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. 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.
Submission Details
This year’s theme is Winter. The submission should address relevant themes of the season, whether sacred or secular. Original music for the season’s holidays (Christmas, Hannukah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, etc.) is acceptable; arrangements of existing carols are not.
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.
Past winners may enter again two years following their winning submission.
Application Details
- 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
- Mallet percussion
- An additional solo instrument is allowed if desired.
- One score per composer.
- 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
ellenruthharrison@gmail.com