Cincinnati Camerata’s Kummer Award for Composition
The family of Stan Kummer, a beloved Cincinnati Camerata member who died of a pulmonary embolism in May, will be continuing his legacy of support for enriching, musical outlets like Camerata. Mr. Kummer, a tenor, and his wife Janice (soprano) became members of the group in 2019. Beginning this season, the Kummer family will become the sole sponsors of Camerata’s annual composition competition. In addition to prize money, the winning submission may be performed in the group’s spring concert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kummer Award for Composition
In addition to supporting new music by performing works by living composers throughout Camerata’s life of 30 years and counting, we are pleased to promote the Kummer Award for Composition. We invite you to submit a suitable score to be judged by our distinguished jury which includes our Artistic Director as well as a member of the composition faculty at Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). They will evaluate the entries for quality as well as compliance with the competition guidelines. 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 a winning composition, in which case a copy will be provided to the composer. Cincinnati Camerata reserves the right to not declare a winner.
Who can enter?
The Camerata Composition Contest is open to anyone of any age or nationality anywhere in the
world.
What are the entry criteria?
-The submission must be scored for mixed voices with a duration no longer than 5 minutes.
-The submission may be a cappella or accompanied by one of the following instruments:
piano, organ, harpsichord, or malleted percussion. An additional solo instrument is
allowed if desired. A keyboard reduction should be provided under each system if the piece is a cappella.
-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.
-Anonymous submission: Your contact information will be stored separately from your
score to maintain anonymity throughout the judging process. The submitted score must
contain the title of the work but not the composer’s name or other identifying
information. Once the judging is complete the winning score will be matched to the
contact information and the composer will be notified.
-The entry fee of $15 must be paid online through PayPal (no checks). The entry fee of $15 must be paid in order for the submission process to go forward.
-One score per composer per entry.
-Past winners may enter again two years following their winning submission.
-Recordings are welcomed but not required. Please submit any recordings in MP3 format.
Submissions must be unpremiered outside of an educational/institutional context.
Who has won in the past?
2023: Nicholas Weininger “Lecha Dodi” https://nicholasweininger.com/
2020: Dr. Ellen Vilson Goth “Above Gravity” https://www.ellengilsonvoth.net/
2014: Loretta Notreschi “One Leaf” http://lorettanotareschi.com/
2013: Michael Gilbertson “Where the Words Go” https://michaelgilbertson.net/
What is the deadline for submission? When will the winners be announced?
The deadline for submission is December 15, 2024. Entries will not be accepted after
this date. The winner be announced at Cincinnaticamerata.com no later than January 10th, 2025.
How do I enter?
Complete the registration form above.
Please submit any questions you may have about eligibility or details of your entry to Ellen
Harrison, Jury Chair at ellen.harrison@uc.edu. Please contact
webmaster@cincinnaticamerata.com for any technical issues with your submission or
payment.
If you have any issues submitting your composition score please email webmaster@cincinnaticamerata.com