Check out these highlights from M-Prize 2016!
2017 M-Prize Chamber Arts Competition: Accepting Applications
Application and Full Competition Guidelines available at mprize.umich.edu
11/02/2016
The
University of Michigan's second annual M-Prize Chamber Arts Competition,
officially the largest competition of its kind thanks to the number of
applicants and the unprecedented grand prize of $100,000, is now
accepting applications for the 2017 competition, with a deadline of
February, 1, 2017. The event takes place May 1-4, 2017 at the U-M
School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with
the grand finale concert at Hill Auditorium. Application instructions
are available at mprize.umich.edu.
Supported by the U-M Office of the Provost and an anonymous donor,
M-Prize also awards an additional $109,000 in prize money divided
amongst the winning small ensembles in both junior and senior divisions
in three categories: Strings, Winds, and Open (comprising any
instrumentation or genre).
The "open" category further distinguishes M-Prize as a chamber
competition that embraces a wide definition of the field and shines
light on its innovative possibilities. Created by Aaron Dworkin, dean of
SMTD, a stated goal of the competition is to "evolve the breadth and
depth of the chamber arts landscape and associated professional
opportunities for exceptional ensembles."
This year's M-Prize brings new additions: recently appointed Artistic Director Matt Albert,
founding violinist/violist of the groundbreaking ensemble Eighth
Blackbird and chair of SMTD's Department of Chamber Music; an interview
round for first place Laureates (senior division winners) to present and
advocate for their ensemble's curatorial vision; and an increased prize
pool.
The international jury includes former New York Philharmonic
concertmaster Rodney Friend, Juilliard String Quartet cellist Astrid
Schween, Swiss saxophonist Lars Mlekusch, renowned-flautist Carol
Wincenc, multi-genre cellist Jeffrey Zeigler, and Grammy Award- winning
soprano Dawn Upshaw.
The Calidore String Quartet won the inaugural M-Prize last May, which
spurred controversy and conversation surrounding the difficult task of
adjudicating a string quartet versus a new music ensemble. Mark Stryker,
in his Detroit Free Press article stated, "...the question
becomes one of honing in on just what kind of excellence should be
rewarded: the kind that delivers no fresh insights into music we already
know, but does so with striking beauty? Or the kind that reveals new
truths about the music of our time and promises more in the future while
meeting the highest standard of performance?"
"New music isn't better than old," said Matt Albert. "We feel there's
a place for it all, and we want to be the prize that rewards groups for
both performing well and demonstrating their curatorial vision: how
their way of performing well will sustain itself--why it's valid,
interesting, appealing, compelling, and necessary; why we should listen,
and why we should present it for others to hear."
The M-Prize winners also receive performance and residency
opportunities with prestigious presenters including the University
Musical Society, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, Interlochen
Presents, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at Illinois, and
Rockefeller University. In addition, the winning ensemble returns to
SMTD for a residency to work with students.
The Grand Prize Gala Concert in May, in which the top ensembles in
the three senior categories compete, will be live streamed by Detroit
Public Television and made available to PBS stations.
For more information, visit mprize.umich.edu and join the conversation using #theMprize.
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