Live Final Round Weekend: April 11–12, 2026
2026 Competition Overview
The Chesapeake Chamber Music Competition is pleased to announce this year’s finalists:
Brompton Quartet
Candide Quartet
Dolphins Quartet
Synchrony Quartet
Trio Animoso
Each ensemble will travel to Easton, MD, to compete in a Live Final Round at The Ebenezer Theater at Prager Family Center for the Arts on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
The Live Final Round is an all-day ticketed event, $25 general admission with a limited number of free tickets available to students and educators. The event will begin at 11 a.m. and each ensemble will perform for 45 minutes. There will be three performances before a break (running from approximately 2–3 p.m.), followed by the remaining two performances. Remarks, awards, and a reception will follow, concluding at approximately 6 p.m. The judges of the final round are Catherine Cho (Head Judge), Robert McDonald, and Peggy Pearson.
On Sunday, April 12, 2026, each ensemble will travel to a different venue — one in Easton, St. Michaels, Oxford, Cambridge, and Centreville — to present a free solo concert for the community.
Further details and ticketing information for all events taking place during the Live Final Round Weekend on April 11 and 12 will be made available on March 1.
- Lerman Gold Prize | $10,000 plus paid performance at the 41st Chesapeake Chamber Music Festival in June 2026
- Silver Prize | $5,000
- Awards to remaining Finalists | $1,000 per ensemble
- Audience Choice Prize | $1,000
The Live Final Round is an all-day ticketed event, $25 general admission with a limited number of free tickets available to students and educators. The event will begin at 11 a.m. and each ensemble will perform for 45 minutes. There will be three performances before a break (running from approximately 2–3 p.m.), followed by the remaining two performances. Remarks, awards, and a reception will follow, concluding at approximately 6 p.m. The judges of the final round are Catherine Cho (Head Judge), Robert McDonald, and Peggy Pearson.
On Sunday, April 12, 2026, each ensemble will travel to a different venue — one in Easton, St. Michaels, Oxford, Cambridge, and Centreville — to present a free solo concert for the community.
Further details and ticketing information for all events taking place during the Live Final Round Weekend on April 11 and 12 will be made available on March 1.