1205 West Balmoral

Chicago, IL 60640

UNITED STATES

773-989-2515

Individual performers and ensembles (sextet or smaller) who have not appeared as the featured performer on another commercially released CD are eligible to apply; the competition is not open to composers or conductors. The maximum age limit for individual performers is 35 years old as of the application open date. For ensembles, the average age of ensemble members should not exceed 35 and no individual player may exceed 40 years of age. There is no minimum age limit. All individual performers and at least 50 percent of ensemble players must reside in or come from the Chicago metro area (defined as the following counties: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will). No individual may appear on more than one application; for example, if applying as a soloist, an individual may not also apply as a member of an ensemble.

SEMIFINALS (live rounds)

Semifinals will include up to 10 contestants, who will prepare an hour of music from which judges will select 15 minutes to be performed.

FINALS (live rounds)

The final round will include up to five contestants playing 30 minutes of music total, including two contrasting works, selected by the contestants themselves. Semi-final and final performances will be judged by a panel of five judges, to be named at a later date, comprising prominent musicians and industry professionals.

One winner and one honorable mention will be selected. The winner will record a Cedille Records album for release in Fall 2021. The winner’s prize will be offered to the honorable mention if the winner is not able to record or release the album as planned.