The American Prize is pleased to announce
FINALIST composers of vocal chamber music for
2017-18 in both student and professional divisions. Congratulations! To
know the exact date when winners and runners-up will be
announced, please "like" our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.
"At
The American Prize, there is never a set number of finalists in any
category or division: the quality of the candidates themselves directly
affects the outcome. We also try hard to be not about "winners" and
"losers," but always seek to encourage excellence, creativity and
imagination. That is one reason why we post the following statement with
every finalist listing."—DK
If you are not a finalist this year, please remember that the contests
are not yet over. The American Prize reserves the right to award
Honorable Mentions and Citations for Special Achievement to any
contestant, regardless of final placement. TAP has honored a
number of semi-finalists and quarter finalists in the past--to recognize
a unique talent or focus, unusual repertoire, vital programming or
outreach. Citations and Honorable Mentions are usually awarded at
the same time as winners and runners-up, but can be presented at any
time up to the last winners' announcement of the contest year.
All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of
their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active
until complete results in the contest are announced officially.
Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below,
please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com
We
invite finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing
it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to
this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be
found at the end of the post.
The American Prize in Composition—Vocal Chamber Music (professional division)
Samuel Beebe Brooklyn NY
The Woods
Jennifer Bellor Las Vegas NV
Songs in the Dark
Curtis Bryant Union City GA
THE LAUGHING MONKEYS OF GRAVITY
Oliver Caplan Medford MA
Connect All. We All Connect.
Ralf Yusuf Gawlick Newton MA
Kollwitz-Konnex (… im Frieden seiner Hande)
Timothy Lee Miller Mahwah NJ
Three Poems of Henry W. Longfellow
Craig Thomas Naylor Kalispell MT
our voices, for now, sustained
Eugene O'Brien Bloomington IN
ALGEBRA OF NIGHT
Scott Robbins Spartanburg SC
Blue Ridge A Cappella
Adam Schumaker Portage MI
The Best Thing Ever
Moshe Shulman Buffalo NY
Song of Songs
Tony Solitro Philadelphia PA
More Beautiful Than Night
Greg A. Steinke Depoe Bay OR
Random Blackouts I
Reginald Unterseher Kennewick WA
Here, Bullet, a cycle of songs
William Vollinger Woodcliff Lake NJ
Acts of Kindness
David von Kampen Lincoln NE
UNDER THE SILVER AND HOME AGAIN
C.G. Walden Chatsworth GA
Songs of Ascents, Final Praise
The American Prize in Composition—Chamber Music (student division)
M.O. Abbott Urbana IL
Transistor
Olga Amelkina-Vera Plano TX
Emily's Garden
Hans Bridger Heruth Columbia MO
To Decipher the Art
Jihyun Kim Houston TX
Gorilla
Michael Lanci Saratoga Springs NY
Songs For Joe Hill
***
We invite finalists to make the most of their selection by
announcing it on social media, and including a
link to this announcement on
their website or blog.
Here is a sample announcement:
"Great
News! I've just been selected as a finalist in the (blank)
division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the
performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize
will be announcing finalists in my division soon. You can learn
more about this prestigious national competition here:
www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "
Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.
Congratulations to all finalists.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Thursday, February 22, 2018
FINALISTS: composers (choral music), 2017-18
The American Prize is pleased to announce
FINALIST composers of choral music for
2017-18 in both student and professional divisions. Congratulations! To
know the exact date when winners and runners-up will be
announced, please "like" our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.
"At The American Prize, there is never a set number of finalists in any category or division: the quality of the candidates themselves directly affects that outcome. We also try hard to be not about "winners" and "losers," but always seek to encourage excellence, creativity and imagination. That is one reason why we post the following statement with every finalist listing."—DK
If you are not a finalist this year, please remember that the contests are not yet over. The American Prize reserves the right to award Honorable Mentions and Citations for Special Achievement to any contestant, regardless of final placement. TAP has honored a number of semi-finalists and quarter finalists in the past--to recognize a unique talent or focus, unusual repertoire, vital programming or outreach. Citations and Honorable Mentions are usually awarded at the same time as winners and runners-up, but can be presented at any time up to the last winners' announcement of the contest year.
All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until complete results in the contest are announced officially. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com
We invite finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
FINALISTS: The American Prize in Composition—Choral (professional division), 2017-18
Jesse Ayers Canton OH
There's a Stirrin' in the Water
Meredith Brammeier San Luis Obispo CA
"Blow, Winds, Rage, Blow!"
Michael Cox Fort Worth TX
Sacraments
Shawn Crouch Miami Beach FL
Visions and Ecstacies
Cyril Deaconoff Oakland CA
Kontakion for Pascha (Easter)
Joy DeCoursey-Porter Bellevue WA
"There Was The One"
Carlo Vincetti Frizzo Bloomington IN
Fugue with Robin and Dogwood; Nightscape; A la Noche
Gerald Gurss Columbia SC
Be at My Side
Elaine Hagenberg Windsor Heights IA
selected choral works
Laurie Betts Hughes Bellevue WA
The Wind That Shakes the Barley
David Lipten Tallahassee FL
How to
Michael D. McClish Los Angeles CA
Requiem of Remembrance
Scott Perkins New Haven CT
The Stolen Child; A Word Out Of The Sea; The World of Dream
Jakub Polaczyk Astoria NY
MISSA APUNCTA
Walter Saul Fresno CA
The Word Was Made Flesh
Joel Bentley Thompson Snellville GA
Seven Last Words of the Unarmed
Reginald Unterseher Kennewick WA
If You Can Read This
Mari Esabel Valverde Fort Worth TX
"When Thunder Comes"
David von Kampen Lincoln NE
Flood the Gold Earth
C.G. Walden Chatsworth GA
O My Dove
Michael Wolniakowski Orland Park IL
Te Deum
FINALISTS: The American Prize in Composition—Choral (student division), 2017-18
Jacob Beranek Oconomowoc WI
Hodie Christus natus est!
Nicolas Chuaqui Bloomington IN
Qui Confidunt in Domino
Hans Bridger Heruth Columbia MO
Joy
Dana Kaufman Miami FL
Be Still My Heart
Jihyun Kim Houston TX
A Boat Beneath a Sunny Sky
Marlene Miller West Grove PA
Repeating Random
Xingzimin Pan Salt Lake City UT
What Flowers Tell You
***
We encourage finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.
Here is a sample announcement:
"Great News! I've just been selected as a finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing winners in my division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "
Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.
Congratulations to all finalists.
"At The American Prize, there is never a set number of finalists in any category or division: the quality of the candidates themselves directly affects that outcome. We also try hard to be not about "winners" and "losers," but always seek to encourage excellence, creativity and imagination. That is one reason why we post the following statement with every finalist listing."—DK
If you are not a finalist this year, please remember that the contests are not yet over. The American Prize reserves the right to award Honorable Mentions and Citations for Special Achievement to any contestant, regardless of final placement. TAP has honored a number of semi-finalists and quarter finalists in the past--to recognize a unique talent or focus, unusual repertoire, vital programming or outreach. Citations and Honorable Mentions are usually awarded at the same time as winners and runners-up, but can be presented at any time up to the last winners' announcement of the contest year.
All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until complete results in the contest are announced officially. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com
We invite finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
FINALISTS: The American Prize in Composition—Choral (professional division), 2017-18
Jesse Ayers Canton OH
There's a Stirrin' in the Water
Meredith Brammeier San Luis Obispo CA
"Blow, Winds, Rage, Blow!"
Michael Cox Fort Worth TX
Sacraments
Shawn Crouch Miami Beach FL
Visions and Ecstacies
Cyril Deaconoff Oakland CA
Kontakion for Pascha (Easter)
Joy DeCoursey-Porter Bellevue WA
"There Was The One"
Carlo Vincetti Frizzo Bloomington IN
Fugue with Robin and Dogwood; Nightscape; A la Noche
Gerald Gurss Columbia SC
Be at My Side
Elaine Hagenberg Windsor Heights IA
selected choral works
Laurie Betts Hughes Bellevue WA
The Wind That Shakes the Barley
David Lipten Tallahassee FL
How to
Michael D. McClish Los Angeles CA
Requiem of Remembrance
Scott Perkins New Haven CT
The Stolen Child; A Word Out Of The Sea; The World of Dream
Jakub Polaczyk Astoria NY
MISSA APUNCTA
Walter Saul Fresno CA
The Word Was Made Flesh
Joel Bentley Thompson Snellville GA
Seven Last Words of the Unarmed
Reginald Unterseher Kennewick WA
If You Can Read This
Mari Esabel Valverde Fort Worth TX
"When Thunder Comes"
David von Kampen Lincoln NE
Flood the Gold Earth
C.G. Walden Chatsworth GA
O My Dove
Michael Wolniakowski Orland Park IL
Te Deum
FINALISTS: The American Prize in Composition—Choral (student division), 2017-18
Jacob Beranek Oconomowoc WI
Hodie Christus natus est!
Nicolas Chuaqui Bloomington IN
Qui Confidunt in Domino
Hans Bridger Heruth Columbia MO
Joy
Dana Kaufman Miami FL
Be Still My Heart
Jihyun Kim Houston TX
A Boat Beneath a Sunny Sky
Marlene Miller West Grove PA
Repeating Random
Xingzimin Pan Salt Lake City UT
What Flowers Tell You
***
We encourage finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.
Here is a sample announcement:
"Great News! I've just been selected as a finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing winners in my division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "
Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.
Congratulations to all finalists.
Monday, February 19, 2018
FINALISTS: composers (orchestra), 2017-18
The American Prize is pleased to announce 2017-18 FINALIST composers in orchestra divisions. Congratulations!
As the contests unfold, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.
If you are not a finalist this year, please remember that the contests are not yet over. The American Prize reserves the right to award Honorable Mentions and Citations for Special Achievement to any contestant, regardless of final placement. TAP has honored a number of semi-finalists and quarter finalists in the past--to recognize a unique talent or focus, unusual repertoire, vital programming or outreach. Citations and Honorable Mentions are usually awarded at the same time as winners and runners-up, but can be presented at any time up to the last winners' announcement of the contest year.
All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until complete results in the contest are announced officially. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com
We invite finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
FINALISTS: The American Prize in Composition—Orchestra (professional division), 2017-18
Brian Ciach Mountain View CA
The Einstein Slide from Collective Uncommon: Seven Orchestral Studies on Medical Oddities
Dr. Michael Cox Fort Worth TX
Concertante for Piano and Orchestra
Nancy Bloomer Deussen Mountain View CA
Ascent to Victory
Rocco Di Pietro Columbus OH
Cyborg
Gregory Fritze Daytona Beach Shores FL
Slavia
Eric Funk Bozeman MT
Variation on a Theme on Jan Hanus, Op 127
Ryan M. Hare Pullman WA
"Stanzas" After Poe
Daniel McCarthy Akron OH
The Tao of Infinity
Lawrence Mumford Laguna Niguel CA
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Elena Roussanova Jamaica Plain MA
Moments of Arrival for Orchestra
Dr. Walter Saul Fresno CA
Rhapsody for Oboe and Orchestra (Kiev 2014)
Mark Edwards Wilson Bowie MD
The Phoenix
Judith Lang Zaimont Maricopa AZ
CHROMA—Northern Lights
FINALISTS: The American Prize in Composition—Orchestra (student division), 2017-18
Nicolas Bizub Cincinnati OH
Reflective Distortion
Shelby Rawlings Blalock Charlottesville VA
Out of Ashes
Weijun Chen Amherst NY
Dancer (2016)
Daniel Despins Wilminston DE
Yetzer Hara
William Carson Graham Marina Del Rey CA
Start Here
Alison Yun-Fei Jiang Elmhurst NY
Waves, Exile
Christopher Lowry Antioch TN
Golden Rhapsody, Opus 17
Antonio Juan Marcos Berkeley CA
Amanece
Justin Ralls Portland OR
Tree Ride
Kyle Simpson Washington PA
On The Road Suite
***
We encourage finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.
Here is a sample announcement:
"Great News! I've just been selected as a finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing winners in my division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "
Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.
Congratulations to all finalists.
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Semi-finalists: MUSIC THEATER divisions, 2017-18
![]() |
Marilyn Miller, 1930s Broadway star |
Please make us aware of any misprints in the listings below by emailing: theamericanprize@gmail.com
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Musical Theater Performance, 2017-18
Nancy Allen
Belmont University
Nashville TN
David Schamburger, stage director
Parade
Hugh Conor Angell
Taylor University
Upland IN
Tracy Manning, artistic director
Oklahoma!
Brian DeMaris
Arizona State University
Tempe AZ
Shrek the Musical
Kristina Keener Ivy
Top Billing Entertainment
Glendora CA
Little Mermaid and Legally Blonde
Kelly Stevens
Saint Patrick School
Rodeo CA
Benjamin Stevens, conductor
The Lion King Jr.
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting, (musical theater) 2017-18
Jo Lynn Burks
Belmont University
Nashville TN
Hosun Moon
Five Towns College
Dix Hills NY
***
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.
Here is a sample announcement:
"Great News! I've just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in my division in several weeks. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "
Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.
Congratulations to all semi-finalists.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Semi-finalists: STAGE DIRECTORS, 2017-18
![]() |
Marilyn Miller, 1930s Broadway star |
Please make us aware of any misprints in the listings below by emailing: theamericanprize@gmail.com
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Stage Direction
Joshua Borths
Crane School of Music—SUNY Potsdam
Potsdam NY
Herschel Garfein
Eklund Opera Company, University of Colorado
Boulder CO
Tracelyn Gesteland
University of South Dakota
Vermillion SD
David Holley
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro NC
Kristina Keener Ivy
Top Billing Entertainment
Glendora CA
Darren P. Lawson
Bob Jones University
Greenville SC
David Lefkowich
Mill City Summer Opera
Minneapolis MN
Justin John Moniz
Florida State University—Student Opera Society
Tallahassee FL
Isai Jess Munoz
University of Delaware
Newark DE
Erin Naler
Bob Jones University
Greenville
David Ronis
University of Wisconsin—Madison School of Music
Madison WI
Damian Savarino
Messiah College
Mechanicsburg PA
Copeland Woodruff
Lawrence University
Appleton WI
***
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.
Here is a sample announcement:
"Great News! I've just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in my division in several weeks. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "
Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.
Congratulations to all semi-finalists.
Semi-finalists: CONDUCTORS (orchestral programming), 2017-18
![]() |
Vytautas Marijosius |
The American Prize—Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award in Orchestral Programming honors the memory of the great Lithuanian conductor, Maestro Vytautas Marijosius, music director of the Lithuanian State Opera, and for nearly thirty-five years Director of Orchestral Activities at the Hartt School of Music. The Prize recognizes and rewards the best achievement in the unique field of orchestral programming, where the selection of repertoire by knowledgeable, creative and courageous music directors builds orchestras and audiences, educates young people and adults, and enriches the community.
Please make us aware of any misprints in the listings below by emailing: theamericanprize@gmail.com
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Programming / Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award—college/university division
Reuben Blundell
The Hunter Symphony
New York NY
Thomas Dickey
OK State University Symphony Orchestra
Stillwater OK
Johannes Dietrich
Lebanon Valley College Symphony Orchestra
Annville PA
Tara Villa Keith
Davidson College Symphony Orchestra
Davidson NC
Chris Younghoon Kim
Cornell Orchestras
Ithaca NY
David Alexander Rahbee
University of Washington Symphony Orchestra
Seattle WA
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Programming / Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award—community division
(this listing updated 4/20/18 to correct a clerical omission)
Reuben Blundell
Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra
Lansdowne PA
Orlando Cela
Arlington Philharmonic Orchestra
Arlington MA
John B. Gordon / Thomas Rainey
Williamson County Symphony Orchestra
Round Rock TX
Annette Jurcevic
Shoreline Symphony
Muskegon MI
Tara Villa Keith
Lee County Community Orchestra
Sanford NC
Walter Morales
Edgewood Symphony Orchestra
Pittsburgh PA
David W. Oertel
Starlight Symphony Orchestra
Wimberley / Kyle TX
Dominique Royem
Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
Sugar Land TX
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Programming / Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award—youth orchestra division
Tigran Arakelyan
Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra
Bainbridge Island WA
Robert Boardman
South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestra
South Bend IN
Chad Hutchinson
SD Symphony Youth Orchestra
Sioux Falls SD
***
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.
Here is a sample announcement:
"Great News! I've just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in my division in several weeks. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "
Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.
Congratulations to all semi-finalists.
Monday, February 12, 2018
Semi-finalists: CONDUCTORS (band / wind ensemble), 2017-18
The
American Prize is pleased to announce 2017-18
SEMI-FINALIST conductors in band / wind ensemble divisions. Congratulations!
"An especially exciting and competitive field in the college/university division this year."—DK
As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.
All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until complete results in the contest are announced officially. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—college/university band division, 2017-18
Kaleb Benda
OCU Wind Philharmonic
Oklahoma City OK
Michael Scott Butler
UWSP Wind Ensemble
Stevens Point WI
Daniel Cook
Recital Chamber Winds
Evanston IL
Austin Davis
University of Redlands Symphonic Band
Redlands CA
Richard Tad Greig
Westminster College Wind Ensemble
New Wilmington PA
Pamornpan Komolpamorn
The University of Texas Bands
Austin TX
William L. Lake, Jr.
UNCG Casella Sinfonietta
Greensboro NC
Dongyul Lee
USC Bands
Los Angeles CA
Matthew Mailman
Oklahoma City University Wind Philharmonic
Oklahoma City OK
Leah McGray
Rhodes College Wind Ensemble, U-Memphis Symphonic Band
Memphis TN
Sixto F. Montesinos
Rutgers Wind Ensemble
New Brunswick NJ
Joseph P. Scott
University of Maryland Wind Ensemble
College Park MD
Courtney Snyder
University of Michigan Concert Band
Ann Arbor MI
Mason St. Pierre
Sydney Conservatorium of Music Wind Symphony
Sydney Australia
Shayna Stahl
University of Washington Wind Ensemble
Seattle WA
Adam Waller
Peabody Wind Ensemble
Baltimore MD
Ryan M. Yahl
Indiana University Symphonic Band/Wind Ensemble
Bloomington IN
Chee Weng Yim
Frost Wind Ensemble
Coral Gables FL
Boyang Yu
New England
Conservatory Wind Ensemble
Boston MA
"An especially exciting and competitive field in the college/university division this year."—DK
As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.
All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until complete results in the contest are announced officially. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—college/university band division, 2017-18
Kaleb Benda
OCU Wind Philharmonic
Oklahoma City OK
Michael Scott Butler
UWSP Wind Ensemble
Stevens Point WI
Daniel Cook
Recital Chamber Winds
Evanston IL
Austin Davis
University of Redlands Symphonic Band
Redlands CA
Richard Tad Greig
Westminster College Wind Ensemble
New Wilmington PA
Pamornpan Komolpamorn
The University of Texas Bands
Austin TX
William L. Lake, Jr.
UNCG Casella Sinfonietta
Greensboro NC
Dongyul Lee
USC Bands
Los Angeles CA
Matthew Mailman
Oklahoma City University Wind Philharmonic
Oklahoma City OK
Leah McGray
Rhodes College Wind Ensemble, U-Memphis Symphonic Band
Memphis TN
Sixto F. Montesinos
Rutgers Wind Ensemble
New Brunswick NJ
Joseph P. Scott
University of Maryland Wind Ensemble
College Park MD
Courtney Snyder
University of Michigan Concert Band
Ann Arbor MI
Mason St. Pierre
Sydney Conservatorium of Music Wind Symphony
Sydney Australia
Shayna Stahl
University of Washington Wind Ensemble
Seattle WA
Adam Waller
Peabody Wind Ensemble
Baltimore MD
Ryan M. Yahl
Indiana University Symphonic Band/Wind Ensemble
Bloomington IN
Chee Weng Yim
Frost Wind Ensemble
Coral Gables FL
Boyang Yu
New England
Conservatory Wind Ensemble
Boston MA
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—school and community band division, 2017-18 (revised 3-8-18 with the addition of one name which had been mistakenly omitted—DK)
Brian Hughes
Quad City Wind Ensemble
Dubuque IA
Curtis Melton
Legacy HS Wind Ensemble
North Las Vegas NV
Bradley Morrison
Youth Wind Ensemble of Westchester
Ossining NY
Shayna Stahl
University of Washington Concert Band
Seattle WA
Richard J. Whitley
The Blacksburg Community Band
Blacksburg VA
Gregory X. Whitmore
Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble
Irvine CA
***
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.
Here is a sample announcement:
"Great News! I've just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in my division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "
Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.
Congratulations to all semi-finalists.
Brian Hughes
Quad City Wind Ensemble
Dubuque IA
Curtis Melton
Legacy HS Wind Ensemble
North Las Vegas NV
Bradley Morrison
Youth Wind Ensemble of Westchester
Ossining NY
Shayna Stahl
University of Washington Concert Band
Seattle WA
Richard J. Whitley
The Blacksburg Community Band
Blacksburg VA
Gregory X. Whitmore
Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble
Irvine CA
***
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.
Here is a sample announcement:
"Great News! I've just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in my division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "
Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.
Congratulations to all semi-finalists.
Semi-finalists: BANDS / WIND ENSEMBLES, 2017-18
As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.
All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until complete results in the contest are announced officially. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Band/Wind Ensemble Performance—college/university division, 2017-18 (updated 3/28/18)
FGCU Wind Orchestra
Fort Meyers FL
Richard Tad Greig
Westminster College Wind Ensemble
New Wilmington PA
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Band/Wind Ensemble Performance—youth division, 2017-18
Bradley Morrison
Youth Wind Ensemble of Westchester
Ossining NY
Matthew D. Schlomer
Interlochen Arts Academy Band
Interlochen MI
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Band/Wind Ensemble Performance—high school division, 2017-18
Curtis Melton
Legacy HS Wind Ensemble
North La Vegas NV
Robert Truan
Decatur HS Wind Ensemble
Decatur GA
***
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.
Here is a sample announcement:
"Great News! Our ensemble has just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in the division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "
Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.
Congratulations to all semi-finalists.
Friday, February 9, 2018
Semi-finalists: CONDUCTORS (opera), 2017-18
The
American Prize is pleased to announce 2017-18
SEMI-FINALIST conductors in opera divisions. Congratulations!
As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.
All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until complete results in the contest are announced officially. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—professional opera division, 2017-18
Walter Morales
Pittsburgh Festival Opera
Pittsburgh PA
Maria Sensi Sellner
Resonance Works/Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh PA
Isaac Selya
Queen City Opera
Cincinnati OH
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—college/university opera division, 2017-18
David Holley
University of NC at Greensboro
Greensboro NC
Chad Hutchinson
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis MN
Matthew Mailman
Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City OK
Walter Morales
Carnegie Mellon University Opera
Pittsburgh PA
Kirk A. Severtson
The Crane School of Music, SUNY—Potsdam
Potsdam NY
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—community opera division, 2017-18
Tiffany Chang
North End Music and Performing Arts Center Opera Project
Boston MA
Ezra Donner
University of Michigan Gilbert and Sullivan Society
Ann Arbor MI
Ace Edewards
Opera in the Ozarks
Eureka Springs AR
***
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.
Here is a sample announcement:
"Great News! I've just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in my division in several weeks. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "
Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.
Congratulations to all semi-finalists.
As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.
All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until complete results in the contest are announced officially. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—professional opera division, 2017-18
Walter Morales
Pittsburgh Festival Opera
Pittsburgh PA
Maria Sensi Sellner
Resonance Works/Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh PA
Isaac Selya
Queen City Opera
Cincinnati OH
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—college/university opera division, 2017-18
David Holley
University of NC at Greensboro
Greensboro NC
Chad Hutchinson
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis MN
Matthew Mailman
Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City OK
Walter Morales
Carnegie Mellon University Opera
Pittsburgh PA
Kirk A. Severtson
The Crane School of Music, SUNY—Potsdam
Potsdam NY
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—community opera division, 2017-18
Tiffany Chang
North End Music and Performing Arts Center Opera Project
Boston MA
Ezra Donner
University of Michigan Gilbert and Sullivan Society
Ann Arbor MI
Ace Edewards
Opera in the Ozarks
Eureka Springs AR
***
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.
Here is a sample announcement:
"Great News! I've just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in my division in several weeks. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "
Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.
Congratulations to all semi-finalists.
Semi-finalists: OPERA COMPANIES, 2017-18
![]() |
Enrico Caruso at Canio in I Pagliacci |
As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.
All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until complete results in the contest are announced officially. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Opera Performance—professional division,
2017-18
Maria Sensi Sellner
Resonance Works/ Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh PA
Falstaff
Isaac Selya
Queen City Opera
Cincinnati OH
Siegfried
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Opera Performance—college/university division, 2017-18
Emily A. Bullock
West Chester University
West Chester PA
The Medium
Emma Clarkson
OperaTheatre of Yale College
New Haven CT
The Cunning Little Vixen
Brian DeMaris
Arizona State University Lyric Opera Theatre
Tempe AZ
H.M.S. Pinafore
Thomas Dickey
OSU Opera Theatre
Stillwater OK
Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi
Tracelyn Gesteland
University of South Dakota
Vermillion SD
David Holdhusen, conductor
The Marriage of Figaro
Rebecca Renfro Grimes
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville TX
Speed Dating Tonight (Michael Ching)
David Holley
University of NC at Greensboro
Greensboro NC
Amahl and the Night Visitors
Darren P. Lawson
Bob Jones University
Greenville SC
C. Stanley Eby, conductor
Il Trovatore
Justin John Moniz
Florida State University Student Opera Society
Tallahassee FL
Alex Favazza, conductor
Amahl and the Night Visitors
Isai Jess Munoz
University of Delaware Opera Workshop Ensemble
Newark DE
In Love and War (Monteverdi)
David Ronis
University of Wisconsin—Madison
Madison WI
Falstaff
Damian Savarino
Messiah College
Mechanicsburg PA
The Night Bell (Donizetti)
Kirk A. Severtson
The Crane School of Music, SUNY—Potsdam
Potsdam NY
The Tender Land
Copeland Woodruff
Lawrence University
Appleton WI
The Beggar's Opera
Copeland Woodruff
Lawrence University
Appleton WI
Hydrogen Jukebox (Glass)
***
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.
Here is a sample announcement:
"Great News! Our ensemble has just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in the division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "
Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.
Congratulations to all semi-finalists.
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Semi-finalists: CONDUCTORS (chorus), 2017-18
The
American Prize is pleased to announce 2017-18
SEMI-FINALIST conductors in choral divisions. Congratulations!
As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.
All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until complete results in the contest are announced officially. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—college/university chorus division, 2017-18
Lynda R. Hasseler
Capital University Chapel Choir
Columbus OH
Ingrid Lestrud
Holy Cross College Choir
Worcester MA
David Mann
Michigan State University Chamber Choir
East Lansing MI
Catherine Sailer
University of Denver Lamont Chorale
Denver CO
Alan Stevens
BucsWorth Choirs
Johnson City
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—community chorus division, 2017-18
Kevin Dibble
Camerata
Iowa City IA
Emily Isaacson
Oratorio Chorale
Brunswick ME
Allan Laino
University of Maryland Summer Chorus and Festival Orchestra
College Park
Chris David
Westover Bethel College Philharmonia & Oratorio Chorus
North Newton KS
As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.
All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until complete results in the contest are announced officially. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—college/university chorus division, 2017-18
Lynda R. Hasseler
Capital University Chapel Choir
Columbus OH
Ingrid Lestrud
Holy Cross College Choir
Worcester MA
David Mann
Michigan State University Chamber Choir
East Lansing MI
Catherine Sailer
University of Denver Lamont Chorale
Denver CO
Alan Stevens
BucsWorth Choirs
Johnson City
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—community chorus division, 2017-18
Kevin Dibble
Camerata
Iowa City IA
Emily Isaacson
Oratorio Chorale
Brunswick ME
Allan Laino
University of Maryland Summer Chorus and Festival Orchestra
College Park
Chris David
Westover Bethel College Philharmonia & Oratorio Chorus
North Newton KS
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—youth/school chorus division, 2017-18
Jacob Cook
Youth Performing Arts School Chamber Choir
Louisville KY
Andrew Dibble
Indian Springs School Concert Choir
Pelham AL
***
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.
Here is a sample announcement:
"Great News! I've just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in my division in several weeks. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "
Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.
Congratulations to all semi-finalists.
Semi-finalists: CHORUSES, 2017-18
The American Prize is pleased to announce SEMI-FINALIST choruses for 2017-18 in all categories. Congratulations!
As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.
All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until complete results in the contest are announced officially. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Choral Performance—professional division,
2017-18
Jason Harris
Schola Cincinnati
Cincinnati OH
Wendy K. Moy & Jeremiah Selvey
Chorosynthesis Singers
Seattle WA
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Choral Performance—college/university division, 2017-18
Nicholle Andrews
University of Redlands Chapel Singers
Redlands CA
Donna M. Di Grazia
Pomona College Glee Club
Claremont CA
Lynda R. Hasseler
Capital University Chapel Choir
Columbus OH
Brandon Johnson
Eastern Michigan University Choir
Ypsilanti MI
Chris Younghoon Kim
Cornell Symphony and Cornell Chorus and Glee Club
Ithaca NY
Darren P. Lawson
BJU Choirs & Symphony with Rivertree Singers
Greenville SC
Warren Cook & Michael W. Moore, conductors
David Mann
Michigan State University Chamber Choir
East Lansing MI
Catherine Sailer
University of Denver Lamont Chorale
Denver CO
David Schildkret
Arizona State University Chamber Singers
Tempe AZ
Ethan Sperry
Portland State Chamber Choir
Portland OR
Alan Stevens
BucsWorth Men's Choir
Johnson City TN
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Choral Performance—community division, 2017-18
Kevin Dibble
Camerata
Iowa City IA
Scott Hanoian
University Musical Society Choral Union
Ann Arbor MI
Karen Hart
Vox Femina Los Angeles
Los Angeles CA
Emily Isaacson
Oratorio Chorale
Brunswick ME
David A. McConnell
Vox Philia
Reading PA
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Choral Performance—youth and high school division, 2017-18
Debbie Aurelius-Muir
Olympia HS Concert Choir
Stanford IL
Shannon K. Carter
The HS for the Performing and Visual Arts Madrigal Singers
Houston TX
Jacob Cook
Youth Performing Arts School Chamber Choir
Louisville KY
John Cuk
Scarsdale High School Choir
Scarsdale NY
Andrew Dibble
Indian Springs School Concert Choir
Pelham AL
Karyn Joaquino
Brearley B-Naturals
New York NY
Chris Maunu
Arvada West HS Vocal Showcase
Arvada CO
Shawn M. Small
South Lebanon Elementary Chorus
Lebanon PA
Shawn M. Small
Fifth Avenue Falcons
Lebanon PA
***
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.
Here is a sample announcement:
"Great News! Our ensemble has just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in the division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "
Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.
Congratulations to all semi-finalists.
Friday, February 2, 2018
Semi-finalists: CONDUCTORS (orchestra), 2017-18
The
American Prize is pleased to announce 2017-18
SEMI-FINALIST conductors in orchestra divisions. (One candidate correction in category 2/8/18.) Congratulations!
As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.
All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until complete results in the contest are announced officially. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—professional orchestra division, 2017-18
Roberta Carpenter
Janacek Philharmonic
Ostrava Czech Republic
Orlando Cela
London Classical Soloists
London UK
Cheung Chau
Lublin Philharmonic / Hunan Symphony / Kielce Philharmonic
Lublin/Kielce Poland / Hunan China
Nse Ekpo
Pazardjik Symphony
Pazardjik Bulgaria
Charles Gambetta
Vidin Sinfonietta
Vidin Bulgaria
Chris Younghoon Kim
Ensemble X
Ithaca NY
Yutaka Kono
Burlington Chamber Orchestra
Burlington VT
Chia-Hsuan Lin
Richmond Symphony
Richmond VA
Enrico Lopez-Yanez
Omaha Symphony
Omaha NE
Mark Mandarano
Sinfonietta of Riverdale
New York NY
Paul Mauffray
Hradec Kralove Philharmonic
Hradec Kralove Czech Rep.
Chris David Westover
Longview Symphony Orchestra
Longview TX
Dean Whiteside
New World Symphony
Miami Beach FL
Julius P. Williams
Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
Jamaica Plain MA
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—college/university orchestra division, 2017-18
Reuben Blundell
The Hunter Symphony
New York NY
Mathias Elmer
University of Memphis Symphony
Memphis TN
Kevin M. Geraldi
UNCG Symphony Orchestrta and Choirs
Greensboro NC
James A. Holleman
Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra
Hillsdale MI
Chad Hutchinson
University Symphony Orchestra of Minnesota
Minneapolis MN
Tara Villa Keith
Davidson College Symphony Orchestra
Davidson NC
Danh T. Pham
Washington State University Symphony Orchestra
Pullman WA
Marguerite Richardson
Jacksonville University Orchestra
Jacksonville FL
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—community orchestra division, 2017-18
Michael Avagliano
Central Jersey Symphony Orchestra
Branchburg NJ
Reuben Blundell
Chelsea Symphony / Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra
New York NY / Lansdowne PA
Orlando Cela
Arlington Philharmonic Orchestra
Arlington MA
Anna Edwards
Seattle Collaborative Orchestra
Seattle WA
Thomas E. Rainey
Williamson County Symphony Orchestra
Round Rock TX
Tara Villa Keith
Lee County Community Orchestra
Sanford NC
Walter Morales
Edgewood Symphony Orchestra
Pittsburgh PA
David P. Sartor
Parthenon Chamber Orchestra / Trevecca Symphony Orchestra
Nashville TN
Ty Turley-Trejo
Utah Philharmonic Orchestra
Riverton UT
Chris David
Westover Bethel College Philharmonia Orchestra
North Newton KS
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—youth orchestra division, 2017-18
Ryan Murray
Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra
Modesto CA
Ulli Reiner
California Music Educators Association Honor Orchestra
San Diego CA
Brad Smith
The HS for the Performing and Visual Arts
Houston TX
Michael Webster
Houston Youth Symphony
Houston TX
As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.
All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until complete results in the contest are announced officially. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—professional orchestra division, 2017-18
Roberta Carpenter
Janacek Philharmonic
Ostrava Czech Republic
Orlando Cela
London Classical Soloists
London UK
Cheung Chau
Lublin Philharmonic / Hunan Symphony / Kielce Philharmonic
Lublin/Kielce Poland / Hunan China
Nse Ekpo
Pazardjik Symphony
Pazardjik Bulgaria
Charles Gambetta
Vidin Sinfonietta
Vidin Bulgaria
Chris Younghoon Kim
Ensemble X
Ithaca NY
Yutaka Kono
Burlington Chamber Orchestra
Burlington VT
Chia-Hsuan Lin
Richmond Symphony
Richmond VA
Enrico Lopez-Yanez
Omaha Symphony
Omaha NE
Mark Mandarano
Sinfonietta of Riverdale
New York NY
Paul Mauffray
Hradec Kralove Philharmonic
Hradec Kralove Czech Rep.
Chris David Westover
Longview Symphony Orchestra
Longview TX
Dean Whiteside
New World Symphony
Miami Beach FL
Julius P. Williams
Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
Jamaica Plain MA
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—college/university orchestra division, 2017-18
Reuben Blundell
The Hunter Symphony
New York NY
Mathias Elmer
University of Memphis Symphony
Memphis TN
Kevin M. Geraldi
UNCG Symphony Orchestrta and Choirs
Greensboro NC
James A. Holleman
Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra
Hillsdale MI
Chad Hutchinson
University Symphony Orchestra of Minnesota
Minneapolis MN
Tara Villa Keith
Davidson College Symphony Orchestra
Davidson NC
Danh T. Pham
Washington State University Symphony Orchestra
Pullman WA
Marguerite Richardson
Jacksonville University Orchestra
Jacksonville FL
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—community orchestra division, 2017-18
Michael Avagliano
Central Jersey Symphony Orchestra
Branchburg NJ
Reuben Blundell
Chelsea Symphony / Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra
New York NY / Lansdowne PA
Orlando Cela
Arlington Philharmonic Orchestra
Arlington MA
Anna Edwards
Seattle Collaborative Orchestra
Seattle WA
Thomas E. Rainey
Williamson County Symphony Orchestra
Round Rock TX
Tara Villa Keith
Lee County Community Orchestra
Sanford NC
Walter Morales
Edgewood Symphony Orchestra
Pittsburgh PA
David P. Sartor
Parthenon Chamber Orchestra / Trevecca Symphony Orchestra
Nashville TN
Ty Turley-Trejo
Utah Philharmonic Orchestra
Riverton UT
Chris David
Westover Bethel College Philharmonia Orchestra
North Newton KS
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—youth orchestra division, 2017-18
Ryan Murray
Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra
Modesto CA
Ulli Reiner
California Music Educators Association Honor Orchestra
San Diego CA
Brad Smith
The HS for the Performing and Visual Arts
Houston TX
Michael Webster
Houston Youth Symphony
Houston TX
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—high school orchestra division, 2017-18
Katharine Hafner
Iolani Orchestra
Honolulu HI
Michael Isadore
Dulles HS Honors Orchestra
Sugar Land TX
***
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.
Here is a sample announcement:
"Great News! I've just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in my division in several weeks. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "
Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.
Congratulations to all semi-finalists.
Katharine Hafner
Iolani Orchestra
Honolulu HI
Michael Isadore
Dulles HS Honors Orchestra
Sugar Land TX
***
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.
Here is a sample announcement:
"Great News! I've just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in my division in several weeks. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "
Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.
Congratulations to all semi-finalists.
Semi-finalists: ORCHESTRAS, 2017-18
The
American Prize is pleased to announce SEMI-FINALIST orchestras for 2017-18
in all categories. Congratulations!
As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.
All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until complete results in the contest are announced officially. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—professional division,
2017-18
Diane Wittry, music director
Allentown Symphony
Allentown PA
Jonathan Griffith
Distinguished Concerts Orchestra
New York NY
Mark Mandarano
Sinfonietta of Riverdale
Bronx NY
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—college/university division, 2017-18
Reuben Blundell
The Hunter Symphony
New York NY
Thomas Dickey
OK State University Symphony Orchestra
Stillwater OK
Kevin M. Geraldi
UNCG Symphony Orchestra and Choirs
Greensboro NC
David Grandis
College of William & Mary Symphony Orchestra.
Williamsburg VA
Stephen Heyde
Baylor Symphony Orchestra
Waco TX
James A. Holleman
Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra
Hillsdale MI
Tara Villa Keith
Davidson College Symphony Orchestra
Davidson NC
Chris Younghoon Kim
Cornell Chamber Orchestra
Ithaca NY
Mark Mandarano
Macalester Symphony Orchestra
Saint Paul MN
Daniel O'Bryant
NAU Symphony
Flagstaff AZ
David A. Rahbee
University of Washington Symphony Orchestra
Seattle WA
Marguerite Richardson
Jacksonville University Orchestra
Jacksonville FL
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—community orchestra division, 2017-18
Donald L. Appert
Clark College Orchestra
Vancouver WA
Donald L. Appert
Oregon Sinfonietta
Portland OR
Michael Avagliano
Central Jersey Symphony Orchestra
Branchburg NJ
Reuben Blundell
Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra
Lansdowne PA
Patricia Brown
Texas Medical Center Orchestra
Houston TX
Libi Lebel, conductor
Orlando Cela
Arlington Philarmonic Orchestra
Arlington MA
Anna Edwards
Seattle Collaborative Orchestra
Seattle WA
John B. Gordon
Williamson County Symphony Orchestra
Round Rock TX
Dr. Thomas E. Rainey, conductor
Tara Villa Keith
Lee County Community Orchestra
Sanford NC
Steve N. Lewis, Jr.
Midwest Chamber Ensemble
Prairie Village KS
Ulli Reiner
Poway Community Symphonette
Poway/San Diego CA
Charles Salembier
Waynesboro Symphony
Waynesboro VA
Peter Wilson, conductor
David P. Sartor
Parthenon Chamber Orchesttra
Nashville TN
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—youth orchestra division, 2017-18
Jennifer Harrell
Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra
Knoxville TN
James Fellenbaum, conductor
Ralph T. Jackson
Bridle Path/Montgomery Select String Ensemble
Lansdale PA
Sarah Loudermilk
Houston Youth Symphony
Houston TX
Michael Webster, conductor
Joanne Walle
Oakland Youth Orchestras
Rochester MI
Zeljko Milicevic, conductor
Kelly Waltrip
Denver Young Artists Orchestra
Denver CO
Wes Kenney, conductor
Thomas Dickey
OSU String Academy
Stillwater OK
Enrique Lasansky
Denver School of the Arts Symphony
Denver CO
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—high school orchestra division, 2017-18
Kalena Bovell
The Loomis Chaffee Orchestra
Windsor CT
David DeVoto
Allen HS Symphony Orchestra
Allen TX
Nse Ekpo
Lakeside School Symphony Orchestra
Seattle WA
Katharine Hafner
Iolani Orchestra
Honolulu HI
Michael Isadore
Dulles HS Honors Orchestra
Sugar Land TX
Tanner Ledford
Klein Oak Symphony Orchestra
Spring TX
Matthew Moreno
Jasper Legacy Orchestra
Plano TX
Desiree Overree & John Mays
Seven Lakes HS Symphony Orchestra
Katy TX
Desiree Overree
Sinfonia Orchestra
Katy TX
Ulli Reiner
Poway Unified School District-Bernardo Heights
and Twin Peaks Middle School Orch.
Poway/San Diego CA
***
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.
Here is a sample announcement:
"Great News! Our ensemble has just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in the division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "
Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.
Congratulations to all semi-finalists.
As the contests unfold, finalists, runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when finalists will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.
All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until complete results in the contest are announced officially. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on their facebook page, tweeting the news, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—professional division,
2017-18
Diane Wittry, music director
Allentown Symphony
Allentown PA
Jonathan Griffith
Distinguished Concerts Orchestra
New York NY
Mark Mandarano
Sinfonietta of Riverdale
Bronx NY
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—college/university division, 2017-18
Reuben Blundell
The Hunter Symphony
New York NY
Thomas Dickey
OK State University Symphony Orchestra
Stillwater OK
Kevin M. Geraldi
UNCG Symphony Orchestra and Choirs
Greensboro NC
David Grandis
College of William & Mary Symphony Orchestra.
Williamsburg VA
Stephen Heyde
Baylor Symphony Orchestra
Waco TX
James A. Holleman
Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra
Hillsdale MI
Tara Villa Keith
Davidson College Symphony Orchestra
Davidson NC
Chris Younghoon Kim
Cornell Chamber Orchestra
Ithaca NY
Mark Mandarano
Macalester Symphony Orchestra
Saint Paul MN
Daniel O'Bryant
NAU Symphony
Flagstaff AZ
David A. Rahbee
University of Washington Symphony Orchestra
Seattle WA
Marguerite Richardson
Jacksonville University Orchestra
Jacksonville FL
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—community orchestra division, 2017-18
Donald L. Appert
Clark College Orchestra
Vancouver WA
Donald L. Appert
Oregon Sinfonietta
Portland OR
Michael Avagliano
Central Jersey Symphony Orchestra
Branchburg NJ
Reuben Blundell
Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra
Lansdowne PA
Patricia Brown
Texas Medical Center Orchestra
Houston TX
Libi Lebel, conductor
Orlando Cela
Arlington Philarmonic Orchestra
Arlington MA
Anna Edwards
Seattle Collaborative Orchestra
Seattle WA
John B. Gordon
Williamson County Symphony Orchestra
Round Rock TX
Dr. Thomas E. Rainey, conductor
Tara Villa Keith
Lee County Community Orchestra
Sanford NC
Steve N. Lewis, Jr.
Midwest Chamber Ensemble
Prairie Village KS
Ulli Reiner
Poway Community Symphonette
Poway/San Diego CA
Charles Salembier
Waynesboro Symphony
Waynesboro VA
Peter Wilson, conductor
David P. Sartor
Parthenon Chamber Orchesttra
Nashville TN
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—youth orchestra division, 2017-18
Jennifer Harrell
Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra
Knoxville TN
James Fellenbaum, conductor
Ralph T. Jackson
Bridle Path/Montgomery Select String Ensemble
Lansdale PA
Sarah Loudermilk
Houston Youth Symphony
Houston TX
Michael Webster, conductor
Joanne Walle
Oakland Youth Orchestras
Rochester MI
Zeljko Milicevic, conductor
Kelly Waltrip
Denver Young Artists Orchestra
Denver CO
Wes Kenney, conductor
Thomas Dickey
OSU String Academy
Stillwater OK
Enrique Lasansky
Denver School of the Arts Symphony
Denver CO
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—high school orchestra division, 2017-18
Kalena Bovell
The Loomis Chaffee Orchestra
Windsor CT
David DeVoto
Allen HS Symphony Orchestra
Allen TX
Nse Ekpo
Lakeside School Symphony Orchestra
Seattle WA
Katharine Hafner
Iolani Orchestra
Honolulu HI
Michael Isadore
Dulles HS Honors Orchestra
Sugar Land TX
Tanner Ledford
Klein Oak Symphony Orchestra
Spring TX
Matthew Moreno
Jasper Legacy Orchestra
Plano TX
Desiree Overree & John Mays
Seven Lakes HS Symphony Orchestra
Katy TX
Desiree Overree
Sinfonia Orchestra
Katy TX
Ulli Reiner
Poway Unified School District-Bernardo Heights
and Twin Peaks Middle School Orch.
Poway/San Diego CA
***
We invite semi-finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog.
Here is a sample announcement:
"Great News! Our ensemble has just been selected as a semi-finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing finalists in the division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "
Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.
Congratulations to all semi-finalists.
WINNERS: The American Prize in Voice: women in art song & oratorio, 2017-18, The Friedrich & Virginia Schorr Award, all divisions
The American Prize is honored to announce the winners, runners-up and citation recipients of The American Prize in Vocal Performance (women in art song and oratorio), 2017-18—The Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award, in professional, college/university, community and high school divisions. Congratulations!
In an exceptionally competitive field of applicants, there were ties for several runners-up this year and two citation recipients. We wish all these TAP laureates great success in their future musical endeavors.
Complete listings of finalists and semi-finalists in The American Prize competitions may be found elsewhere on this blog. Please use the chronological tool in the right-hand column to find specific results.
Please make us aware of any misprints: theamericanprize@gmail.com
The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award honors the memory of the greatest Wagnerian baritone of his age, Friedrich Schorr, who commanded the operatic stage between the world wars, and his wife, Virginia Schorr, who taught studio voice at the Manhattan School of Music and the Hartt School of Music for nearly fifty years. The Prize recognizes and rewards the best performances by classically trained vocalists in America in 2017-18, based on submitted recordings.
The American Prize in Vocal Performance (women in art song & oratorio), 2017-18
The Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award
(professional division)
The American Prize winner:
Kristina Bachrach La Grange IL
Soprano Kristina Bachrach is emerging as a young artist confident in an extensive range of styles. In recent seasons she debuted with the New York Choral Society at St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Cecilia Chorus at Carnegie Hall. A frequent and beloved guest artist with the Brooklyn Art Song Society, she has performed nearly twenty concerts with them in music ranging from Schubert to Berg.
In recent seasons, Ms. Bachrach has fulfilled many prestigious artist residencies, including the Marlboro Music Festival, Yellow Barn, the Tanglewood Music Center, the Banff Center, and the Lake George Music Festival. She enjoys a long-standing relationship with SongFest at Colburn, and has recorded songs of John Harbison for their premiere recording.
Kristina has performed leading and supporting roles with Gotham Chamber Opera, Opera Philadelphia, Opera Naples, Lyric Opera of Virginia, Nashville Opera, and Thompson Street Opera Company. She is the winner of the Grand Prize from the inaugural Ziering Conlon Young Artist Competiton. https://www.kristinabachrach.com/
2nd Place (there was a tie):
Michelle Areyzaga Rolling Meadows IL
Soprano MICHELLE AREYZAGA has a particular love for the art song and chamber music repertoire. Known for her expressive singing, she has given world premiers of songs by American composers such as Gwyneth Walker, Lita Grier, Lee Hoiby, William Ferris, Wayland Rogers and many others. She has sung several seasons with Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, New York Festival of Song, the Avalon Quartet, and The Chicago Ensemble. She has been honored by the Julian Autrey Song Foundation and was named Chicago Artist of the Year by Pioneer Press. She has appeared in leading roles with New York City Opera and Chicago Opera Theater, among others, and she has appeared with orchestras across the United States and abroad including Minnesota Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic, the National Symphonies of Uruguay and Costa Rica, Colorado Symphony, Richmond Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, and Philharmonia Orchestra of New York. Please visit www.michelleareyzaga.com
2nd Place (there was a tie):
Stacey Mastrian Seattle WA
Stacey Mastrian, a "sweet, shimmering soprano" (Washington Post) with “intensity, focus, and a warm, passionate sound” (New York Times), is a Fulbright Grantee and Richard F. Gold Career Grant recipient. She has performed at the Konzerthaus (Berlin), Chapelle historique du Bon-Pasteur, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Teatro La Fenice, and at Carnegie Hall with the Chamber Orchestra of New York as winner of The Respighi Prize. She has sung countless recitals across AZ, CA, DC, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, MN, NC, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, VA, VT, WA, Berlin, Latina, Montréal, Rome, and Venice, and has been heard on Georgian National Radio singing Shostakovich songs. Ms. Mastrian has been a scholarship recipient to SongFest and the winner of competitions such as the International Traxel Society and Vocal Arts DC Discovery Series. She specializes in 20th century Italian vocal music. www.staceymastrian.com
3rd Place (there was a tie):
Thea Lobo Medford MA
Hailed as "excellent", "impeccable", "limpidly beautiful", and "stunning", Grammy-nominated mezzo-soprano Thea Lobo has recently performed with Boston Symphony Orchestra, Guerilla Opera, EnsembleNewSRQ, Emmanuel Music, and Sunshine City Opera. Ms. Lobo has appeared under conductors Gunther Schuller, Joshua Rifkin, Helmut Rilling, and Andris Nelsons, and has been featured by the Carmel Bach Festival, Handel + Haydn Society, The Bermuda Festival, Boston Early Music Festival, and Europäisches Musikfest Stuttgart. Her dedication to new music, art song, and early music has seen her featured on True Concord's Grammy winning recording of Stephen Paulus's 'Prayers & Remembrances', invited to the Carmel Bach Festival as an Adams Fellow, a prizewinner at the Bach Vocal Competition for American Singers, a grant recipient of the Julian Autrey Song Foundation, a featured recitalist for the Boston Portuguese Festival, and performing as a soloist under the direction of composers Steve Reich, Christian Wolff, Louis Andriessen, and many others. www.TheaLobo.com
3rd Place (there was a tie):
Elisabeth Marshall Portland ME
Elisabeth Marshall was hailed by OPERA NEWS for her recording of James’ Kallembach’s Four Romantic Songs on Brooklyn Art Song Society’s 2015 album “New Voices”, and is a 2017 recipient of a Professional Fellowship to SongFest in Los Angeles, collaborating with Libby Larsen, among others. Solo engagements include Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion and B minor Mass, Mozart’s Mass in C minor and Requiem, and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Choral Fantasia with ensembles such as the Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Portland and Bangor (ME) Symphony Orchestras, the Oregon Bach Festival, and Rochester Cathedral (England). Opera roles include Frasquita (Carmen), Queen of the Night (The Magic Flute), Rosalinde (Die Fledermaus), Elisetta (Il matrimonio segreto), and Susanna (The Marriage of Figaro). Ensembles include the Lorelei Ensemble, Handel & Haydn Society, Wexford Festival Opera, London Philharmonia Chorus, Carmel Bach Festival, Festivalensemble Stuttgart, with conductors such as Helmuth Rilling, Masaaki Suzuki, and Leonard Slatkin. www.elisabethmarshall.com
Finalist: Special Judges' Citation: "Excellence in American Contemporary Vocal Music"
Ann Moss Richmond CA
Soprano Ann Moss is an acclaimed recording artist and champion of contemporary vocal music whose voice has been singled out for “beautifully pure floated high notes” (Opera News), “powerful expression” and “luminous tone” (San Francisco Classical Voice). Her albums Love Life (Angels Share Records 2016) and Currents (ASR 2013), produced and recorded by multi-GRAMMY® award winner Leslie Ann Jones at Skywalker Sound, feature premiere recordings of works by composers including Jake Heggie, John Thow and Liam Wade. She can also be heard on PARMA, Naxos, Albany, Navona and Jaded Ibis Productions labels. As co-founder and Artistic Director of new-music repertory group CMASH, Moss has has been personally responsible for the creation of over ninety works for solo voice. A native of Boston, she has lectured on composition and interpretation of contemporary song at institutions including MIT, NYU/Tisch, Longy School of Music, UC Davis, UofH Morse School and San Francisco Conservatory. www.annmosssoprano.com
Special Judges' Citation: "Excellence in Scandinavian Art Song"
Anna Hersey Minnetonka MN
Hailed by critics as a “force of nature,” soprano Anna Hersey is a noted expert on Scandinavian vocal literature and diction. Dr. Hersey was a Fulbright Scholar at the Kungliga Musikhögskolan in Stockholm, and conducted research at Det Kongelige Danske Musikkonservatorium, thanks to a post-doctoral fellowship from the American Scandinavian Foundation. She has presented her research on Scandinavian song at the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the University of Copenhagen Center for Internationalisation and Parallel Language Use, the International Congress of Voice Teachers, and the Yale Conference on Baltic and Scandinavian Studies. Dr. Hersey’s articles have been published in the Journal of Singing, VOICEPrints, and The Opera Journal. Carnegie Hall. Her first book, Scandinavian Art Song: A Guide to Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish Diction and Repertoire was released by Rowman & Littlefield in September 2016. She is the newly-appointed Assistant Professor of Voice at The University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh.
The American Prize in Vocal Performance (women in art song & oratorio), 2017-18
The Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award
(college/university division)
The American Prize winner:
Lauren Elizabeth Walker Bloomington IN
Lauren Walker is a mezzo-soprano from Bloomington, IN. She holds a BM in vocal performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music (2011) and an MM in vocal performance from Ball State University (2014). Lauren has been a finalist in numerous regional and national vocal competitions, including NATSAA, the Orpheus Vocal Competition, and the NY Lyric Opera Competition. She has been a featured soloist with the IUJSoM University Singers, the Bloomington Bach Cantata Project, the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, and the Marion Philharmonic orchestras. Her prominent opera theater roles include Dido in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, Carmen in the Bizet/Brook La Tragédie de Carmen, and Charlotte in Massenet’s Werther. Lauren is currently pursuing her Doctor of Arts degree in vocal performance with a graduate assistantship at Ball State University under Dr. Mei Zhong. She also serves as adjunct voice faculty at Taylor University in Upland, IN.
2nd Place (there was a tie):
Sarah Cooper Lincoln MA
Sarah Cooper, soprano, recently earned her master’s degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy at Westminster Choir College. From Lincoln, Massachusetts, Sarah completed her bachelor's degree in French at Princeton University, where she began her vocal studies with Rochelle Ellis and soloed with the Princeton University Glee Club. Now a student of Sharon Sweet, [Professor Sweet did not participate in the ranking or evaluation of this contestant.—DK], Sarah was a first-place winner in the 2016 Coeur d'Alene Symphony Young Artists Competition and the 2016 Westminster Choir College Voice Awards Competition. In January 2017, she performed her first mainstage role as Violetta in Verdi’s La Traviata with the Westminster CoOPERAtive program. Sarah also received the 2017 Colleen and Edward Carducci Encouragement Award at the Metropolitan National Council Auditions in Columbia, South Carolina. This summer, she will perform the role of Micaëla in Bizet’s Carmen with the Martina Arroyo Prelude to Performance Program in New York City.
2nd Place (there was a tie):
Hailey McAvoy Natick MA
Mezzo Soprano Hailey McAvoy is currently a senior at the Eastman School of Music, where she is pursuing a double major in vocal performance and musical arts. At Eastman, Hailey has performed on both the opera and concert stage, singing the roles of Zosha (Out of Darkenss, Heggie), Mrs. Soames (Our Town), The Abbess (Suor Angelica), Mother Superior (Mese Mariano), and The 6th Spirit (Cendrillon). In addition to opera, Hailey has appeared as a soloist in Haydn's Theresienmesse, Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Berio's O King, Danyew’s Alcott Songs, and several premieres in collaboration with Eastman’s composition department. As a young recitalist, Hailey particularly loves German and American art song, and is working to champion the music of little-known American composer Hub Miller, whose songs she is studying extensively at Eastman. Outside of singing, Hailey loves philosophy, poetry, and nature walks.
3rd Place (there was a tie):
Clare Demer Tucson AZ
Italian-American Soprano Clare Demer is completing her undergraduate degree at The University of Arizona, where she has performed L’Enfant in Ravel’s L’Enfant et les sortileges, Monica in Menotti’s The Medium, and Second Lady in the Magic Flute. She has received training from the International Vocal Arts Institute in Montreal, the Aspen Music Festival and School, and was a fellow at the Toronto Summer Music Festival Art of Song program. Among her awards are two Encouragement Awards from the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in Arizona, 1st prize in both the undergraduate and graduate divisions of the Amelia Rieman Opera Competition, and 1st prize in the Mari Nixon International Voice competition. She has twice won 2nd place in The American Prize Art Song Competition at the College/University level. This summer she will compete as a finalist in the James Toland Vocal Arts Competition.
3rd Place (there was a tie):
Rachel Eve Holmes Athens GA
Rachel Eve Holmes is a young soprano, recently described as, "expressive and subtle, with a stunning instrument." Rachel Eve has performed with Opera Lancaster, The Kenwood Symphony Orchestra, Opera Theatre of Pittsburgh, Opera Fort Collins, Capitol City Opera, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, Intermezzo Festival, Opera for the Young, La Musica Lirica, Loveland Opera Theatre, Fort Collins Symphony, Fresco Opera Theatre, Four Seasons Theatre, Children’s Theater of Madison, The Ralph Opera Center, The University of Georgia Symphony, and The New England Conservatory Opera Studio.
Holmes is the winner of the 2017 Ruth Kern Concerto Competition, the 2016 American Fine Arts Festival Romantic Music International Competition, the 2016 University of Georgia Concerto Competition, the 2016 Atlanta Music Clubs Competition, the 2015 American Protégé International Vocal Competition, the 2015 Roschel Vocal Competition, 2015 Schubert Club Competition, the 2014 Kenwood Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, the 2012 WPR Neale-Silva Young Artists Competition, the 2011 Carnegie Hall Weill Hall Young Musicians Concert Competition, and the 2009-2012 Schuyler Grant for Career Bridges, NYC.
The American Prize in Vocal Performance (women in art song & oratorio), 2017-18
The Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award
(community division)
The American Prize winner:
Deborah M. Connelly Stratford CT
A native of Stratford, Connecticut, Deborah Michele has pursued her passion for classical singing for 12 years. In 2011, she won the American Fine Arts Festival’s Golden Voices competition in the adult, classical category. Since then, she has sung numerous comedic roles with Trouper’s Light Opera including Giselle in The Red Mill, Celia in Iolanthe, Mrs. Partlet in The Sorcerer, and Daphne in Thespis. Over the summer she played Ida in Taconic Opera’s production of Die Fledermaus, and singer #2 and chorus woman #2/3 in the world premiere opera In Bocca al Lupo also with Taconic Opera. In addition, she made her dramatic acting debut as Madame de Volanges in a staged reading of Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Most recently she was a soloist in a Christmas benefit for Calvary St. George Episcopal church in Bridgeport, CT. She is humbled and gratified to be a winner of The American Prize competition.
2nd Place:
Samantha Isabell Gay Oak Park IL
Ms. Gay has been an active musician for nineteen years. She began with ‘by ear’ piano at age 7; she studied formally with beloved teacher Virginia K. Folgers between 2001 and 2012. Ms. Gay joined the St. Edmund School children's choir in 1999, singing and playing liturgical bells until 2004. In 2006, she began more focused chamber choir studies at Trinity High School, earning two solos and a spot with the school's 6-girl ensemble, 'Le Ragazze'. Ms. Gay then attended Brown University, where she made the University Choir and sang as an alto until graduation. At Brown, she also studied with choral director Louis Frederick Jodry V, earning two aria features in her senior year. Ms. Gay has studied with Christine Steyer since 2013, and she has returned to St. Edmund’s as a volunteer Cantor. Professionally, Ms. Gay works as an immigration paralegal, and will attend graduate school this fall.
3rd Place:
Shana Evans Bassett Atlanta GA
Atlanta-based Mezzo Soprano Shana Evans Bassett has recently made a return to vocal performance after several years away from music. A member and featured soloist with the noted women's a capella group Noteworthy at the University of Georgia from 1997-1999, she spent several years working in education and raising a family before returning to her vocal studies in 2016. Ms. Bassett is a student of the well-known voice instructor Sharon Forrester-Stephenson and is a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus. Additionally, she is a section leader and featured soloist at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Atlanta and a Staff Cantor at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church. Ms. Bassett continues to pursue professional and volunteer opportunities as a vocalist in opera and on the concert stage, and is excited to see where her budding career in music will lead.
The American Prize in Vocal Performance (women in art song & oratorio), 2017-18
The Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award
(high school division)
The American Prize winner:
Amalia Crevani Milford NJ
Amalia studies voice at the Juilliard Pre-College Program with Lorraine Nubar. This year Amalia was the 1st Place Winner for New York Lyric Opera Theatre National Vocal Competition (performance Broadway Symphony Space) and received the Paper Mill Playhouse nomination for “Outstanding Performance as an Actress in a Leading Role” for 9 to 5: The Musical (Judy Bernly). Earlier, she won 3rd place winner at the Schmidt Vocal Competition and 1st place in the International Great Composer Competition for Rossini. Last year Amalia placed 1st in the 2016 Rondo Vanguard Competition (Performance Carnegie Hall) and was a Merit Winner for Young Arts. At 15, Amalia won 1st place for the Hal Leonard National Vocal Competition (Music Theatre) and received the “Paper Mill Playhouse Outstanding Performance as an Actress in a Leading Role” (Anything Goes- Reno Sweeney- Honorable Mention). Amalia has performed with the Hunterdon Symphony, in local operas and community theatre, and as a National Anthem singer. Her training has included many summer vocal programs the most recent being the Academie Internationale d’Ete de Nice, France, where she studied with Lorraine Nubar and Dalton Baldwin. Amalia also studies piano, composition, acting, and dance.
2nd Place:
Mary Elizabeth Adler Bellevue WA
Mary Elizabeth Adler, soprano, is a junior in high school in Bellevue, Washington. She has been studying classical voice under Nancy Zylstra for over six years. She has won numerous awards in classical vocal competitions locally, at the state level, and nationally including: The Schmidt Competition, Hal Leonard, The Performing Arts Festival of the Eastside, and Musicfest Northwest. In 2016, she won the "Special Career Encouragement Citation" from The American Prize. She sings in St. James Cathedral Young Women's Choir also serving as a Cantor as well as the Seattle Opera's STUDIO Program. She is a cellist, performing in her high school's top orchestra. She is the Captain of her Varsity Badminton Team, and President of the Biology Club. She recently won 1st Place in the Central Sound Regional Science and Engineering Fair (Animal and Plants category) with her research in, "Investigating the Relationship Between Local Bird Syrinx Structure and Their Phylogenetic Status Using Cladogram Analysis." She will be taking her project to compete at the State Competition.
3rd Place:
Alexandra Taylor Naples FL
Alexandra Taylor, soprano, is from Naples, Florida. She has taken voice lessons since she was fifteen and has won numerous local and national competitions. Alexandra has performed with Opera Naples since she was twelve years old and has sung in the chorus in the following productions: Carmen, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, La Boheme, Pirates of Penzance, Il Pagliacci, Rudigore, Patience, Tosca, HMS Pinafore, The Magic Flute, and Turandot. She has also performed as a soloist in many of the Opera Naples concerts. She won First Place in the 2016 Tampa Bay NATS competition in the classical high school division. She was a Naples Music Club scholarship competition winner in 2015 and 2016, a first place winner in the Calusa Musicale Clara Blood Award Auditions in 2016, and was also a scholarship recipient of the Ruth DeMaster Scholarship through the Fort Myers Mastersingers. Alexandra was the first place winner in the American Prize Competition in the 2016 High School Opera/Operetta division. She earned an Encouragement Award in the 2017 Schmidt Competition and was a semifinalist in the 2017 Hal Leonard Vocal Competition. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and her high school’s Key Club and Drama Club. She has passed the pre-screening rounds of numerous prestigious conservatories. She was invited to audition at The Juilliard School, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, New England Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, and Mannes School of Music.
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Congratulations!
In an exceptionally competitive field of applicants, there were ties for several runners-up this year and two citation recipients. We wish all these TAP laureates great success in their future musical endeavors.
Complete listings of finalists and semi-finalists in The American Prize competitions may be found elsewhere on this blog. Please use the chronological tool in the right-hand column to find specific results.
Please make us aware of any misprints: theamericanprize@gmail.com
The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award honors the memory of the greatest Wagnerian baritone of his age, Friedrich Schorr, who commanded the operatic stage between the world wars, and his wife, Virginia Schorr, who taught studio voice at the Manhattan School of Music and the Hartt School of Music for nearly fifty years. The Prize recognizes and rewards the best performances by classically trained vocalists in America in 2017-18, based on submitted recordings.
The American Prize in Vocal Performance (women in art song & oratorio), 2017-18
The Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award
(professional division)
The American Prize winner:
Kristina Bachrach La Grange IL
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Kristina Bachrach |
In recent seasons, Ms. Bachrach has fulfilled many prestigious artist residencies, including the Marlboro Music Festival, Yellow Barn, the Tanglewood Music Center, the Banff Center, and the Lake George Music Festival. She enjoys a long-standing relationship with SongFest at Colburn, and has recorded songs of John Harbison for their premiere recording.
Kristina has performed leading and supporting roles with Gotham Chamber Opera, Opera Philadelphia, Opera Naples, Lyric Opera of Virginia, Nashville Opera, and Thompson Street Opera Company. She is the winner of the Grand Prize from the inaugural Ziering Conlon Young Artist Competiton. https://www.kristinabachrach.com/
2nd Place (there was a tie):
Michelle Areyzaga Rolling Meadows IL
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Michelle Areyzaga |
2nd Place (there was a tie):
Stacey Mastrian Seattle WA
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Stacey Mastrian |
3rd Place (there was a tie):
Thea Lobo Medford MA
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Thea Lobo |
3rd Place (there was a tie):
Elisabeth Marshall Portland ME
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Elisabeth Marshall |
Finalist: Special Judges' Citation: "Excellence in American Contemporary Vocal Music"
Ann Moss Richmond CA
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Ann Moss |
Special Judges' Citation: "Excellence in Scandinavian Art Song"
Anna Hersey Minnetonka MN
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Anna Hersey |
The American Prize in Vocal Performance (women in art song & oratorio), 2017-18
The Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award
(college/university division)
The American Prize winner:
Lauren Elizabeth Walker Bloomington IN
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Lauren Elizabeth Walker |
2nd Place (there was a tie):
Sarah Cooper Lincoln MA
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Sarah Cooper |
2nd Place (there was a tie):
Hailey McAvoy Natick MA
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Hailey McAvoy |
3rd Place (there was a tie):
Clare Demer Tucson AZ
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Clare Demer |
3rd Place (there was a tie):
Rachel Eve Holmes Athens GA
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Rachel Eve Holmes |
Holmes is the winner of the 2017 Ruth Kern Concerto Competition, the 2016 American Fine Arts Festival Romantic Music International Competition, the 2016 University of Georgia Concerto Competition, the 2016 Atlanta Music Clubs Competition, the 2015 American Protégé International Vocal Competition, the 2015 Roschel Vocal Competition, 2015 Schubert Club Competition, the 2014 Kenwood Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, the 2012 WPR Neale-Silva Young Artists Competition, the 2011 Carnegie Hall Weill Hall Young Musicians Concert Competition, and the 2009-2012 Schuyler Grant for Career Bridges, NYC.
The American Prize in Vocal Performance (women in art song & oratorio), 2017-18
The Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award
(community division)
The American Prize winner:
Deborah M. Connelly Stratford CT
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Deborah M. Connelly |
2nd Place:
Samantha Isabell Gay Oak Park IL
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Samantha Isabell Gay |
3rd Place:
Shana Evans Bassett Atlanta GA
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Shana Evans Bassett |
The American Prize in Vocal Performance (women in art song & oratorio), 2017-18
The Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award
(high school division)
The American Prize winner:
Amalia Crevani Milford NJ
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Amalia Crevani |
2nd Place:
Mary Elizabeth Adler Bellevue WA
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Mary Elizabeth Adler |
3rd Place:
Alexandra Taylor Naples FL
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Alexandra Taylor |
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Congratulations!
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