Cincinnati Camerata invites composers of any age or nationality to submit an original work to our annual choral composition competition. Our newly renamed Cincinnati Camerata’s Kummer Award for Composition honors the late Stan Kummer, whose family has generously offered to sponsor the competition to continue his legacy of support for enriching musical outlets like Camerata.
The winner will receive a cash prize of $500. Depending on seasonal programming and time commitments, Camerata may perform the winning composition live in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. The winner is not required to travel, and no travel funds are available. Camerata may also choose to record the winning composition, in which case a copy will be provided to the composer. Cincinnati Camerata reserves the right to not declare a winner.
Submissions are due December 15, 2024, at https://cincinnaticamerata.com/composition-contest/ Entries will not be accepted after this date.
The winner will be announced at cincinnaticamerata.com no later than January 10, 2025.
Anonymous submission: The submitted score must contain the title of the work, but not the composer’s name or other identifying information.
All entries must be un-premiered outside of an educational/institutional context.
The work must be scored for mixed voices with a duration no longer than 5 minutes. A keyboard reduction should be provided under each system. The score may be a cappella or accompanied by one of the following instruments:
- Piano
- Organ
- Harpsichord
- Mallet percussion
- An additional solo instrument is allowed if desired.
The submission should address, directly or indirectly, the concept of harmony, whether it be musical, relational, or any other expansive definition.
Texts may be sacred or secular. A letter of permission from the copyright owner must accompany any submissions using text not in the public domain. No exceptions.
The entry fee of $15 must be paid online through PayPal (no checks).
One score per composer.
Past winners may enter again two years following their winning submission.
Recordings are welcome but not required. Please submit any recordings in MP3 format.
For any questions not answered here or on the submission form, please write to: