David Katz, chief judge of the competitions, writes:
"Never in the five year history of The American Prize, to my recollection, has such a large percentage of semi-finalists in the choral conducting and ensemble categories been advanced to the final round. Even accounting for differences in the size, make-up, location and repertoire of the groups these conductors lead, there is excellence here, albeit of different kinds, deserving of finalist status, additional scrutiny and further evaluation.
However much the media may try to tell us that classical music is "dead," it is clear that is simply incorrect. If this year's finalists for The American Prize are any indication, the choral art is thriving all over the county, worthy of our attention and our support. Bravi, tutti."
To know the exact date when WINNERS, runners-up and any citation recipients will be announced next month, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.
Please make us aware of any misprints in the listings below by emailing: theamericanprize@gmail.com
The American Prize in Conducting (College/University Choral Division)
Kevin L. Baker Cedar City, UT
Southern Utah Univ. Concert Chamber Choir
Faure—Cantique de Jean Racine, carols, more
Meredith Bowen East Lansing, MI
Meredith Bowen Recital Choir
Barnett, Diemer, von Bingen, Tavener
Dominick DiOrio Bloomington, IN
NOTUS: Contemporary Vocal Ensemble
Muhly, Howells, Shaw, Argento
Deanna Joseph Atlanta, GA
Georgia State University Singers
Schnittke, Brahms, Lauridsen, Tallis
Timothy S. McDonnell Naples, FL
Ave Maria Univ. Combined Choirs
Brahms—Ein Deutsches Requiem
Colleen Phelps Cincinnati, OH
CCM Chamber Singers
Sullivan—Pirates of Penzance (in concert)
Dr. John William Trotter Wheaton, IL
Wheaton College Concert Choir
Mozart—Requiem
The American Prize in Conducting (Community/Youth Choral Division)
Brandon Elliott Orange County, CA
Choral Arts Initiative
Runestad, Warland, Corlis, Dunphy, more
Tom Hall Baltimore, MD
Baltimore Choral Arts Society
"Christmas with Choral Arts"
Reona Ito New York, NY
The Reona Ito Chamber Orchestra and Chorus
Puccini—Messa di Gloria, Haydn—Te Deum
Susan McMane San Francisco, CA
Young Women's Chorus of San Francisco
von Bingen, La Rocca, Barnum, more
Robert Bode Seattle, WA
Choral Arts
Brahms—Ein deutsches Requiem
