Midamerica Productions, Inc., Commits $100,000 Through 2034 For A New International Choral Conductors Prize

Prize recipient to receive $10,000 and Carnegie Hall debut performance. One awardee will be chosen each year between 2024 and 2035, for $100,000 in total prize monies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: New York, NY (February 21, 2024) — On the heels of a enormously successful, sold-out, 40th-anniversary concert, which showcased Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 "Ode to Joy" conducted by Peter Tiboris and John Rutter's "Magnificat,” MidAmerica Productions, Inc. is pleased to announce the establishment of the MidAmerica Productions, Inc. International Choral Conducting Competition; an annual prize of $10,000 and a solo conducting opportunity on stage at Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall to a deserving young choral conductor between the ages of 25-35. With the total pledge reaching $100,000 by January 7, 2034, marking the 50th anniversary of MidAmerica Productions, Inc., this initiative is a testament to Peter Tiboris's commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring the continuation of musical excellence in the world of choral music.

The recipient of this unique award will not only be given a financial grant but also benefit from mentorship with Peter Tiboris himself and MidAmerica Productions, Inc. staff conductors. Additionally, the award provides an extraordinary opportunity for the awardee to showcase their talent on the prestigious Perelman stage of Carnegie Hall. Tiboris, the renowned conductor and visionary behind MidAmerica Productions, Inc., expressed his enthusiasm for the fellowship, stating, "I believe in fostering the next generation of conductors. This corporate grant is a way for me to contribute to the future of choral music and provide these artists with the support they need to grow.”

Applicants will need to submit a written application detailing some of their background and education in choral music, and including short answers to the following prompts:

• What has motivated you to apply for this conducting award?

• Describe your choral conducting background.

• To date, who has been your greatest musical influence? In addition to the written portion, all applicants must include a video submission including both of the following videos:

• Up to 30-minute video of one or two musical work(s) that you are leading in a rehearsal or concert. There are no limitations on the type of repertoire you select for this video.

• Up to 5-minute video sharing your personal thoughts on choral conducting and how to achieve the best possible musical result from your preparation of music and performance.

Judges and Judging:

There will be two levels of judging: preliminary with MidAmerica Conductors and a second round with International Conductors. Music Director Peter Tiboris will make the final decision upon reviewing the recommendations.

MidAmerica Choral Committee:

Matthew Harden - Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Conservatory of Music, University of MissouriKC Conductor-in-Residence and Program Development Associate

Terre Johnson - Ph.D. - Florida State University Distinguished Composer & Conductor Chair, The Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music Georgia Southern University

Stephen Pu - DMA - Claremont Graduate University Conductor and Program Development Associate Artistic Director for the Hollywood Master Chorale Artistic Director, Voices of Love Chorus Los Angeles Music Faculty, Anaheim Elementary School District

Sonja Sepúlveda - DMA - University of South Carolina Conductor-in-Residence and Program Development Associate Director of Program Development for MidAm International

Adam Stich - DMA - University of South Carolina  Conductor and Program Development Associate

Michael John Trotta - DMA - Louisiana State University Distinguished Composer & Conductor

Candace Wicke - DMA - University of Miami Conductor and Program Development Associate Founder, President, and Executive Director for The Continuo Arts Foundation

International Choral Committee:

Peter Tiboris, University of Illinois, Ed. D., Founder and General Music Director MidAmerica Productions, Inc., and MidAm International Inc. 1984 to present

John Rutter CBE - Cambridge, UK Composer and Conductor

Francis Bardot - France Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur Chef de Choeur - Chef d’Orchestre Président de la Société Française des Chefs de Chœur Founder and President : Academie Chorale D’ile de France Mro.

Alan Chircop - Malta Artistic Director InClassica International Music Festival Abu Dhabi

Thomas Louziotis - Greece Choral Conductor and President of the Hellenic Choirs Association, Greece

Stefan Parkman - Sweden Prof. Hochschule für Musik Carl Maria von Weber Dresden Prof. em Uppsala Universitet

More details will be announced shortly and applications will be accepted by or before September 1, 2024. An announcement of the award will be made by October 1, 2024.

For further information and to sign up to be notified when submissions open, visit www.midamerica-music.com

###