All finalists will receive feedback/critique from the judges, as well as an additional 60-minute concert opportunity during the live final round weekend. Chesapeake Music invites other presenters and promoters to the live final round weekend, as well as through Chesapeake Music’s live stream (also broadcasted by The Violin Channel), creating additional exposure for each Finalist Ensemble.
Lodging and select meals during the live final round weekend will be provided by Chesapeake Music. Local travel will also be provided by Chesapeake Music.
All prizes are conditioned upon full compliance by the ensemble and each of its members with the rules and requirements of the Competition. Chesapeake Music retains the right to distribute, divide, or withhold awards at its sole discretion.
Results from the first/preliminary round are anticipated to be released on or around January 15, 2026.
When Finalist Ensembles are notified of their advancement to the live weekend round, they will be given instructions on additional material to be provided in advance, such as (but not limited to) select marketing material, their 45-minute live final round program, and PDF files of each work being performed on the program.
Finalist Ensembles must travel to Easton, Maryland for the live final round weekend. Finalist Ensembles will receive housing, select meals, and local transportation through Chesapeake Music. An orientation and rehearsal period will take place on April 10, 2026.
On April 11, 2026, the live final round of the Competition will take place in the historic Ebenezer Theater at Prager Family Center for the Arts, featuring a Hamburg Steinway handpicked by Gabriela Montero. Each Finalist Ensemble will have 45 minutes to deliver their final round performance to an audience of classical music lovers — both in the venue and via live stream (also broadcasted by The Violin Channel).
Competition final results will be announced that same evening in the Theater.
The following morning, on April 12, all Finalist Ensembles will attend a special brunch where they will meet privately with the finalist judges to receive critique/feedback, and they will also converse with Competition patrons & key personnel, as well as other concert presenters/promoters and press present. Later that day, each ensemble will present a 60-minute program of their own choosing at another local venue as arranged by Chesapeake Music.
The Gold Prize Winner will return to Easton in June 2026 to perform at the 41st Chesapeake Chamber Music Festival. The exact dates are to be determined, but it will be a minimum 3-day commitment between June 11–20. Travel, housing, select meals, and an artist fee will be provided. While not guaranteed, Chesapeake Music endeavors to also arrange one or two additional paid performances through other presenters while the ensemble is in the region.
Results from the first/preliminary round are anticipated to be released on or around January 15, 2026.
Acceptance of the invitation to participate in the live final round weekend of the competition shall constitute agreement by the Finalist Ensemble and each of its members to the terms below:
Steve Balderston
Natasha Brofsky
Glenn Dicterow
Miriam Fried
Michael Kannen
Michael Maccaferri
Tara Helen O’Connor
Daniel Phillips
Marcy Rosen
J. Lawrie Bloom
Catherine Cho
Karen Dreyfus
Ara Gregorian
Maria Lambros
Katherine Murdock
Peggy Pearson
Todd Phillips
David Shifrin
Preliminary
Head Judge: Catherine Cho, violin, viola
Daniel Phillips, violin, viola
Todd Phillips, violin, viola
Diane Walsh, piano
Finalist
Head Judge: Marcy Rosen, cello
Robert McDonald, piano
Tara Helen O’Connor, flute