 300 students, 5 conductors, 3 office personnel, and a coaching staff of about 25 dedicated professionals. I also must thank the dedicated public school music teachers of the Houston area who give their hearts and souls to their students in the face of continued budgetary pressures of extreme severity. Without them or without the wonderful private teachers in the area, HYS could not achieve the standard that it has.

Vivace of the Stringendo Orchestra School of the Hudson Valley, Jonathan Handman, conductor and artistic director, of LaGrangeville, NY, placed second.

Philharmonic String Orchestra and Soloist Ensemble, Alyze Dreiling, conductor, San Diego, CA, placed third.

Congratulations!

*****

The American Prize is pleased to announce the winner of The American Prize in Conducting (youth orchestra division), 2011.

Michael Webster, Houston, TX

Michael Webster is professor of clarinet at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music and artistic director of the Houston Youth Symphony. Formerly principal clarinetist with the Rochester Philharmonic and the San Francisco Symphony, Webster has appeared with many orchestras, string quartets and festivals spanning North America, South and Central America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. He been on the clarinet and conducting faculties of Eastman, New England Conservatory, and the University of Michigan.

Alyze Dreiling of San Diego, CA, placed second.

Nathaniel Meyer of Belmont, MA, placed third.

Congratulations!

LANCASTER FESTIVAL CELEBRATES THREE WINNERS of THE AMERICAN PRIZE

2011-07-26T20:56:00.000-04:00

On Thursday evening, July 28th, the Lancaster Festival of Lancaster, OH celebrates three winners of The American Prize with a special concert called "And the Winner Is" at 8 pm in Faith Memorial Church.

Music Director Gary Sheldon, winner of The American Prize in Conducting, 2010 conducts his Lancaster Festival Orchestra, the 2010 winner of The American Prize in Orchestral Performance, and welcomes to the stage the New World Singers of the Columbus Children's Choir, winners of The American Prize in Choral Performance, 2010, under the direction of Dr. Sandra Mathias. The celebratory concert features music by Brahms, Faure and Rimski-Korsakov.

"I was delighted when Maestro Sheldon contacted me after his selection as winner of The American Prize inquiring about other Prize winners who might be appropriate to appear in concert at the annual Lancaster summer festival," commented chief judge David Katz. "I was even more delighted to learn of the special concert and the addition of the New World Singers."

"From the moment of the announcement of the Lancaster Festival Orchestra as winners of The American Prize, the organization has utilized the recognition they received in a true spirit of celebration. The American Prize seal and logo are prominent on their website (along with announcement of their wins); the Festival and Maestro Sheldon have ordered numerous The American Prize gifts to raffle or present to donors or special guests. I congratulate them once again on their win, and for what I'm sure will be a terrific winners concert this week. I only wish I could attend."

For more information, visit LancasterFestival.org

WINNER in CHORAL PERFORMANCE/CONDUCTING (community chorus) announced

2011-07-23T16:00:00.001-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the winner of The American Prize in Choral Performance (community chorus division), 2011.

Pacific Lutheran (University) Choral Union, Richard Nance, conductor, Tacoma, WA

The Pacific Lutheran University Choral Union was established in 1984 to create an ensemble that would bring together singers from the surrounding community, PLU faculty and staff, alumni and students. The 80-voice ensemble performs three or four concerts each academic year, singing both major choral works and programs of shorter works. Choral Union has performed for regional and national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association, and has performed four European tours.

There was a tie for second place:

Peninsula Women's Chorus, Martín Benvenuto, artistic director, Palo Alto, CA

Seattle Pro Musica, Karen P. Thomas, artistic director, Seattle, WA

Peninsula Women's Chorus

Seattle Pro Musica

Cathedral Choral Society, J. Reilly Lewis, director, Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. placed third.

*****

The American Prize is pleased to announce the winner of The American Prize in Conducting (community chorus division), 2011.

Richard Nance, director, Pacific Lutheran (University) Choral Union, Tacoma, WA

Dr. Richard Nance is currently associate professor of music and conductor of The Choir of the West and the Choral Union at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington USA. Nance holds bachelors and masters degrees from West Texas A&M (then West Texas State University) and the DMA degree from Arizona State University. Dr. Nance has studied conducting with Hugh Sanders, Douglas McEwen and David Stocker and studied composition with Joseph Nelson and Randall Shinn.

Daniel Hughes, Conductor of The Choral Project, San Jose, CA, placed second.

J. Reilly Lewis, director of the Washington National Cathedral Choral Society, Washington, D.C., placed third.

Congratulations!

WINNERS in CHORAL PERFORMANCE (high school chorus) announced

2011-07-23T15:00:00.005-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the winners of The American Prize in Choral Performance (high school division), 2011. There was a tie between the top two finishers for the Prize this year.

Longmeadow High School Lyrics, Kayla Werlin, conductor, Longmeadow, MA

Jr. Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, Susan Medley, conductor, Pittsburgh, PA

Lyrics is the honors SATB choral ensemble at Longmeadow High School. Each April, approximately 100 students in grades 8-11 audition for a place in the choir for the following year. This year’s ensemble numbers 45 singers, grades 10-12. Lyrics meets as a class 3-4 hours weekly. Additionally, student section leaders run weekly rehearsals outside of school. Lyrics has consistently earned gold medals in state festivals, and has toured in Europe and the US.

The Junior Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh is an educational outreach program of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh. Founded by Robert Page and Christine Jordanoff, the Jr. Mendelssohn Choir will celebrate its 25th anniversary this season. High school students from throughout the greater Pittsburgh area are eligible to audition. During its ten-week season, a portion of each Jr. Mendelssohn rehearsal is spent in coaching sessions with singers from the professional core of the Mendelssohn Choir. The season culminates in a concert featuring a major choral/orchestral work and a variety of a cappella repertoire.

The Huron High School A Cappella Choir, Richard Ingram, conductor, Ann Arbor, MI, placed second.

Congratulations!

WINNER in ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE/CONDUCTING (professional orchestra) announced

2011-07-22T17:00:00.005-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the winner of The American Prize in Orchestral Performance (professional orchestra), 2011.

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Peter Rubardt, music director, Pensacola, FL

Founded in 1926, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is the longest continually-operating professional orchestra in Florida. Under the direction of Maestro Peter Rubardt since 1997, PSO has continued to achieve artistic excellence in bringing live symphonic music to the Pensacola community. To fulfill its mission today, the Symphony performs Masterworks and Pops concerts in the historic Saenger Theatre, has open dress rehearsals, free family concerts, and extensive music education programs in partnership with public schools.

Edison Symphony, Judith Morse, music director, Edison, NJ, placed second.

Western Piedmont Symphony, John Ross, music director, placed third.

*****

The American Prize is pleased to announce the winner of The American Prize in Conducting (professional orchestra), 2011.

Christopher Zimmerman, music director Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, Fairfax, VA

Christopher Zimmerman is currently in his 2nd year as Music Director of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, having been appointed from an international pool of over 250 applicants. Previous posts include the Music Directorships of the Symphony of Southeast Texas, Bangor Symphony and the City of London Chamber Orchestra. Mr. Zimmerman has also served on the conducting faculty at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and at the Hartt School as Head of Orchestral Studies.

Travis Jürgens, Music Director/Conductor, Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City, MO, placed second.

Benjamin Rous, Associate Conductor of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Portsmouth, VA placed third.

Congratulations.

WINNER in ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE/CONDUCTING (college/university) announced

2011-07-22T16:00:00.007-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the winner of The American Prize in Orchestral Performance (college/university), 2011.

From the Chief Judge: As the rules governing The American Prize judges require, because I have a “professional relationship with one or more of the candidates” in these particular competitions, I recused myself from ranking or evaluating finalists or assisting in the selection of winners, who were chosen separately by judges working independently in different parts of the country. —DK

University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Kenneth Kiesler, conductor, Ann Arbor, MI

The University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra, one of the world’s leading student orchestras, has recently won two ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming, and the Grammy Award for Best Classical CD. Led by Kenneth Kiesler since 1995, the USO presents a wide repertoire in eight programs and opera annually, and has recordings on Naxos, Equilibrium, and Dorian. The 2008 tour included music of Mahler and Evan Chambers at Oberlin, Cornell, University of Pittsburgh and
Carnegie Hall.

University of Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Pu-Qi Jiang, conductor, Memphis, TN, placed second.

Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra, Jeffery Meyer, director of orchestras, Ithaca, NY, placed third.

*****

The American Prize is pleased to announce the winner of The American Prize in Conducting (college/university orchestra), 2011.

From the Chief Judge: As the rules governing The American Prize judges require, because I have a “professional relationship with one or more of the candidates” in these particular competitions, I recused myself from ranking or evaluating finalists or assisting in the selection of winners, who were chosen separately by judges working independently in different parts of the country. —DK

Kenneth Kiesler, University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Ann Arbor, MI

Kenneth Kiesler is an inspiring mentor to generations of conductors, through his teaching in Berlin, Moscow, Paris, England’s Royal Academy of Music, and his positions as Professor at University of Michigan, and Director of Canada’s National Arts Centre Conducting Program and Conductors Retreat at Medomak. He has conducted a dozen acclaimedrecordings, many premieres by major composers and leading orchestras including the Chicago, Detroit, Utah, New Jersey, Jerusalem, Ensemble
Orchestral de Paris and many others.

Jeffery Meyer, Director of Orchestras, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, placed second.

Taeyoung Lee, Mannes College of Music, New York, NY, placed third.

Congratulations!

WINNER in OPERA PERFORMANCE and CONDUCTING announced

2011-07-22T15:00:00.013-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the winner of The American Prize in Opera Performance, 2011.

Crane Opera Ensemble, SUNY-Potsdam, NY, Carleen Graham, director
for Ravel: L'enfant et les sortileges

The award-winning Crane Opera Ensemble is a significant source for opera and music theatre in the North Country region of New York State. The ensemble is unique as it integrates the College mission of teaching, scholarship and public service, into its fully staged production each semester. The Crane Opera Ensemble was the winner of the 2003 (Division 3) and co-winner of the 2009 (Division 2) National Opera Association Collegiate Production Competition. We are proud of our opera education outreach program which brings North Country school children to campus to experience opera performances and post-performance activities. To date, over 4,000 children have had the opportunity to experience opera, most for the very first time. The Crane Opera Ensemble regularly collaborates in many ways with the SUNY Potsdam Department of Theatre & Dance. A collaborative musical is produced every three years which has included such productions as Cabaret, Urinetown and On The Town.

Astoria Music Festival, Astoria, OR, Keith Clark, artistic director, placed second with Berg's Wozzeck.

Lowell House Opera, Cambridge, MA, Channing Yu music director, Michael Yashinsky, stage director, placed third with Puccini's Tosca.

*****

The American Prize is pleased to announce the winner of The American Prize in Opera Conducting, 2011.

Keith Clark, artistic director, Astoria Music Festival, Astoria, OR

Founding Music Director, Portland SummerFest Opera and Oregon's Astoria Music Festival (where he recently conducted the Northwest premiere of Wozzeck); Producing Artistic Director of the Globus Theater in Novosibirsk (where he recently conducted the Russian premiere of West Side Story) , Principal Guest Conductor, Siberian State Philharmonic; Founding Conductor Laureate of California's Pacific Symphony: former conductor, Amadeus Opernensemble, Salzburg. Many recordings with the London Philharmonic, Slovak State Philharmonic, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Czechoslovak Radio Symphony, Les Concerts du Monde Baroque Orchestra, Pacific Symphony, Korean Symphony: Grammy Nomination, CD Hall of Fame, and other awards.

Channing Yu, music director, Lowell House Opera, Cambridge, MA, placed second.

Michael Sakir, music director of the Boston Opera Collaborative, placed third.

Congratulations.

WINNER in CHORAL PERFORMANCE and CONDUCTING (College/University) Announced

2011-07-21T17:00:00.005-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the winner of The American Prize in Choral Performance (College/University Division), 2011.

Mansfield University Concert Choir, Peggy Dettwiler, conductor, Mansfield, PA

The Mansfield University Concert Choir, Mansfield, Pennsylvania, has achieved an impressive reputation of excellence, having been chosen each of the last nineteen years to perform at MENC, ACDA, or NCCO conventions across the country and for international festivals around the world. In 2008, they won the Championship in the Gospel & Spiritual Category and placed second among 36 choirs in the Mixed Youth Choir Category at the World Choir Games in Graz, Austria.

Pacific Lutheran University Choir of the West, Richard Nance, conductor, Tacoma, WA, placed second.

University of Arizona Symphonic Choir, Elizabeth Schauer, conductor, Tucson, AZ, placed third.

*****

The American Prize is pleased to announce the winners of The American Prize in Cconducting (College/University Choral Division), 2011.

Carole J. Ott, assistant professor of choral music, University Chorale and and Chamber Singers, Greensboro, NC

Carole Ott, conductor, is Assistant Professor of Choral Music at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. At UNCG, she directs the Chorale and teaches undergraduate and graduate level conducting. Additionally, she is the director of the Winston-Salem Symphony Chorale. Ott recently joined the faculty of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp where she serves as director of the International Choir and Alumni Choir. Her degrees include an MM and DMA from the University of Michigan.

Peggy Dettwiler, conductor of the Mansfield University Concert Choir, Mansfield, PA, placed second.

David DeVenney, conductor of the West Chester University Concert Choir, West Chester, PA, placed third.

Congratulations!

WINNER in ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE/CONDUCTING (Community) Announced

2011-07-21T16:00:00.012-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the winner of The American Prize in Orchestral Performance (Community Division), 2011.

The Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, David Bernard, music director, New York, NY

Founded in 1999, the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony is a classical symphony orchestra that serves New York City communities by producing orchestral and chamber music concerts of the highest artistic level. In its performances, PACS features world class artists, such as Carter Brey, David Chan, Jon Manasse and Whoopi Goldberg, as well as providing exposure and experience to emerging young artists at the beginning of their careers. The ensemble regularly performs at the Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage of Carnegie Hall, and at the Alice Tully and Avery Fisher Halls of Lincoln Center. PACS has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CBS News Sunday Morning and on WQXR radio.

Central Jersey Symphony, Michael Avagliano, of Metuchen, NJ, placed second.

Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, Robert Butts, music director, placed third.

*****
The American Prize is pleased to announce the winners of The American Prize in Conducting (Community Orchestra Division), 2011.

Christopher Ramaekers, Chicago, IL

Christopher Ramaekers currently conducts the Orchestra of St. Vincent’s, the Hyde Park Youth Symphony, and the Ravenswood Community Orchestra in Chicago. He has appeared with the Kalamazoo Symphony, North Shore Chamber Orchestra, Alice Millar Brass Ensemble, and the Palomar Ensemble. With the Chicago Opera Vanguard, Chris has conducted works by Mark-Anthony Turnage, Eric Reda, and Augusta Read Thomas. Chris holds a Masters Degree from Northwestern University, where he studied with Victor Yampolsky.

David Bernard, music director of the The Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, New York, NY placed second.

David Leibowitz, New York, NY, placed third.

Congratulations!

WINNER in CHILDREN'S CHORUS PERFORMANCE announced

2011-07-21T15:00:00.017-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the winner of The American Prize in Choral Performance (Children's Chorus), 2011.

The Bel Canto Children's Chorus, Joy Hirokawa, director

The Bel Canto Children’s Chorus was founded in 1993. Comprised of auditioned treble singers from five counties in southeastern Pennsylvania, the singers have developed an international reputation for performing diversified choral repertoire at the highest standard of musical excellence and style. They are particularly noted for the innovative, artistic programs they perform. The choir has performed for numerous ACDA, MENC and PMEA conference programs and tours nationally and internationally.

The Old North Festival Youth Chorus placed second.

Receiving Honorable Mentions are:

Central Illinois Children's Chorus

and

Columbus International Children's Choir

Congratulations!

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT SCHEDULE for July 21st

2011-07-21T10:20:00.000-04:00

Today, Thursday, July 21, on this blog, we announce winners and runners-up in a number of choral, orchestral and conducting categories for The American Prize, 2012:

3pm—Children's Choir
4pm—Community Orchestra/Conductor
5pm—College/University Chorus/Conductor

Congratulations.

To know the exact day and time when additional announcements will be made, please subscribe to our facebook pages, twitter account or blog.

CORNELL MACNEIL, great American baritone, student of Friedrich Schorr, namesake of The American Prize vocal competition

2011-07-19T16:49:00.003-04:00

The American Prize notes with sadness the passing on July 15th of Cornell MacNeil, hailed in the New York Times as "one of the great postwar American baritones, best known for his roles in Verdi operas." MacNeil was perhaps the most successful and famous student of the great Wagnerian, Friedrich Schorr, namesake of The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards.

"Because of his extraordinary career and his direct connection to Friedrich Schorr, we had hoped that Mr. MacNeil would be able to serve on our advisory board or in some other honorary capacity in the coming years," commented David Katz, chief judge of The American Prize. "We are assembling the advisory board from among some of the twentieth century's greatest performing artists, but were waiting until later this year to make the announcement. Mr. MacNeil would have found himself in some very good company. I am sorry the invitation never made it to fruition. He was a wonderful artist."

Updated application forms and more information about The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards for 2012 will be posted to the website by the end of the month. The postmark deadline will be December 15, 2011.

To read more about Cornell MacNeil, please click here.

TWATAP for July 18, 2011—Announcing conducting & ensemble winners

2011-07-18T20:12:00.001-04:00

This week at The American Prize, we begin to announce winners of the conducting and ensemble competitions.

Here's the procedure:

1. After the judges weigh-in with rankings in the various categories, we contact the winner(s) by email and ask them to accept their prize designation(s).

2. Once we hear back positively from a winning ensemble or conductor, we post to facebook and tweet when we will announce the winners of that category. The announcement will be made on this blog and will include photos and bios of the winners, photos of runners-up, and notification of any special Citations or Honorable Mentions.

3. After all the winners have been announced in all categories, we assemble and send packets of awards, evaluations and certificates.

Please be patient—sometimes we are waiting to hear from an individual on our judging panel, or for an acceptance. We will announce winners as soon as we possibly can.

Best wishes to all finalists!
DK

TWATAP for July 7, 2011

2011-07-07T15:22:00.000-04:00

This week at The American Prize: updates on all competitions.

SCHORR VOCAL COMPETITION: all prizes, certificates and evaluations have been processed and sent. If you have not received yours by next week, please contact the office. We expect that applications and competition information for 2012 will be posted on the website by the end of the month. The postmark deadline will be December 15, 2011. All winners, runners-up, finalists and semi-finalists will shortly receive an email with The American Prize logo and official seal (for your professional use in programs, publicity and on websites, facebook pages and blogs.)

COMPOSITION CONTESTS: all prizes, certificates and evaluations have been sent. If you have not received yours by next week, please contact the office. All winners, runners-up, finalists and semi-finalists will shortly receive an email with The American Prize logo and official seal (for your professional use in programs, publicity and on websites, facebook pages and blogs.) We expect that applications and competition information for 2012 will be posted on the website by the end of the month. The postmark deadline will be December 15, 2011.

PIANO CONTESTS: all prizes, certificates and evaluations will be sent within the week. All winners, runners-up, finalists and semi-finalists will shortly receive an email with The American Prize logo and official seal (for your professional use in programs, publicity and on websites, facebook pages and blogs.) We expect that applications and competition information for 2012 will be posted on the website by the end of the month. The postmark deadline will be December 15, 2011.

ORCHESTRA, CHORAL and CONDUCTING CONTESTS: are being judged now. We expect to start to announce the winners beginning the week of July 18th. To know the exact day and time when winners will be announced (it depends on the judges’ completion of their tasks), please subscribe to our Facebook page or Twitter account.

THE AMERICAN PRIZE GIFTS: A new catalog of The American Prize merchandise, including The American Prize batons, embroidered golf shirts, personalized certificate frames, enamel lapel pins and other specialty gifts, will shortly be posted to the website. These items are available for sale to The American Prize winners, runners-up, finalists and semi-finalists, their family and friends (including ensemble members) only—not to the general public. Proceeds from the sale of The American Prize merchandise directly support the non-profit competitions.

ORCHESTRAL PROGRAMMING FINALISTS— VYTAUTAS MARIJOSIUS MEMORIAL AWARD

2011-06-22T16:00:00.004-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce conductors and their ensembles advanced to the final round of The American Prize in Orchestral Programming - Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award. Congratulations! To know the exact date and time when winners will be announced, please subscribe to our Facebook or Twitter pages.

To learn more about Maestro Marijosius and the award created in his honor, please visit our associated blog: Remembering Marijosius

FINALISTS (in no order) are:

Donald L. Appert, Music Director/Conductor, Oregon Sinfonietta, Vancouver, WA

Chris Younghoon Kim, Director of Orchestras, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Peter Freisinger, Music Director/Conductor, Freisinger Chamber Orchestra, Boston, MA

Michael Griffith, Director of Orchestral Activities, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

Jeffery Meyer, Director of Orchestras, Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra, Ithaca, NY

Mark Perlman, Music Director, Willamette Falls Symphony, Salem, OR

David Leibowitz, Music Director, New York Repertory Orchestra, New York, NY

CONDUCTOR FINALISTS for The American Prize, 2011

2011-06-20T16:00:00.009-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce conductors advanced to the final round of The American Prize in Conducting in all performance categories for 2011. Congratulations! To know the exact date and time when winners will be announced, please subscribe to our Facebook or Twitter pages.

Finalists for The American Prize in Orchestral Programming—Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award will be announced on Wednesday at 4 pm.

The American Prize in Conducting, Orchestra Division, 2011
FINALISTS (in no order)

Professional Orchestra
Benjamin Rous, Associate Conductor, Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Portsmouth, VA

Judith Morse, Music Director & Conductor, Edison Symphony Orchestra, Edison, NJ

Travis Jürgens, Music Director & Conductor, Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City, Kansas City, MO

Christopher Zimmerman, Music Director, Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, Falls Church, VA

Community Orchestra
Christopher Ramaekers, Principal Conductor, Ravenswood Community Orchestra, Chicago, Il

Eric Peterson, Conductor, Queer Urban Orchestra (QUD), Jackson Heights, NY

Mark Perlman, Music Director, Willamette Falls Symphony, Salem, OR

David Bernard, Music Director, Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, New York, NY

David Leibowitz, Music Director, New York Repertory Orchestra, New York, NY

College/University Orchestra
Kenneth Kiesler, Music Director, University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Ann Arbor, MI

Robert William Boardman, DMA Orchestral Conducting 2010, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Vera Volchansky, Director/Conductor, Millersville University Orchestra, Lancaster, PA

Jeffery Meyer, Directors of Orchestras, Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra, Ithaca, NY

Pu-Qi Jiang, conductor, University of Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Memphis, TN

Taeyoung Lee, Orchestral Conducting Student, The Mannes Orchestra, New York, NY

Jacob Sustaita, Graduate Assistant, Penn State University Philharmonic, State College, PA

Roger Kalia, Doctoral Conducting Fellow, Indiana University Sinfonietta/Aspen Music Festival Orchestra, Bloomington, IN

Youth Orchestra
Nathaniel Meyer, Founder & Conductor, Belmont Summer Music Festival Orchestra, Belmont, MA

Michael Webster, Artistic Director, Houston Youth Symphony, Houston, TX

Alyze Dreiling, Conductor, Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, San Diego, CA

The American Prize in Conducting, Choral Division, 2011
FINALISTS (in no order)

College/University Chorus
David P. DeVenney, Conductor, West Chester University Concert Choir, West Chester, PA

Richard Nance, Conductor, Pacific Lutheran University Choir of the West, Tacoma, WA

Carole J. Ott, Assistant Professor of Choral Music, University Chorale and Chamber Singers, Greensboro, NC

Peggy Dettwiler, Conductor, Mansfield University Concert Choir, Mansfield, PA

Community Chorus
Daniel Hughes, Conductor, The Choral Project, San Jose, CA

Richard Nance, Conductor, Pacific University (Community) Choral Union, Tacoma, WA

J. Reilly Lewis, Music Director, Cathedral Choral Society, Washington, D.C.

The American Prize in Conducting, Opera Division, 2011
FINALISTS (in no order)

Channing Yu, Conductor, Lowell House Opera, Cambridge, MA

Michael Sakir, Conductor, Boston Opera Collaborative, Boston, MA

Keith Clark, Artistic Director, Astoria Music Festival, Portland, OR

CHORAL FINALISTS for The American Prize 2011

2011-06-18T16:00:00.022-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce choruses advanced to the final round of The American Prize in Choral Performance competitions for 2011. Congratulations! To know the exact date and time when winners will be announced, please subscribe to our Facebook or Twitter pages.

We will begin to announce finalist conductors Monday at 4 pm.

David Katz, principal judge of The American Prize, shared these comments: "Based on the applications received this year and last, the quality of choral music-making (and choral education) in this country is indeed high. What a joy to experience such heartfelt and exquisite singing...The final decisions the judges face in several categories will be very difficult ones."

The American Prize in Choral Performance, 2011
FINALISTS (in no order)

Professional Chorus

Milwaukee Choral Artists, Sharon Hanson, director, Milwaukee, WI

Sky-Born Music: 10th anniversary commissions and world premieres

Washington Bach Consort, J. Reilly Lewis, founder and music director, Washington, DC

music by Byrd, Praetorius, Gabrieli, Sweelinck, Schutz and more

Sinfonia Voci, Daniel Abraham, Conductor & Artistic Director, Washington, DC
music by Bach, Carissimi, Rossi and Biber

The Princeton Singers, Steven Sametz, Artistic Director, Princeton, NJ
music by Finzi, Lauridsen, Milhaud, Sametz, more

Community or Faith-based Chorus

Sistrum: Lansing Women’s Chorus, Meredith Bowen, conductor, Lansing, MI
Brandon: Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn, more

Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Indianapolis, IN
Beethoven Symphony No. 9, Britten Sanctus from War Requiem

Peninsula Women’s Chorus, Martin Benvenuto, artistic director, Palo Alto, CA
Tormis, Elgar, Schumann, Barber, more

Austin Civic Chorus, Ryan Heller, conductor, Austin, TX
Cherubini: Requiem in C minor, more

Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble, Kenmore, WA
music by Martinu, Barber, Schumann, Muehleisen, more

Pacific Lutheran University (Community) Choral Union, Richard Nance, conductor, Tacoma, WA
Britten: The Company of Heaven, Tormis, Chilcott, more

Albany Pro Musica, David Griggs-Janower, artistic director and conductor, Albany, NY
An Hour to Sing: Music of Gwyneth Walker

Cathedral Choral Society, J. Reilly Lewis, conductor, Washington, DC
Beethoven: Missa Solemnis

Seattle Pro Musica, Karen Thomas, conductor, Seattle, WA
Mendelssohn: from Elijah, Lauridsen, more

Cantori New York, Mark Shapiro, artistic director, New York, NY
Castelnuovo-Tedesco: Romancero Gitano, Dowland, Levy

College/University Chorus

Mansfield University Concert Choir, Peggy Dettwiler, conductor, Mansfield, PA
music by Paulus, Whitacre, Bach, Byrd, Mendelssohn, more

West Chester University Concert Choir, David DeVenney, conductor, West Chester, PA
selections from Israel in Egypt, Rorem Four Madrigals, more

The University of South Dakota Chamber Singers, David Holdhusen, conductor, Vermillion, SD
music by Whitacre, Stanford, Ticheli, Christiansen, more

Pacific Lutheran University Choir of the West, Richard Nance, conductor, Tacoma, WA
Phoenix: includes music by Bach, Distler, Whitacre, McGlynn, Robinovitch, more

University of Arizona Symphonic Choir, Elizabeth Schauer, conductor, Tucson, AZ
music by Weekles, Monteverdi, Argento, Vaughan Williams, more

Secondary or High School Chorus

Longmeadow Hill School Lyrics, Kayla Werlin, conductor, Longmeadow, MA

music by Palestrina, Verdi, Bach, Durufle and more

Jr. Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, Susan Medley, conductor, Pittsburgh, PA

music by Schubert, Faure, Viadana and Dello Joio

Ann Arbor Huron High School A Cappella Choir, Richard Ingram, conductor, Ann Arbor, MI

music by Vivaldi, Finza, Childs, Ticheli and more

Youth Chorus

Old North Festival Youth Chorus, Rebecca Kenneally, director Marblehead, MA

holiday concert

The Bel Canto Children’s Chorus, Joy Hirokawa, artistic director, Red Hill, PA
music by Walker, Bach, Thompson, more

Columbus International Children’s Choir, Tatiana Kats, artistic director and principal conductor, Columbus, OH
music by Vivaldi, Bach, Verdi, Bizet, Rachmaninoff, more

Central Illinois Children’s Chorus Chamber Choir, Andrea Solya, conductor, Champaign, IL
music by Vivaldi, Clausen and Faure's Messe Basse

ORCHESTRA and OPERA finalists for The American Prize

2011-06-17T16:00:00.004-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce orchestras advanced to the final round of The American Prize in Orchestral Performance for 2011. Congratulations! To know the exact date and time when winners will be announced, please subscribe to our Facebook or Twitter pages.

Finalist choruses will be announced Saturday at 4 pm; conductors Monday at 4.

Maestro David Katz, chief judge of The American Prize, provided this perspective: "Selecting the finalist orchestras was not difficult for us this year. Despite differences in the size of the ensembles, the musical approach of the conductors, and, of course, the repertoire, there is no doubt that each of the semi-finalists was of a quality to be further adjudicated by the judges; each is obviously worthy of additional scrutiny..."

*****

The American Prize in Orchestral Performance, 2011
FINALISTS (in no order)

Professional Orchestra
Edison Symphony, Judith Morse, music director, Metuchen, NJ
Beethoven, Rimsky-Korsakov, Liszt, Ravel

Western Piedmont Symphony, John Gordon Ross, music director and conductor, Hickory, NC
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4, Weber, Warshauer

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Peter Rubardt, music director, Pensacola, FL
Holst from The Planets, Ives, Tower, Dvorak, Beethoven

Community Orchestra
The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, Robert Butts, conductor, Rockaway, NJ
Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Monteverdi

Central Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Michael Avagliano, music director, Metuchen, NJ
Haydn, Beethoven, Arriaga, Sibelius

Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, David Bernard, conductor, New York, NY
Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2

College/University Orchestra
Pacific (University) Philharmonic, Bryce Seliger, Director of Orchestral Activities, Forest Grove, OR
Mendelssohn, Dvorak, Ravel

Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra, Jeffery Meyer, conductor, Ithaca, NY
Brahms, Rossini, Shostakovich

The Mannes Orchestra, Taeyoung Lee, conductor, New York, NY
Shostakovich Symphony No. 5

University of Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Pu-Qi Jiang, director, Memphis, TN
Mahler Symphony No. 2, "Resurrection"

Cornell Symphony Orchestra, Chris Younghoon Kim, conductor, Ithaca, NY
Ravel Daphnis & Chloe Suite No. 2

University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Kenneth Kiesler, conductor, Ann Arbor, MI
Mahler Symphony No. 6

Youth Orchestra
Houston Youth Symphony, Michael Webster, conductor, Houston, TX
Prokofiev Romeo & Juliet

Vivace of Stringendo Orchestra School, Jon Handman, conductor, LaGrangeville, NY
Diamond, Elgar, Mozart, Suk

YPO Philharmonic String Orchestra and Soloist Ensemble, Alyze Dreiling, conductor and artistic director, San Diego, CA
Bartok Six Dances, Divertimento, Bridge Suite

Secondary or High School Orchestra
Horace Mann String Sinfonietta, Darin Lewis, conductor, Bronx, NY
Elgar, Tchaikovsky, Barber

Arlington High School Philharmonia, Jon Handman, conductor, LaGrangeville, NY
Dvorak, music from Chicago, Chronicle of Narnia

***

The American Prize is also pleased to announce ensembles who have advanced to the final round in its new competition in Opera Performance. Congratulations! To know the exact date and time when finalists will be announced, please subscribe to our Facebook or Twitter pages.

Maestro Katz: "Excellent performances, wonderful repertoire."

The American Prize in Opera Performance, 2011

FINALISTS (in no order)

The Crane Opera Ensemble, Crane School of Music (SUNY), Kirk Severtson, conductor, Potsdam, NY
Ravel: L'enfant et les sortileges

Boston Opera Collaborative, Michael Sakir, music director/conductor, Boston, MA
Adamo: Little Women

Lowell House Opera, Channing Yu, conductor, Cambridge, MA
Puccini: Tosca

Astoria Music Festival Opera, Keith Clark, artistic director and conductor, Portland, OR
Berg: Wozzeck

TWATAP for June 10, 2011

2011-06-10T16:41:00.032-04:00

After a violent electrical storm knocked out power to the offices of The American Prize for two full days this past week, we will be open for business as scheduled Monday morning.

This week at The American Prize:

SCHORR VOCAL COMPETITIONS: Certificates will be sent to remaining semi-finalists and others. Contestants will receive by email publicity materials to use in their promotion without restriction.

COMPOSITION CONTESTS: Winners and runners-up have been announced. Prizes, certificates and evaluations will be mailed this week.

PIANO COMPETITIONS: Winners and runners-up have been announced. Prizes, certificates and evaluations will be mailed next week.

CONDUCTING and ENSEMBLE PRIZES: finalists will be announced during the week. To know the exact date and time of announcements, please subscribe to our Facebook or Twitter pages.

WEBSITE UPDATES: We expect to begin to upload 2012 competition information this coming week.

FOR JUDGES: All piano, composition, conducting and ensemble judges will be contacted by email this week. Vocal judges will receive information by mail.

Please email if you have additional questions: theamericanprize@gmail.com or theamericanprz@aol.com

Many thanks.

WINNERS in Piano Performance—SOLO, all divisions of The American Prize

2011-06-07T09:45:00.010-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the winners of The American Prize in Piano Performance (Solo) in all divisions.

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION: Lin-Yu Wang

In the professional division, the winner is Lin-Yu Wang of Aiea, HI, for her recital of works by Scriabin, Berio and Dutilleux.

Lin-Yu Wang is a Doctoral Candidate of Arizona State University. She is an active soloist and accompanist, and has been performing in the United States, Taiwan, and the Czech Republic. Her recent appearances including performance with pianist Caio Pagano, alto Maya Hoover, soprano Jaqueline Quirk, violinist Elaine Lu, and cellist Pauline Bai. She is involved with the performance of 20th century music of Taiwan, especially of female composers. She is currently teaching in Honolulu.

May Phang of Greencastle, IN was the first runner-up, playing works by Liszt, Bach and Gougeon.

Jade Simmons, of Humble, TX was the second runner-up, for her cd featuring music by Barber, Corigliano, Pinkston and Roumain.

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION: Sora Park

In the college/university division, the winner is Sora Park of Macomb, IL.

Sora Park is from Seoul, South Korea and is in her second year as a graduate student in Piano Performance at Western Illinois University where she studies with Dr. Tammie Walker. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Hanyang University in Seoul and attended the Sun-hwa Arts School during her pre-college years. Ms. Park is a graduate assistant in piano accompanying and is the pianist for the Western Illinois University Singers, conducted by Dr. James Stegall.

Maria Dickson, of Provo, UT, placed second.

Soojung Jeon, Duluth, MN, placed third.

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION: Verina Chen

In the high school division, the winner is Verina Chen of Provo, UT.

Verina Chen began piano lessons eight years ago with Dr. Irene Peery-Fox. Verina placed first twice in the Utah State Fair, the MTNA Piano, and the Encore Concerto Competitions. She has soloed with the Utah Symphony twice for their Annual Salute to Youth concert and once as a Guest Artist. She also performed with the Utah Valley and American Fork Symphonies. Verina has studied viola for ten years. She enjoys reading, swimming, and tennis.

Aaron Potter of Albany, OR placed second.

Neha Kumar of Wynne, AR placed third.

Congratulations!

WINNERS in Piano Performance—CONCERTO of The American Prize, 2011

2011-05-28T16:03:00.006-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the winners of The American Prize in Piano Performance (Concerto).

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION: Sarah S. Chan

In the professional division, the winner is Sarah S. Chan of Rochester, NY, for her performance of the Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 and Mozart Piano Concerto No. 25.

Pianist Sarah Chan has concertized internationally, including engagements at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall (New York), Merkin Concert Hall (New York), Sala Ateneu (Bacau, Romania), La Cité Internationale des Arts (Paris), Meany Hall for the Performing Arts (Seattle), Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts (Annapolis), and Seattle Chamber Music Festival. As soloist with orchestra, she has performed with the National "Mihail Jora" Philharmonic of Romania, Romanian State Symphony, Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra, and Manhattan Chamber Orchestra. Ms. Chan was featured as “Carnegie Emerging Artist” and “Rising Artist” by New York Concert Artists and Associates in 2011 and 2010. She trained at the Eastman School of Music (D.M.A), Peabody Conservatory of Music (M.M.), Manhattan School of Music (B.M.), Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, and University of Michigan.

May Phang of Greencastle, IN was the first runner-up, playing the Rachmaninoff Second Concerto.

Catharine Quillen Dornin, of Concord, NH was the second runner-up, performing the Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4.

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION: George Hemcher

In the college/university division, the winner is George Hemcher of Frazer, PA, for his performance of the MacDowell Piano Concerto No. 2.

George J. Hemcher is a Senior at Hofstra University pursuing a degree in Music Merchandising. He studies privately with Professor Blanche Abram. He is an active collaborative pianist with Hofstra Opera Theatre under the dramatic direction of Isabel Milenski, and the musical direction Dr. David Ramael. In main stage theatre he was the collaborative pianist for L’incoronazione di Poppea, and Die Fledermaus. Mr. Hemcher will be playing for Don Giovanni in January 2010.

Sora Park of Macomb, IL placed second playing the Tchaikovsky First Concerto.

Stephanie Ng of Marietta, GA placed third playing the Chopin E minor Concerto.

Congratulations! Winners of the solo piano competition will be announced once all acceptances are received.

TWATAP for May 23, 2011: This week at The American Prize: updates on all competitions

2011-05-23T15:29:00.001-04:00

Here are updates on all current competitions, in order of date of their postmark deadline:

SCHORR VOCAL COMPETITIONS: Certificates and evaluations have been sent to all winners, runners-up and finalists. Remaining semi-finalists and others are next. Contestants will receive by email publicity materials to use in their promotion without restriction.

COMPOSITION CONTESTS: Winners and runners-up have been announced. Prizes, certificates and evaluations will be mailed in June.

PIANO COMPETITIONS: We expect to announce winners later this week. To know the exact date and time when winners will be announced, please subscribe to our Facebook or Twitter pages.

CONDUCTING & ENSEMBLE PRIZES: Semi-finalists have been announced. We expect to announce finalists within the next two weeks. To know the exact date and time when finalists will be posted to this blog, please subscribe to our Facebook or Twitter pages.

FOR JUDGES: Vocal, piano and composition judges are scheduled to receive an email from the office this week. In about ten days will be in touch with all other judges with additional updates.

Please email if you have additional questions: theamericanprize@gmail.com or theamericanprz@aol.com

Many thanks.

Semi-finalists: OPERA PERFORMANCE/CONDUCTING, ORCHESTRA PROGRAMMING announced

2011-05-20T16:06:00.028-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce those individuals and ensembles who have advanced to the semi-final round in its new competitions in Opera Performance, Opera Conducting and in the unique field of Orchestral Programming. Congratulations!

To know the exact date and time when finalists will be announced, please subscribe to our Facebook or Twitter pages.

The American Prize in Opera Performance, 2011

SEMI-FINALISTS (in no order)

Crane Opera Ensemble, Crane School of Music (SUNY), Potsdam, NY
Boston Opera Collaborative, Boston, MA
Lowell House Opera, Cambridge, MA
Astoria Music Festival Opera, Portland, OR

The American Prize in Conducting, Opera Division, 2011 SEMI-FINALISTS (in no order)

Channing Yu, Conductor, Lowell House Opera, Cambridge, MA
Robert W. Butts, Artistic Director/Conductor, Opera at Florham, Rockaway, NJ
Matthew Bertuzzi, Assistant Conductor, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Eric Peterson, Music Director, Troupers Light Opera Company, Stamford, CT
Beau Benson, Principal Conductor, Metroplex Opera Company, Robinson, TX
Michael Sakir, Conductor, Boston Opera Collaborative, Boston, MA
Keith Clark, Artistic Director, Astoria Music Festival, Portland, OR

The American Prize in Orchestral Programming, 2011

Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award
SEMI-FINALISTS (in no order)

Donald L. Appert, Music Director/Conductor, Oregon Sinfonietta, Vancouver, WA
Donald L. Appert, Music Director/Conductor, Clark College Orchestra, Vancouver, WA
Chris Younghoon Kim, Director of Orchestras, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Peter Freisinger, Music Director/Conductor, Freisinger Chamber Orchestra, Boston, MA
Michael Griffith, Director of Orchestral Activities, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
Brian Stone, Music Director, University of Delaware Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, Newark DE
Robert W. Butts, Conductor, Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, Rockaway, NJ
Jeffery Meyer, Director of Orchestras, Ithaca College Chamber Orchestra, Ithaca, NY
Jeffery Meyer, Director of Orchestras, Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra, Ithaca, NY
Mark Perlman, Music Director, Willamette Falls Symphony, Salem, OR
David Leibowitz, Music Director, New York Repertory Orchestra, New York, NY

Semi-finalists: CHORAL PERFORMANCE/CHORAL CONDUCTING announced

2011-05-19T16:00:00.004-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce choruses and choral conductors who have been advanced to the semi-final round of The American Prize competitions for 2011. Congratulations! To know the exact date and time when finalists will be announced, please subscribe to our Facebook or Twitter pages.

Semi-finalists in all remaining ensemble and conducting categories will be announced Friday and again on Saturday, both at 4pm.

The American Prize in Choral Performance, 2011
SEMI-FINALISTS (in no order)

Professional Chorus

Milwaukee Choral Artists, Milwaukee, WI
Washington Bach Consort, Washington, DC
Sinfonia Voci, Washington, DC
The Princeton Singers, Princeton, NJ

Community of Faith-based Chorus

New York City Master Chorale, New York, NY
Sistrum: Lansing Women’s Chorus, Lansing, MI
Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Indianapolis, IN
Peninsula Women’s Chorus, Palo Alto, CA
Austin Civic Chorus, Portland, OR
Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble, Kenmore, WA
The Choral Project, San Jose, CA
Pacific Lutheran University (Community) Choral Union, Tacoma, WA
Albany Pro Musica, Albany, NY
The Magpie Consort, Columbus, OH
Cathedral Choral Society, Washington, DC
Seattle Pro Musica, Seattle, WA
Cantori New York, New York, NY

College/University Chorus

Shepherd University Chamber Singers, Shepherdstown, WV
Mansfield University Concert Choir, Mansfield, PA
West Chester University Concert Choir, West Chester, PA
Re-Choired Element Chamber Choir, Albany, OR
The University of South Dakota Chamber Singers, Vermillion, SD
Pacific Lutheran University Choir of the West, Tacoma, WA
Mount Marty College Mixed Chorus and Chamber Choir, Yankton, SD
University of Arizona Symphonic Choir, Tucson, AZ

Secondary or High School Chorus

Longmeadow Hill School Lyrics, Longmeadow, MA
Jr. Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Ann Arbor Huron High School A Cappella Choir, Ann Arbor, MI

Youth Chorus

Old North Church Festival Youth Chorus, Marblehead, MA
The Bel Canto Children’s Chorus, Red Hill, PA
Columbus International Children’s Choir, Columbus, OH
Central Illinois Children’s Chorus Chamber Choir, Champaign, IL

The American Prize in Conducting, Choral Division, 2011
SEMI-FINALISTS (in no order)

College/University Chorus

David P. DeVenney, Conductor, West Chester University Concert Choir, West Chester, PA
Richard Nance, Conductor, Pacific Lutheran University Choir of the West, Tacoma, WA
Seung Wen Cho, Conductor, UIUC Varsity Men’s Glee Club, Savoy, IL
Carole J. Ott, Assistant Professor of Choral Music, University Chorale and Chamber Singers, Greensboro, NC
Sean Vogt, Director of Choral Activities, Mount Marty College Mixed Chorus and Chamber Choir, Yankton, SD
Peggy Dettwiler, Conductor, Mansfield University Concert Choir, Mansfield, PA

Community Chorus

Daniel Hughes, Conductor, The Choral Project, San Jose, CA
Richard Nance, Conductor, Pacific University (Community) Choral Union, Tacoma, WA
J. Reilly Lewis, Music Director, Cathedral Choral Society, Washington, D.C.

Semi-finalists: ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE/ORCHESTRAL CONDUCTING announced

2011-05-18T15:15:00.007-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce orchestras and orchestral conductors who have been advanced to the semi-final round of The American Prize competitions for 2011. Congratulations! To know the exact date and time when finalists will be announced, please subscribe to our Facebook or Twitter pages.

Semi-finalist choruses and choral conductors will be announced tomorrow at 4pm.

*****

The American Prize in Orchestral Performance, 2011
SEMI-FINALISTS (in no order)

Professional Orchestra
Edison Symphony, Metuchen, NJ
Western Piedmont Symphony, Hickory, NC
Pensacola Symphony, Pensacola, FL

Community Orchestra
The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, Rockaway, NJ
Central Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Metuchen, NJ
Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, New York, NY

College/University Orchestra
Pacific (University) Philharmonic, Forest Grove, OR
Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra, Ithaca, NY
The Mannes Orchestra, New York, NY
University of Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Memphis, TN
Cornell Orchestras, Ithaca, NY
University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Ann Arbor, MI

Youth Orchestra
Houston Youth Symphony, Houston, TX
Vivace String Orchestra, LaGrangeville, NY
Philharmonia String Orchestra and Soloist Ensemble, San Diego, CA

Secondary or High School Orchestra
Horace Mann String Sinfonietta, Bronx, NY
Arlington High School Philharmonia, LaGrangeville, NY

The American Prize in Conducting, Orchestra Division, 2011
SEMI-FINALISTS (in no order)

Professional Orchestra
Benjamin Rous, Associate Conductor, Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Portsmouth, VA
Judith Morse, Music Director & Conductor, Edison Symphony Orchestra, Edison, NJ
Travis Jürgens, Music Director & Conductor, Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
Christopher Zimmerman, Music Director, Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, Falls Church, VA

Community Orchestra
Christopher Ramaekers, Principal Conductor, Ravenswood Community Orchestra, Chicago, Il
Eric Peterson, Conductor, Queer Urban Orchestra (QUD), Jackson Heights, NY
Mark Perlman, Music Director, Willamette Falls Symphony, Salem, OR
David Bernard, Music Director, Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, New York, NY
David Leibowitz, Music Director, New York Repertory Orchestra, New York, NY

College/University Orchestra
Kenneth Kiesler, Music Director, University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Ann Arbor, MI
Robert William Boardman, DMA Orchestral Conducting 2010, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Yorgos Kouritas, Associate Conductor, Brighton Symphony, Music Director, New Horizons Orchestra, Rochester, NY
Bryce Seliger, Director of Orchestral Activities, Pacific Philharmonic, Forest Grove, OR
Nikolas Caoile, Director of Orchestras, Central Washington University Symphony Orchestra, Ellensburg, WA
Vera Volchansky, Director/Conductor, Millersville University Orchestra, Lancaster, PA
Jeffery Meyer, Directors of Orchestras, Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra, Ithaca, NY
Pu-Qi Jiang, conductor, University of Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Memphis, TN
Jason Lim, freelance conductor, Denton, TX
Taeyoung Lee, Orchestral Conducting Student, The Mannes Orchestra, New York, NY
Paul Mauffray, Assistant Conductor, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Bloomington, IN
Jacob Sustaita, Graduate Assistant, Penn State University Philharmonic, State College, PA
Roger Kalia, Doctoral Conducting Fellow, Indiana University Sinfonietta/Aspen Music Festival Orchestra, Bloomington, IN

Youth Orchestra
Nathaniel Meyer, Founder & Conductor, Belmont Summer Music Festival Orchestra, Belmont, MA
Michael Webster, Artistic Director, Houston Youth Symphony, Houston, TX
Alyze Dreiling, Conductor, Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, San Diego, CA

The American Prize in Composition—Orchestral Division

2011-05-16T12:58:00.002-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce that the winner of The American Prize in Composition (Orchestral Division) is Jesse Ayers, for The Passion of John Brown, commissioned by the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Christopher Wilkins, music director.

JESSE AYERS's (b. Knoxville, TN 1951) music has been performed in Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Russia, Poland, Serbia, Slovenia, and over 100 U.S. cities, and has twice been selected to represent the United States at the ISCM World Music Days. His awards include a MacDowell Fellowhip, an Individual Creativity Excellence Award from the Ohio Arts Council, annual awards from ASCAP, and grants from Meet the Composer and the American Music Center. For more about Mr. Ayers and The Passion of John Brown, please visit www.jesseayers.com

Lee Actor placed second with Dance Rhapsody.

Todd Goodman placed third with Concerto for Bass Clarinet and Orchestra.

Robert Wendel placed fourth with Towers of Light.

Congratulations! Information about The American Prize in Composition, 2012, will be posted soon to our website. The postmark deadline for applications will be December 15, 2011.

The American Prize in Composition—Choral Division

2011-05-16T12:45:00.002-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce that the winner of The American Prize in Composition (Choral Division) is Ted Vives, for Castrovalva, Lux Aeterna and Gloria.

Ted Vives has received many awards and commissions for his choral and instrumental works. He holds Bachelor's degrees in Music Composition and Education from Florida State University and a Master's in Music Composition and Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Florida. His composition instructors have included John Boda, Charles Carter, and Budd Udell. He is the musical director for the Los Alamos (NM) Community Winds where he resides with his wife and children. Visit http://www.survivesmusic.net

John Van Geem placed second for The Blue Spirit.

Congratulations! Information about The American Prize in Composition, 2012, will be posted soon to our website. The postmark deadline for applications will be December 15, 2011.

TWATAP: This week at The American Prize

2011-05-16T08:49:00.003-04:00

This week at The American Prize:

COMPOSERS: Winners of The American Prize in Composition have been selected and will be posted to our blog as soon as winners accept selection via email.

PIANISTS: Winners of The American Prize in Piano Performance will be announced next week as scheduled (exact time and date to be Tweeted and posted to our Facebook pages first.)

VOCALISTS: Certificates, evaluations have been sent to all winners and runners-up. The rest of the finalists will be sent this week, followed by certificates to semi-finalists and remaining contestants.

CONDUCTORS & ENSEMBLES: Semi-finalists will be announced on this blog at 4 pm Wednesday. Thanks for your patience while the person in the office who handles this has had a family emergency.

TWATAP: This week at The American Prize

2011-05-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

Updates on all competitions:

Vocal Performance/Schorr Awards: We expect to send cash prizes, certificates and evaluations to all WINNERS later this week. Certificates and evaluations to RUNNERS-UP and other FINALISTS will follow, then certificates to semi-finalists and others.

Composition Prizes: We expect to announce the WINNERS per the schedule published with the competitions guidelines. To know the exact day and time when the announcement will be made, please subscribe to our Facebook or Twitter feeds.

Piano Prizes: We expect to announce the WINNERS per the schedule published with the competitions guidelines. To know the exact day and time when the announcement will be made, please subscribe to our Facebook or Twitter feeds.

Conducting and Ensemble Prizes: We anticipate the announcement of SEMI-FINALISTS on this blog by late in the week. To know the exact day and time when the announcement will be made, please subscribe to our Facebook or Twitter feeds.

UPDATE on COMPETITIONS for CONDUCTORS & ENSEMBLES

2011-04-21T11:35:00.000-04:00

As noted in a recent email sent to all conducting and ensemble contestants for The American Prize, 2011, we have adjusted the published schedule for announcements of semi-finalists, finalists and winners in those categories. Please make note of the following:

SEMI-FINALISTS:

announcements begin the week of May 1, 2011
FINALISTS:

announcements begin the week of May 29, 2011
WINNERS:

announcements begin the week of June 19, 2011

For updates on the progress of the competition, and to learn the exact date when semi-finalists, finalists and winners in any category or division will be announced, please subscribe to our Facebook or Twitter pages.

To continue to conveniently receive important emailed communications directly from The American Prize office, please adjust your spam blocker to accept mail from our two primary email addresses: theamericanprz@aol.com or theamericanprize@gmail.com

Many thanks.

David Katz, chief judge
The American Prize

THE AMERICAN PRIZE in VOCAL PERFORMANCE—What happens next.

2011-04-19T11:51:00.000-04:00

Now that the winners of The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich and Virgina Schorr Memorial Awards have been announced, what happens next?

In the next few weeks, the office will send, in this order:
WINNERS—will receive written evaluations, certificates and cash prizes.
FINALISTS—will receive written evaluations and certificates.
SEMI-FINALISTS—will receive certificates.
OTHER APPLICANTS—will receive certificates of participation.

All semi-finalists, finalists and winners will also receive emailed graphics of The American Prize logo and official seal to use in their publicity without restriction.

All applicants will receive information on the availability of exclusive The American Prize gifts, offered only to The American Prize competition participants, families and friends. (Proceeds from the sale of The American Prize merchandise directly supports the non-profit competitions.)

The American Prize office will:
—post links to the announcement of winners on various websites, blogs and forums
—send press releases of winners, finalists and semi-finalists to national media and to media contacts provided by applicants.
—and will add Schorr Memorial Award winners to the winners page on The American Prize website and begin to upload clips of winning performances to our YouTube channel.

All contestants will also receive a short email evaluation in which you will be asked to provide feedback about The American Prize—what you liked, and how we can make the competition better.

The postmark deadline for applications for The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards for 2012 is December 15, 2011. We expect that revised competition information and application forms will be available on the website in about a month.

Thanks to all contestants.

WINNERS of THE AMERICAN PRIZE in VOCAL PERFORMANCE in ART SONG for 2011 (WOMEN)

2011-04-11T15:45:00.003-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the 2011 winners and runners-up of The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards in Art Song (women.)

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION:

THE AMERICAN PRIZE:
Christine Steyer, soprano, Oak Park, IL
Chicagoan Christine Steyer received major awards at the Altamura/Caruso International Competition and National Opera Association Competition. Roles include Pamina with Tulsa Opera, Abigail in The Crucible, the Marschallin and Violetta and has performed numerous roles with Lyric Opera of Chicago. Upcoming engagements include Butterfly, Four Last Songs and Mother in Amahl. She is featured on Caroline Myss' Voices of the Sacred and founded Bellissima Opera Outreach which brought free music to 9,000 schoolchildren in 2010.

2nd Place: Karen Lupton, soprano, Atlanta, GA

3rd Place: Brandie Sutton, soprano, New York, NY

*****

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION:

THE AMERICAN PRIZE:

Georgia Duan, soprano, Bronx, NY

Soprano Georgia Duan is a rising talent with a keen interest in the Italian and Austrian operatic styles. She made her German debut as the Königin der Nacht (Die Zauberflöte) with the Mittelsächsisches Theater Freiberg and has sung Mabel with Opera San Luis Obispo. In December, she returns to San Francisco to sing Giulia in Rossini’s La scala di seta. Georgia holds degrees from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Stanford University.

2nd Place: Megan Welker, soprano, Evanston, IL

3rd Place: Leah Kaye Serr, mezzo-soprano, Shippensburg, PA

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION:

THE AMERICAN PRIZE:
Emily Tworek-Helenbrook, soprano, Alexander, NY

Emily Tworek-Helenbrook, 16 year old, lyric coloratura soprano was showcased on the CBS Morning Show with Renee Fleming. Emily was awarded first place at the Schmidt Vocal Competition and Classical Singer’s Mannes College and Boston Conservatory, Marvin Hamlisch BPO Contest, and Rochester Oratorio Classical Idol. Emily performed at the Kosciuszko Foundation, NYC as winner of the Barry Alexander International Voice Competition She performed as a soloist with the Buffalo Philharmonic, Viva Vivaldi Festival (four years), Rochester Philharmonic, Genesee Symphony, and Cheektowaga Orchestra.

2nd Place: Ava Borowski, soprano, Wilmington, DE

CONGRATULATIONS!

WINNERS of THE AMERICAN PRIZE in VOCAL PERFORMANCE in ART SONG for 2011 (MEN)

2011-04-11T15:43:00.002-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the 2011 winners and runners-up of The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards in Art Song (men.)

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION:

There were co-winners in the Professional division in 2011. Each will receive the same honors.

THE AMERICAN PRIZE:
Blake Friedman, tenor, New York, NY
“Fresh Lyric Tenor” (OperaNews Online) Blake Friedman, is a native of Chicago, Illinois. Praised for his “climactic high notes” by Q on Stage, Mr. Friedman was named Honorable Mention in the 2010 Eisenberg-Fried Concerto Competition and was a Finalist in The New York Lyric Opera Theatre Vocal Competition of 2010. Mr. Friedman’s performance credits include opera, oratorio, solo and choral engagements, most notably: Cover of Tenor 6 “The Prince” in Conrad Susa’s Transformations as guest artist at The Juilliard School.

THE AMERICAN PRIZE:
Jonathan Beyer, baritone, Philadelphia, PA
Jonathan Beyer is a baritone who has performed with opera companies in Dallas, Pittsburgh, Austin, Chicago, Fort Worth, Santa Barbara, and Aix-en-Provence among others. He has also appeared with the Chicago, Pittsburgh, Baton Rouge, Vermont, and Indianapolis Symphonies. He was the 1st Place Winner at the Marian Anderson, McCammon, Cooper, DuPont, Verismo, American Opera Society, and Bel Canto Competitions. He has degrees from the Curtis Institute and Roosevelt University. Upcoming engagements include Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Knoxville, Dallas, Austin, Chicago Symphony, and Carnegie Hall.

2nd Place: Mischa Bouvier, baritone, Shirley, NY

3rd Place: Darren Chase, tenor, New York, NY

*****

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION:

THE AMERICAN PRIZE:

Jeffrey Hill, Annandale on Hudson, NY

Jeffrey Hill, 25, tenor. Featured young artist at both Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and Music Academy of the West. Carnegie Hall recital debut this spring. He has already made recital debuts in Paris and New York, and has won several competitions, including the Marilyn Horne Foundation Competition. Featured in reviews as “a force to be reckoned with, [a voice] that sounds effortless but absolutely commands the listener’s attention,” “impressively rich and full-bodied” and “Authoritative.”

2nd Place: Thomas Florio, bass-baritone, Bloomington, IN

3rd Place: Jeffrey Grayson Gates, baritone, Oklahoma City, OK

CONGRATULATIONS!

WINNERS of THE AMERICAN PRIZE in VOCAL PERFORMANCE in OPERA for 2011 (women)

2011-04-11T11:55:00.002-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the 2011 winners and runners-up of The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards in Opera (women.)

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION:

THE AMERICAN PRIZE:
Laura Strickling, Alexandria, VA
Soprano Laura Strickling’s operatic roles include Mimi, Dinorah, Elvira, Josephine, Mabel, Belinda, Countess, Gretel, Micaëla, and Pamina. Concert engagements include Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass, Beethoven’s Mass in C, and Handel’s Messiah. Winner of the Vocal Arts Society and Baltimore Music Club competitions, she was a finalist in the NATSAA and the Washington International competitions. A graduate of the Peabody Conservatory and the Moody Bible Institute, she studies with Elizabeth Daniels and lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

2nd Place: Greer Davis, soprano, Chicago, IL

3rd Place: Tami Petty, soprano, New York, NY

*****

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION:

THE AMERICAN PRIZE:

Maren Weinberger, soprano, Houston, TX

Maren Weinberger is a senior vocal performance major at Oklahoma City University and studies with Larry Keller and vocal coach Jan McDaniel. This summer she participated in “Si Parla, Si Canta”, an opera program in Urbania, Italy under Benton Hess, director of opera at Eastman School of Music, and worked with esteemed faculty including Bob Cowart (The Metropolitan Opera). She has also been seen in Light Opera Oklahoma’s ’09 summer season in My Fair Lady, The Gondoliers, and A Little Night Music. Her OCU credits include: Violetta in La Traviata, The Consul (as Anna Gomez), Too Many Sopranos (as Jeanette), and Bat Boy.

2nd Place: Rebecca Patrick Flaherty, soprano, Pooler, GA

3rd Place: Sara Antunovich, Brooklyn, NY

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION:

There were co-winners in the High School division in 2011. Each will receive the same honors.

THE AMERICAN PRIZE:
Laura Corina Sanders, soprano, Hillsborough, CA
Laura Sanders is a student at St. Ignatius College Preparatory. She has performed in numerous productions including as Cis in the SF Opera Merola Program production of Albert Herring; Mary in the Lamplighters Music Theatre's The Secret Garden; Laurie in Oklahoma; and principle and ensemble roles in Beauty and the Beast, Fiddler on the Roof; Guys and Dolls, Cabaret, Yeomen of the Guard, Pirates of Penzance, Iolanthe, Gondoliers, Ruddygore, and A Christmas Carol.

THE AMERICAN PRIZE:
Emily Tworek-Helenbrook, soprano, Alexander, NY
Emily Tworek-Helenbrook, 16 year old, lyric coloratura soprano was showcased on the CBS Morning Show with Renee Fleming. Emily was awarded first place at the Schmidt Vocal Competition and Classical Singer’s Mannes College and Boston Conservatory, Marvin Hamlisch BPO Contest, and Rochester Oratorio Classical Idol. Emily performed at the Kosciuszko Foundation, NYC as winner of the Barry Alexander International Voice Competition She performed as a soloist with the Buffalo Philharmonic, Viva Vivaldi Festival (four years), Rochester Philharmonic, Genesee Symphony, and Cheektowaga Orchestra.

CONGRATULATIONS!

WINNERS of THE AMERICAN PRIZE in VOCAL PERFORMANCE in OPERA for 2011 (MEN)

2011-04-11T11:54:00.001-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the 2011 winners and runners-up of The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards in Opera (men.)

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION:

THE AMERICAN PRIZE:
Jonathan Beyer, baritone, Philadelphia, PA
Jonathan Beyer is a baritone who has performed with opera companies in Dallas, Pittsburgh, Austin, Chicago, Fort Worth, Santa Barbara, and Aix-en-Provence among others. He has also appeared with the Chicago, Pittsburgh, Baton Rouge, Vermont, and Indianapolis Symphonies. He was the 1st Place Winner at the Marian Anderson, McCammon, Cooper, DuPont, Verismo, American Opera Society, and Bel Canto Competitions. He has degrees from the Curtis Institute and Roosevelt University. Upcoming engagements include Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Knoxville, Dallas, Austin, Chicago Symphony, and Carnegie Hall.

2nd Place: John Concepcion, tenor, Homewood, IL

3rd Place: Jonathan Blalock, tenor, Sunnyside, NY

*****

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION:

THE AMERICAN PRIZE:

Casey B. Finnigan, tenor, Houston, TX

The second place winner of the 2010 Classical Singer competition, Mr. Finnigan is currently working on his MM in vocal performance at the University of Houston. Recent performances include Rodolfo in La Boheme at Sherrill Milnes' "Voice Experience" program. Upcoming engagements include the role of Pablo Neruda in Daniel Catan's new opera Il Postino at the University of Houston. Mr. Finnigan received his BM in voice performance from the University of North Texas in 2009.

2nd Place: Luke Scott, baritone, West Hartford, CT

3rd Place: Philip Stoddard, baritone, New York, NY

CONGRATULATIONS!

TWATAP for MONDAY, APRIL 4

2011-04-04T08:18:00.009-04:00

This Week At The American Prize:

VOCAL COMPETITIONS: final tabulation of results (we are waiting on several judges); contacting winners privately, then making announcements on our blog after designations are accepted. (Check our Twitter and Facebook pages for updates about the timing of announcements). For more about how Schorr Vocal competition winners will be announced, see the previous blog post, below.

ENSEMBLE & CONDUCTING COMPETITIONS: we continue to confirm receipt of applications for the competitions, which had an extended deadline of last Thursday, March 31, 2011.

VOCAL, PIANO, COMPOSITION CONTESTS: emails to media are being sent.

Questions? Please email the office: theamericanprz@aol.com or theamericanprize@gmail.com
Many thanks.

HOW TAP/SCHORR VOCAL WINNERS will be ANNOUNCED

2011-03-29T10:24:00.000-04:00

Here is the procedure we will follow to announce winners of The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards.

We expect to have heard from all vocal judges by the end of this week. Results will be tabulated. Then we will start to contact winners individually. Winners will be asked to accept their designation first, then this information will be announced publicly on our blog, along with runners-up and any special citation awards the competition may make. To know the exact schedule of announcements, subscribe to our facebook or twitter pages.

After the winners and runners-up in all categories have been announced, winners will receive cash awards, certificates and written evaluations from the competition office. Following that, written evaluations and certificates will be sent to any citation winners, runners-up and other finalists. Certificates will then be sent to remaining semi-finalists.

We thank you for your participation in The American Prize. As we start to complete the process for this season, do feel free to email the office with any questions you may have.

We expect to post applications/requirements for the 2012 competition on the website in early summer, with the postmark deadline of December 15, 2011.

Again, congratulations.

PIANO SOLO/CONCERTO FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

2011-03-26T11:49:00.000-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the finalists in its 2011 piano competitions, in both the concerto performance and solo divisions. Winners of The American Prize in Piano Performance will be chosen from these listings.

In addition to being announced on The American Prize blog, finalists and their media contacts will be emailed this information. To know exactly when winners in any category will be announced, please subscribe to our facebook or twitter pages.

The judges reserve the right to award Honorable Mentions, Citations, and other recognition to praiseworthy applicants later in the process. Non-semi-finalists will also receive certificates.

The postmark deadline for the next round of piano competitions of The American Prize is December 15, 2011. Application forms and further information will be available on the website in early summer.

Finalists: CONCERTO PERFORMANCE—professional division

Sarah S. Chan, Rochester, NY—Mozart #25 and Brahms #1 (two applications)
Catharine Dornin, Concord, NH—Beethoven #4
May Phang, Greencastle, IN—Rachmaninoff #2

Finalists: CONCERTO PERFORMANCE—college/university division

George Hemcher, Frazer, PA—MacDowell #2
Stephanie Ng, Marietta, GA—Chopin #1
Sora Park, Macomb, IL—Tchaikovsky #1

Finalists: SOLO PIANO—professional division

David Katz, chief judge of The American Prize, offered these comments about the professional solo piano division: "Already as semi-finalists, these candidates evidence pianism at a very high level. The programs are challenging and interesting, with often crystalline playing, power and technique in abundance. We will leave it to the rest of our colleagues to sort out the final order. By doing so, The American Prize is able to offer every one of these worthy candidates the benefit of a written evaluation, regardless of who the final winner may be. A truly wonderful competition."

Sarah S. Chan, Rochester, NY (Scarlatti, Brahms, Beethoven, Debussy)
Susan Chan, Tigard, OR (Louie, Franck, Chopin)
Catharine Quillen Dornin, Concord, NH (Mozart, Grieg, Fanny Mendelssohn, Amy Beach)
Jeongwon Ham, Norman, OK (Mozart, Kabalevsky, Schumann, Hindemith, Liszt)
Lok Ng, Killington, VT (Beethoven, Barber, Chopin, Busoni, Brahms)
May Phang, Greencastle, IN (Liszt, Bach, Gougeon)
Joseph Satava, Baltimore, MD (Beethoven, Szymanowski, Mussorgsky)
Jade Simmons, Humble, TX (Barber, Corigliano, Pinkston, Roumain)
Lin-Yu Wang, Aiea, HI (Scriabin, Berio, Dutilleux)

Finalists: SOLO PIANO—college/university division

Maria Dickson, Provo, UT
Soojung Jeon, Duluth, MN
Sora Park, Macomb, IL

Finalists: SOLO PIANO—high school division

Verina Chen, Provo, UT
Neha Kumar, Wynne, AR
Aaron Michael Potter, Albany, OR

Congratulations to all!

FINALISTS in CHORAL & ORCHESTRAL COMPOSITION

2011-03-26T11:47:00.000-04:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the finalists in its 2011 composition contests, in both the choral and orchestral divisions. Winners of The American Prize in Composition will be chosen from this list.

In addition to the announcement here, finalists and their media contacts will be emailed this information. To know exactly when winners in any category will be announced, please subscribe to our facebook or twitter pages.

If you were not chosen as a finalist, the competition is not yet over. The judges reserve the right to award Honorable Mentions, Citations, and other recognition to praiseworthy applicants later in the process. Non-semi-finalists will also receive certificates.

The postmark deadline for the next composition contest of The American Prize is December 15, 2011. Application forms and further information will be available on the website in early summer.

CHORAL COMPOSITION FINALISTS and their submitted works:
Ted Vives—Castrovalva, Lux Aeterna, Gloria
John Van Geem—The Blue Spirit

ORCHESTRAL COMPOSITION FINALISTS and their submitted works:
Lee Actor—Dance Rhapsody
Robert Wendel—Towers of Light
Jesse Ayers—The Passion of John Brown
Todd Goodman—Concerto for Bass Clarinet

Congratulations to all finalists.

TWATAP: This week at The American Prize

2011-03-20T16:34:00.001-04:00

Monday, March 21, 2011

Here is what is happening at The American Prize offices this week:

1. APPLICATION EXTENSIONS: We continue to welcome requests for extensions for the competitions for conductors and ensembles, with the new postmark deadline of Thursday, March 31, 2011. Just email the office at theamericanprz@aol.com or theamericanprize@gmail.com with your intention to apply.

2. ACKNOWLEDGING CONDUCTOR/ENSEMBLE APPLICATIONS: We have received scores of applications from conductors and ensembles leading up to the original deadline last week. As applications are processed in the coming weeks, we will confirm receipt by email to all contestants.

3. ANNOUNCING PIANO & COMPOSER FINALISTS: We expect to announce finalists in the competitions for composers and pianists by late in the week. Details of exactly when announcements will be made are always Tweeted and posted to our Facebook pages first.

Questions? Please email us.

CONDUCTOR and ENSEMBLES APPLICATIONS: deadline extension

2011-03-12T06:33:00.001-05:00

We are excited to have already received scores of applications from all over the U.S. for the 2011 conductor and ensemble contests of The American Prize, providing reward and recognition to the finest orchestras, choruses, bands, opera and musical theater companies and their conductors in the U.S. The published postmark deadline for this round of the competition is Tuesday, March 15. Although the date on the website will not be changed, applications will be accepted with the extended postmark deadline of Thursday, March 31 for those who need more time or who just learned of the contests.

You need not request an extension in advance. Simply be sure that both the emailed and regular-mailed portions of your application are postmarked by that date. Questions? Please email the office at theamericanprz@aol.com or theamericanprize@gmail.com

THE AMERICAN PRIZE in VOCAL PERFORMANCE opera & art song finalists (MEN)

2011-03-07T12:08:00.000-05:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the finalist men in the OPERA & ART SONG divisions. The winners of The American Prize in Vocal Performance Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards will be chosen from the contestants below. In addition to this blog listing, finalists and their media contacts will be emailed this information shortly. To know exactly when winners in any category will be announced, please subscribe to our facebook or twitter pages.

If you were not chosen as a finalist, the competition is not yet over. The judges reserve the right to award Honorable Mentions, Citations, and other recognition to praiseworthy applicants later in the process. Non-semi-finalists will also receive certificates.

The American Prize in Vocal Performance Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards finalists in OPERA (men) in no order are:

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION:

Jonathan Beyer, Philadelphia, PA
Jonathan Blalock, Sunnyside, NY
John Concepcion, Homewood, IL
David Salsbery Fry, New York, NY
Victor Khodadad, Brooklyn, NY
Yohan Yi, Los Angeles, CA

COLLEGE DIVISION:

Philip Stoddard, New York, NY
Luke Scott, West Hartford, CT
Casey B. Finnegan, Houston, TX

The American Prize in Vocal Performance Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards finalists in ART SONG (men) in no order are:

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION:

Jonathan Beyer, Philadelphia, PA
Mischa Bouvier, Shirley, NY
Darren Chase, New York, NY
Blake Friedman, New York, NY

COLLEGE DIVISION:

Philip Stoddard, New York, NY
Jeffrey Hill, Annandale on Hudson, NY
Jeffrey Grayson Gates, Oklahoma City, OK
Thomas Florio, Bloomington, IN

Congratulations to all finalists.

PROFESSIONAL OPERA FINALISTS (women) ANNOUNCED

2011-03-05T11:59:00.000-05:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the finalist women in the professional OPERA category. The winners of The American Prize in Vocal Performance Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards will be chosen from the contestants below. In addition to this blog listing, finalists and their media contacts will be emailed this information shortly. To know exactly when winners in any category will be announced, please subscribe to our facebook or twitter pages.

If you were not chosen as a finalist, the competition is not yet over. The judges reserve the right to award Honorable Mentions, Citations, and other recognition to praiseworthy applicants later in the process. Non-semi-finalists will also receive certificates.

The American Prize in Vocal Performance Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards finalists in OPERA (women) are:

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION
I-Chun Cheng, New York, NY
Greer Davis, Chicago, IL
Annie Gill, Baltimore, MD
Megan Hart, Portland, OR
Perri Montane', Decatur, GA
Maryann Mootos, Brooklyn, NY
Tami Petty, New York, NY
Diane Thueson Reich, Orem, UT
Nili Riemer, Dorset, VT
Sharee Seal, New York, NY
Penelope Shumate, Philadelphia, PA
Christine Steyer, Oak Park, IL
Laura Strickling, Alexandria, VA
Diana Tash, Los Angeles, CA
Marci Wagnon, Indianapolis, IN
Meredith Ziegler, Storrs, CT

Congratulations. Additional finalist women in other divisions and categories are listed in the post below. Finalist men to be announced shortly.

THE AMERICAN PRIZE in VOCAL PERFORMANCE women finalists ANNOUNCED in most categories

2011-03-04T11:59:00.000-05:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the finalist women in the OPERA & ART SONG divisions, except for the professional opera category, which is delayed until the weekend. (See our facebook page for details.) The winners of The American Prize in Vocal Performance Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards will be chosen from the contestants below. In addition to this blog listing, finalists and their media contacts will be emailed this information shortly. To know exactly when winners in any category will be announced, please subscribe to our facebook or twitter pages.

If you were not chosen as a finalist, the competition is not yet over. The judges reserve the right to award Honorable Mentions, Citations, and other recognition to praiseworthy applicants later in the process. Non-semi-finalists will also receive certificates.

The American Prize in Vocal Performance Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards finalists in OPERA (women) are:

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION

Maren Weinberger, Houston, TX
Erin Roth, Plano, TX
Christina Theresa Pecce, Hempstead, NY
Melanie Long, Bronx, NY
Amy Keesun Kwon, Baltimore, MD
Sara Michael Jacobi, Fredericksburg, TX
Stefanie Izzo, Briarwood, NY
Rebecca Patrick Flaherty, Pooler, GA
Katie Carlson, San Francisco, CA
Cristina Burack, Vienna, Austria
Sara Antunovich, Brooklyn, NY
Megan Welker, Evanston, IL

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION

Laura Corina Sanders, Hillsborough, CA
Emily Tworek-Helenbrook, Alexander, NY

The American Prize in Vocal Performance Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards finalists in ART SONG (women) are:

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION

Rebekah Alexander, Brookline, MA
Kathleen Allen, Auburn, AL
Kimberly Giordano, Bothell, WA
Megan Hart, Portland, OR
Deborah Lifton, Stamford, CT
Karen Lupton, Atlanta, GA
Diane Thueson Reich, Orem, UT
Penelope Schumate, Philadelphia, PA
Christine Steyer, Oak Park, IL
Laura Strickling, Alexandria, VA
Brandie Sutton, New York, NY

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION

Jourdan Laine Burger, Palmetto, FL
Leah Kaye Serr, Shippensburg, PA
Megan Welker, Evanston, IL
Young Hee Kim, Adelphi, MD
Georgia Duan, Bronx, NY

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION

Ava Borowski, Wilmington, DE
Emily Tworek-Helenbrook, Alexander, NY

Congratulations to all finalists. (We except to announce the rest of the finalists by the end of the weekend. See our facebook and twitter pages for further details.)

A COMPETITION for the REST of US

2011-02-27T07:06:00.001-05:00

"The American Prize—a competition for the rest of us", an article about the value and importance of The American Prize, has just been published on PRIZEWORTHY our brand new sister blog, offering ideas and advice about the national competitions in the performing arts.

PRIZEWORTHY will feature longer articles about the competitions, highlighting the value, philosophy and structure of The American Prize. It is also where features on winners will occasionally be published. We invite you to subscribe to our facebook or twitter pages to get notice of when new features are added to PRIZEWORTHY — and do continue to check out the latest news here on our competition blog.

GIFT creates VYTAUTAS MARIJOSIUS AWARDS in CONDUCTING, PROGRAMMING

2011-02-25T11:37:00.000-05:00

I am very pleased to announce that The American Prize competitions has received a generous gift from the family of Maestro Vytautas Marijosius to fund cash awards in conducting and orchestral programming, honoring the memory of the great Lithuanian Maestro who taught at the Hartt School of Music for more than thirty years.

In addition to written evaluations and certificates of accomplishment, winners of The American Prize in Conducting—Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Awards in 2011 in the following categories will each receive minimum $200 cash awards as a result of the Marijosius Family gift:

Orchestral Conducting

professional, college/university and community categories

Opera Conducting

professional category

Orchestral Programming

one $200 prize will be awarded. Additional prizes of from $100-$200 may be awarded if the number and quality of other applicants warrant.

The postmark deadline for the competitions is:

Tuesday, March 15, 2011.

Complete information, including requirements and application forms, may be found on the website The American Prize.

about MARIJOSIUS

Maestro Vytautas Marijosius was born in Lithuania in 1910. He studied at the Prague Conservatory with Hermann Scherchen and Vaclav Talich and by the age of 28 was music director of the Lithuanian State Opera. He recorded for Deutsche Grammaphone, guest conducted throughout Eastern Europe, and was awarded the Order of the White Lion by the Czechoslovak government for his services to Czech culture, the country’s highest honor to a non-citizen.

Driven from his homeland by the Communists, he settled in New Britain, Connecticut in 1948 and soon joined the faculty at the Hartt School of Music (later part of the University of Hartford) where he taught for more than thirty years. He died in 1996.

A man of remarkable perception, quick wit, extraordinary musical skill and impeccable taste, Marijosius was delightful and demanding, beloved of faculty and students. Loyal to a fault, he remained at Hartt even when offered the post of music director of opera at the Eastman School of Music.

His podium manner was reserved and elegant (he had the most beautiful conducting technique I have ever seen) but he could generate overwhelming emotion in performance. The audience reaction to his concert of complete acts from Boris Godunov and Lohengrin at Hartt in 1973, for example, threatened the stability of the auditorium’s architecture.

He had catholic tastes, exposing his students not only to the great masters of the past, but to symphonic masterworks by (then) living composers as diverse as Husa, Copland, Honegger, Britten, Ginastera and Schuman. I am honored to have studied with him as an undergraduate and later became he graduate assistant, and I am delighted that the Marijosius family has decided to honor his memory through the awarding of The American Prize.

Individuals who also wish to honor the memory of Maestro Marijosius are invited to make tax deductible donations via our website portal: http://www.theamericanprize.org/pleasedonate.html Funds donated in this way will be used to fund cash awards only, not for administration. See the website for details or send me an email at theamericanprize@gmail.com

For more about Maestro Vytautas Marijosius, please visit our affiliated blog: Remembering Marijosius.

DK

SOLO PIANO & CONCERTO SEMI-FINALISTS

2011-02-18T16:06:00.003-05:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the semi-finalists in its 2011 piano competitions, in both the concerto performance and solo divisions. Finalists will be chosen from this list, from which the winners of The American Prize in Piano Performance will be chosen. In addition to the blog announcement, semi-finalists and their media contacts will be emailed this information shortly. To know exactly when finalists and winners in any category will be announced, please subscribe to our facebook or twitter pages.

If you were not chosen as a semi-finalist, the competition is not yet over. The judges reserve the right to award Honorable Mentions, Citations, and other recognition to praiseworthy applicants later in the process. Non-semi-finalists will also receive certificates.

The postmark deadline for the next round of piano competitions of The American Prize is December 15, 2011. Application forms and further information will be available on the website shortly.

Lastly, just a reminder that the postmark deadline for applications by conductors and ensembles (orchestras, choruses, bands, opera and musical theater companies) is Tuesday, March 15, 2011. Complete information on the website.

PIANO CONCERTO PERFORMANCE—professional division

Sarah S. Chan, Rochester, NY
Catharine Dornin, Concord, NH
May Phang, Greencastle, IN

CONCERTO PERFORMANCE—college/university division

George Hemcher, Frazer, PA
Stephanie Ng, Marietta, GA
Sora Park, Macomb, IL

SOLO PIANO—professional division

Sarah S. Chan, Rochester, NY
Susan Chan, Tigard, OR
Catharine Quillen Dornin, Concord, NH
Jeongwon Ham, Norman, OK
Lok Ng, Killington, VT
May Phang, Greencastle, IN
Joseph Satava, Baltimore, MD
Jade Simmons, Humble, TX
Lin-Yu Wang, Aiea, HI

SOLO PIANO—college/university division

Maria Dickson, Provo, UT
Soojung Jeon, Duluth, MN
Sora Park, Macomb, IL

SOLO PIANO—high school division

Verina Chen, Provo, UT
Neha Kumar, Wynne, AR
Aaron Michael Potter, Albany, OR

Congratulations!

2011 JUDGES photos and biographies

2011-02-13T06:46:00.002-05:00

Photos and biographies of all 2011 judges of The American Prize have been updated on our Website and Facebook pages. Click here: The American Prize

The American Prize in COMPOSITION—semi-finalists

2011-02-11T12:26:00.000-05:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the semi-finalists in its 2011 composition contests, in both the choral and orchestral divisions. Finalists will be chosen from this list, from which the winners of The American Prize in Composition will be chosen. In addition to the blog announcement, semi-finalists and their media contacts will be emailed this information shortly. To know exactly when finalists and winners in any category will be announced, please subscribe to our facebook or twitter pages.

If you were not chosen as a semi-finalist, the competition is not yet over. The judges reserve the right to award Honorable Mentions, Citations, and other recognition to praiseworthy applicants later in the process. Non-semi-finalists will also receive certificates.

The postmark deadline for the next composition contest of The American Prize is December 15, 2011. Application forms and further information will be available on the website shortly.

Lastly, just a reminder that the postmark deadline for applications by conductors and ensembles is Tuesday, March 15, 2011. Complete information on the website.

CHORAL COMPOSITION SEMI-FINALISTS and their submitted works:

Ted Vives—Castrovalva, Lux Aeterna, Gloria

John Van Geem—The Blue Spirit

ORCHESTRAL COMPOSITION SEMI-FINALISTS and their submitted works:

Michael Glenn Williams—Rising Stars Overture

Lee Actor—Dance Rhapsody

Todd Goodman—Concerto for Bass Clarinet

Robert Wendel—Towers of Light

Jesse Ayers—The Passion of John Brown

Ted Vives—Fanfare Diamante

Congratulations to all semi-finalists.

The American Prize for CONDUCTORS and ENSEMBLES deadline is March 15, 2011

2011-01-23T10:21:00.001-05:00

The American Prize, the series of new, national non-profit competitions in the performing arts, provides reward and recognition to the finest conductors and ensembles in America at the professional, college and university, community, church and secondary school levels.

In addition to competitions for choruses and orchestras and their conductors, in 2011 there are new categories for opera and musical theater companies, concert bands and wind ensembles and their conductors, and in the unique field of orchestral programming.

Postmark deadline for all categories is Tuesday, March 15, 2011.

Complete information, application forms, philosophy and answers to frequently asked questions may be found on the website: www.theamericanprize.org, where 2010 winners are profiled.

Last season, orchestras, choruses and conductors shared more than $2000 in cash awards as winners of The American Prize and were featured as winners not only on TheAmericanPrize.org, but in newspapers, magazines, websites, brochures and blogs. Ensembles and their conductors were honored by local communities and foundations for their award-winning performances; at least one 2010 winner plans to select other The American Prize winners to feature on the summer festival he leads as music director.

There is no live competition. The American Prize is judged by a distinguished panel of noted professionals solely through recorded performances. Cash awards range from $100-$500, depending on the year, the category and the number of applicants. Judges' bios may be found on the website.

Semi-finalists receive certificates, are announced to national media and to media contacts contestants provide.

Finalists also receive written evaluations from members of The American Prize judging panel.

Winners also receive cash awards, are featured on The American Prize website, where links will lead to excerpts of winning performances on our YouTube channel, soon to be active. The decision of the judges is final.

If you have specific questions that do not seem to be answered on the website, please email David Katz, chief judge of The American Prize, at theamericanprize@gmail.com or theamericanprz@aol.com.

SEMI-FINALISTS (women) in OPERA (professional)

2011-01-10T15:53:00.000-05:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the semi-finalist women in the OPERA division: professional category. Finalists will be chosen from this list, from which the final winners of The American Prize in Vocal Performance Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards will be chosen. In addition to this blog listing, semi-finalists and their media contacts will be emailed this information shortly. To know exactly when finalists and winners in any category will be announced, please subscribe to our facebook or twitter pages.

If you were not chosen as a semi-finalist, the competition is not yet over. The judges reserve the right to award Honorable Mentions, Citations, and other recognition to praiseworthy applicants later in the process. Non-semi-finalists will also receive certificates.

Maestro Katz commented on the quality of applicants, the depth and variety of repertoire. "At this point in the competition, the basic level of vocalism is very high, especially in the women's professional opera category (hence the long list of semi-finalists) It is going to make for a very exciting judging process. I have absolutely no idea who the final winner will be, but I know it will be someone very fine, indeed."

The American Prize in Vocal Performance Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards semi-finalists in OPERA (women) are:

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION

Sarai Baker, East Rockaway, NY
Cassandra Aaron Black, Houston, TX
I-Chun Cheng, New York, NY
Greer Davis, Chicago, IL
Annie Gill, Baltimore, MD
Jennifer Graf, Hellertown, PA
Megan Hart, Portland, OR
Emily Jaworski, Concord, NH
Perri Montane', Decatur, GA
Maryann Mootos, Brooklyn, NY
Erin Murphy, Pasadena, CA
Rena Panush, Los Angeles, CA
Tami Petty, New York, NY
Diane Thueson Reich, Orem, UT
Nili Riemer, Dorset, VT
Sharee Seal, New York, NY
Penelope Shumate, Philadelphia, PA
Allanda Small, Saraland, AL
Angela Smith, Brooklyn, NY
Suzanne Stadler, West New York, NJ
Christine Steyer, Oak Park, IL
Laura Strickling, Alexandria, VA
Erin Sura, Fon du Lac, WI
Diana Tash, Los Angeles, CA
Marci Wagnon, Indianapolis, IN
Jennifer Weingartner, Fairfax, VA
Meredith Ziegler, Storrs, CT

Congratulations!

SEMI-FINALISTS (women) in OPERA (college/university, high school)

2011-01-06T12:01:00.001-05:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the semi-finalist women in the OPERA division: college/university and high school categories. Semi-finalist women in the professional category will be announced later in the week. To know exactly when semi-finalists, finalists and winners in any category will be announced, please subscribe to our facebook or twitter pages. Finalists will be chosen from this list, from which the final winners of The American Prize in Vocal Performance Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards will be chosen. In addition to this blog listing, semi-finalists and their media contacts will be emailed this information shortly.

If you were not chosen as a semi-finalist, the competition is not yet over. The judges reserve the right to award Honorable Mentions, Citations, and other recognition to praiseworthy applicants later in the process. Non-semi-finalists will also receive certificates.

Maestro Katz commented on the overall high level of applicants, the depth and variety of repertoire. "...it is already a very exciting competition."

Happy new year to all contestants.

The American Prize in Vocal Performance Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards semi-finalists in OPERA (women) are:

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION

Maren Weinberger, Houston, TX
Alize Rozsnyai, Philadelphia, PA
Erin Roth, Plano, TX
Allison Robertson, Stamford, CT
Melissa Primavera, Bronx, NY
Christina Theresa Pecce, Hempstead, NY
Sung Jin Park, Urbana, IL
Melanie Long, Bronx, NY
Amy Keesun Kwon, Baltimore, MD
Sara Michael Jacobi, Fredericksburg, TX
Stefanie Izzo, Briarwood, NY
Raechele Hans, San Diego, CA
Nisheedah Devre' Golden, Jacksonville, AR
Lesley Anne Friend, Alpharetta, GA
Rebecca Patrick Flaherty, Pooler, GA
Georgia Duan, Bronx, NY
Katie Carlson, San Francisco, CA
Jourdan Laine Burger, Palmetto, FL
Cristina Burack, Vienna, Austria
Sara Antunovich, Brooklyn, NY
Karen Amlaw, Westborough, MA
Megan Welker, Evanston, IL

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION

Laura Corina Sanders, Hillsborough, CA
Emily Tworek-Helenbrook, Alexander, NY

Congratulations!

SEMI-FINALISTS (women) in ART SONG ANNOUNCED

2011-01-04T15:19:00.011-05:00

The American Prize is pleased to announce the semi-finalist women in the ART SONG division: professional, college/university and high school categories. Finalists will be chosen from this list, from which the final winners of The American Prize in Vocal Performance Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards will be chosen. In addition to this blog listing, semi-finalists and their media contacts will be emailed this information shortly.

If you were not chosen as a semi-finalist, the competition is not yet over. The judges reserve the right to award Honorable Mentions, Citations, and other recognition to praiseworthy applicants later in the process. Non-semi-finalists will also receive certificates.

Semi-finalist women in the OPERA category will be announced later in the week. To know exactly when semi-finalists, finalists and winners in any category will be announced, please subscribe to our facebook or twitter pages. Happy new year to all contestants.

The American Prize in Vocal Performance Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards semi-finalists in ART SONG (women) are:

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION

Rebekah Alexander, Brookline, MA
Kathleen Allen, Auburn, AL
Jennifer Beattie, Philadelphia, PA
Jennifer Capaldo, Farmville, VA
I-Chun Cheng, New York, NY
Bonnie Cutsforth-Huber, Hollidaysburg, PA
Kimberly Giordano, Bothell, WA
Megan Hart, Portland, OR
Deborah Lifton, Stamford, CT
Karen Lupton, Atlanta, GA
Jacqueline Novikov, Malden, MA
Rena Panush, Los Angeles, CA
Tami Petty, New York, NY
Diane Thueson Reich, Orem, UT
Jaime Reimer, Papillion, NE
Stephanie Sabin, San Diego, CA
Rachel Schutz, Honolulu, HI
Penelope Schumate, Philadelphia, PA
Christine Steyer, Oak Park, IL
Laura Strickling, Alexandria, VA
Brandie Sutton, New York, NY
Jennifer Trost, Hollidaysburg, PA

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION

Cristina Burack, Vienna, Austria
Jourdan Laine Burger, Palmetto, FL
Leah Kaye Serr, Shippensburg, PA
Megan Murphy, Greencastle, IN
Jennifer Moyer, Winchester, VA
Megan Welker, Evanston, IL
Amy Keesun Kwon, Baltimore, MD
Young Hee Kim, Adelphi, MD
Stefanie Izzo, Briarwood, NY
Georgia Duan, Bronx, NY

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION

Ava Borowski, Wilmington, DE
Emily Tworek-Helenbrook, Alexander, NY

Congratulations!

COLUMBUS FOUNDATION honors winner of The American Prize

2011-01-03T12:51:00.001-05:00

The Columbus (OH) Foundation has honored The New World Singers of the Columbus Children's Chorus, and director Sandra Mathias with special recognition for winning The American Prize in Choral Performance (youth choir division) as one of the city's National No. 1's. Congratulations!

In the photo below, taken at the choir's holiday concert, each member of the ensemble is wearing the new prize lapel pin from The American Prize, soon to be available nationally to all semi-finalists, finalists and winners of The American Prize. Email the office for details: theamericanprize@gmail.com

The American Prize

MORE questions & answers from SINGERS, COMPOSERS and PIANISTS

POSTMARK DEADLINE EXTENDED to Monday, FEBRUARY 6, 2012 for vocalists, pianists, composers

ROBERT SOLLER, former Schorr Prize judge, has died

THE AMERICAN PRIZE: A Competition LIKE NO OTHER and a unique career builder

Famed American soprano, BRENDA LEWIS, named DISTINGUISHED JUDGE EMERITUS of The American Prize

JAY WHITE (8 year veteran of CHANTICLEER) and TAP judge, shares a sample VOCAL EVALUATION

PIANISTS WEIGH in on the VALUE of The American Prize

COMPOSER Q&A #2: rights, recordings and more

Singers Q&A: MEZZOS REJOICE! (and other good news)

THE AMERICAN PRIZE-winning CHORUS performs at WHITE HOUSE Tuesday

New! PRIZE-WINNING LINKS site now LIVE!

COMPOSER Q&A—what style of music is most likely to win The American Prize? The answer may surprise you...

CHICAGO OPERA AWARD is Additional Opportunity in 2012

VOCAL COMPETITION updated to numerous online listings.

DEADLINE for VOCALISTS, PIANISTS, COMPOSERS is JANUARY 23, 2012

OFFICE to REOPEN MONDAY

OFFICE RELOCATED TEMPORARILY

OPERA and MUSICAL THEATER companies and CONDUCTORS—2012

ORCHESTRAS, CHORUSES, BANDS, CONDUCTORS—2012

PIANISTS, VOCALISTS, COMPOSERS—2012

WINNERS PAGES are now updated

Response to editorial in USA Today about choruses, orchestras, music education

THE AMERICAN PRIZE GIFTS—free shipping code on FACEBOOK Sept 16.

OPERA PERFORMANCE WINNERS' PAGE

ADVANCE ANNOUNCEMENT: The American Prize in Vocal Performance, 2012

PIANO and COMPOSITION WINNERS' PAGES uploaded, plus HOME PAGE UPDATE

HOME PAGE update / WINNERS' PAGES

TAP UPDATES: September 1, 2011

TAP UPDATE: Press Releases and Publicity

TAP UPDATE: Certificates and Prizes

TAP UPDATE: Winner Pages and Website

POWER has RETURNED!

TWATAP—but first Hurricane Irene

THREE CHORUSES receive CITATIONS from THE AMERICAN PRIZE

TWO CONDUCTORS AWARDED CITATIONS from THE AMERICAN PRIZE

WHILE WE TRANSITION TO NEW WINNERS PAGES...

TWATAP: August 1, 2011

THE VYTAUTAS MARIJOSIUS MEMORIAL AWARD / THE AMERICAN PRIZE in ORCHESTRAL PROGRAMMING

WINNER in CHORAL PERFORMANCE (Professional)

WINNER in ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE (high school orchestra) announced

WINNER in ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE/CONDUCTING (youth orchestra) announced

LANCASTER FESTIVAL CELEBRATES THREE WINNERS of THE AMERICAN PRIZE

WINNER in CHORAL PERFORMANCE/CONDUCTING (community chorus) announced

WINNERS in CHORAL PERFORMANCE (high school chorus) announced

WINNER in ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE/CONDUCTING (professional orchestra) announced

WINNER in ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE/CONDUCTING (college/university) announced

WINNER in OPERA PERFORMANCE and CONDUCTING announced

WINNER in CHORAL PERFORMANCE and CONDUCTING (College/University) Announced

WINNER in ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE/CONDUCTING (Community) Announced

WINNER in CHILDREN'S CHORUS PERFORMANCE announced

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT SCHEDULE for July 21st

CORNELL MACNEIL, great American baritone, student of Friedrich Schorr, namesake of The American Prize vocal competition

TWATAP for July 18, 2011—Announcing conducting & ensemble winners

TWATAP for July 7, 2011

ORCHESTRAL PROGRAMMING FINALISTS— VYTAUTAS MARIJOSIUS MEMORIAL AWARD

CONDUCTOR FINALISTS for The American Prize, 2011

CHORAL FINALISTS for The American Prize 2011

ORCHESTRA and OPERA finalists for The American Prize

TWATAP for June 10, 2011

WINNERS in Piano Performance—SOLO, all divisions of The American Prize

WINNERS in Piano Performance—CONCERTO of The American Prize, 2011

TWATAP for May 23, 2011: This week at The American Prize: updates on all competitions

Semi-finalists: OPERA PERFORMANCE/CONDUCTING, ORCHESTRA PROGRAMMING announced

Semi-finalists: CHORAL PERFORMANCE/CHORAL CONDUCTING announced

Semi-finalists: ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE/ORCHESTRAL CONDUCTING announced

The American Prize in Composition—Orchestral Division

The American Prize in Composition—Choral Division

TWATAP: This week at The American Prize

TWATAP: This week at The American Prize

UPDATE on COMPETITIONS for CONDUCTORS & ENSEMBLES

THE AMERICAN PRIZE in VOCAL PERFORMANCE—What happens next.

WINNERS of THE AMERICAN PRIZE in VOCAL PERFORMANCE in ART SONG for 2011 (WOMEN)

WINNERS of THE AMERICAN PRIZE in VOCAL PERFORMANCE in ART SONG for 2011 (MEN)

WINNERS of THE AMERICAN PRIZE in VOCAL PERFORMANCE in OPERA for 2011 (women)

WINNERS of THE AMERICAN PRIZE in VOCAL PERFORMANCE in OPERA for 2011 (MEN)

TWATAP for MONDAY, APRIL 4

HOW TAP/SCHORR VOCAL WINNERS will be ANNOUNCED

PIANO SOLO/CONCERTO FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

FINALISTS in CHORAL & ORCHESTRAL COMPOSITION