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Applications are under review!
Cedille Records has proudly nurtured the careers and legacies of Chicago’s talented classical music performers and composers since 1989. Now, with immense excitement, we turn our focus to the future. Sponsored by the Zell Family Foundation, our second Emerging Artist Competition is a thrilling opportunity to elevate the next generation of exceptional talent.
The competition winner will have the incredible opportunity to record their featured debut album with Cedille Records — a huge step forward in any artist’s career! The first competition’s winner was saxophonist Julian Velasco. Cedille released his debut album, As We Are, in August 2022 to glowing reviews. The Chicago Tribune called it “a bird’s-eye view of Velasco’s range, both as an infectiously joyous interpreter of new music and a monster improviser.” Velasco expressed his gratitude, saying:
“There is such an incredible force behind the record label that really believes in artists in a way that is authentic [and] also so impactful. The reach alone and the community of people that support Cedille — yeah. I mean, it just doesn’t get better than that.”
We’re excited to continue our legacy of supporting and showcasing brilliant emerging artists right here in Chicago. Our esteemed panel is carefully evaluating the 23 applications received. The competition’s
live rounds will take place May 17–18, 2025, in the Feinberg Theater at the Spertus Institute (610 S. Michigan Ave). The finals on May 18th will be open to the public, so plan to come see Chicago’s future stars of classical music!
Recommended
Cedille’s newest digital single, Mischa Zupko: Harpsichord Concerto is available to stream everywhere. Scored for harpsichord and string quartet, the concerto exhibits highly idiomatic harpsichord writing, brought brilliantly into the present by Zupko’s ingenious reshaping of older musical styles into a thoroughly modern expression.
From Chicago-based composter Stacy Garrop comes INVICTUS, Latin for “unconquered.” The work unfolds across four movements and an interlude, moving between lyrical introspection, fierce determination, and triumphant resolve, with Grammy-nominated pianist Marta Aznavoorian and the Chicago Philharmonic under the direction of Artistic Director Scott Speck. Available 5/8.
In honor of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we repromote our playlist of Cedille recordings of music by (almost all) American composers based on American themes — people, places, events, etc. — and add a few recent tracks that fit the theme (and bring the total to 50).
Enjoy Cedille’s Weekly Featured Release.