Composition Contest FAQ

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 sponsor the Cincinnati Camerata
Composition Contest. 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.

The Camerata Composition Contest is open to anyone of any age or nationality anywhere in the
world.

-The submission must be scored for mixed voices with a duration no longer than 5
minutes.
-The submission may be acappella 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 adhere to the theme for our spring concert: Jewish music
suitable for performance in a temple.
-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 $35 must be paid online through PayPal (no checks). The entry fee of $35 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 welcome but not required. Please submit any recordings in MP3 format.
-Submissions must be unpremiered.

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/

The deadline for submission is November 1, 2023. Entries will not be accepted after
this date. The winner be announced at Cincinnaticamerata.com no later than December 15,
2023.

Complete the registration submission below.

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.