Application Period: September 1–December 15, 2025
Live Final Round Weekend: April 11–12, 2026
RULES AND HOW TO APPLY (still to be updated in Summer 2025)
Eligibility
The Competition is open to acoustic instrumental ensembles. Voice as an acoustic instrument is not allowed or accepted. The ensemble may not have more than one piano. Ensembles must consist of three to five members. Members must be engaged in study and/or performance and must be pursuing careers in music. On November 30, 2023, the average of the ages of ensemble members shall be less than 30 years, 11 months, and 30 days.
Application
This year, applications online are accepted in partnership with the leading arts application platform. Ensembles should select one member to serve as coordinator for the group. This individual initiates the application online and submits his or her contact information as requested. There is a subsequent page to submit information on remaining ensemble members.
A musical recording is then uploaded with the application and finally, the fee of $40 per member is collected. Please arrange for one credit card to pay the total ensemble application fee.
The required audio recording should consist of 30 minutes of music including at least 2 works or movements of works contrasting in style and character. The recording should include the music only and no introductions or reference to the ensemble or any of its members. The judging in the first round is completely anonymous.
The instructions will ask you to list the selections in order with a location indicated for each composition as well.
Judging is completed in two rounds. The first round will have at least three judges reviewing each application and rating them. The preliminary head judge will select two others to help review these ratings and select the four or five finalists and two alternates. The final round will take place at the Ebenezer Theater in Easton, Maryland. Please refer to the judging section of the web site for more information.
Complete instructions are repeated in the application and technical support is available during the application process.
Applications open on September 1, 2023 and close on November 30, 2023. Press the application button below (available on September 1) to begin or to return to the application as you proceed.
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the Final Round Competition. The Lerman Gold Prize winner will be awarded the sum of $10,000. The Silver Prize winner will receive $5,000. An honorarium of $1,000 will be awarded to each of the remaining finalist ensembles. The very popular Audience Choice Award of $1,000 will be announced as well.
All prizes are conditioned upon full compliance of the ensemble and each of its members with the rules and requirements of the Competition.
Additional Requirements
Acceptance of the invitation to participate in the performance competition on April 13, 2024 shall constitute agreement by the ensemble and each of its members to the terms below:
- The ensemble shall participate in the Competition on April 13, 2024 and an orientation and rehearsal on April 12, 2024 as assigned by the Competition Chair.
- The ensemble shall attend a brunch on April 14, 2024 to meet privately with the finalist judges and to converse with Competition Patrons and Concert presenters present.
- The ensemble shall be available on the afternoon of Sunday, April 14, 2024 to perform a 60-minute concert in a community venue in the area as assigned.
- If selected to perform at the Chesapeake Chamber Music Festival in June, 2024, the chosen ensemble will make themselves available at an agreed upon date in the first two weeks of June, 2024.
- Within 10 days of receiving the invitation to participate, the ensemble shall submit a photograph and brief biography. Within 30 days, the ensemble will provide a listing of their 45-minute live competition program. PDF files of each work listed will be provided to the Competition for judges use as well.
- Chesapeake Music may, without condition or limitation, freely use any online audition recording submitted with the application and may record any performances during the weekend Competition and shall have full rights of ownership in and use of such recorded performances.
- Chesapeake Music may publish on its website a link to the ensemble’s official website.
Hospitality
The Competition provides complimentary housing for the ensembles at private homes in the Easton area.
CCMC Advisory Board
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
CCMC Judges
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
