Applications Open for CMA's 2024 Classical Commissioning Program

The grant supports a chamber music ensemble or presenter to commission a new work from an emerging or mid-career American composer

Applications are now open for Chamber Music America’s (CMA) Classical Commissioning Program, which provides funding for professional, US-based chamber ensembles and presenters to commission a new work from an American composer. The deadline for applications is Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET.

The grant will cover works scored for 2–10 musicians, composed in any of the musical styles associated with contemporary classical music.

In order to be eligible, ensembles must be professional and consist of fixed personnel, as opposed to being a collective with a flexible roster. If the ensemble is a duo, the partners must play an equal role and market themselves as such.

Ensembles and presenters should also be current CMA members with no outstanding financial obligations.

The ensemble will fill out the application, rather than the composer. Composers may be a member of the relevant ensemble.

The grant will pay $7,500 for the commissioning fee, as well as a rehearsal support payment of up to $7,500, a performance support payment of $1,000, and an administration payment of $500.

When selecting a composer, ensembles may like to refer to CMA's Composer Equity Project, which has compiled a detailed database of composers who are either women, gender non-conforming, or of a minority ethnicity.

You can find out more and apply here.