Applications Closing to Plowman Chamber Music Competition

The next Plowman Competition will take place on March 25-26, 2023 in Columbia, Missouri

A biennial event, which takes place on odd-numbered years, The Plowman Chamber Music Competition offers two categories: Piano & Strings and Brass, Woodwinds & Percussion. Taking place in Columbia, Missouri, the competition is in honor of Janice Plowman, a Columbia community member who dedicated her life to education and the arts.

Open to instrumental ensembles of three to six players, the competition is for quartets interested in, or already pursuing a career in music. However, ensembles with management as of March 25, 2023, are not eligible. Each member must be under 40 years of age as of March 25, 2023.

There are two application deadlines: February 10 or February 17, 2023, at 11:59 PM. To apply, click here.

With a Grand Prize of $5000, the competition also offers the Odyssey Chamber Music Series Award, worth $2000 USD, and a chance to perform in Odyssey Chamber Music Series' Season 20.

Two first prizes, one in each category, will also be given $2000. There will also be honorable mentions and the Vianello Audience Prize, both worth $500.

To apply, quartets must submit videos via YouTube — including a minimum of two complete works of distinctly contrasting characters, from at least two different musical periods, or composed 50 years apart, with a minimum of 30 minutes of music.

The 2023 jury includes pianist Lucille Chung, cellist Amit Peled, and horn player Jeff Scott.

"If I were judging, I would be looking for an ensemble that has both charisma and professional polish, and most importantly, the desire and passion to perform chamber music," Artistic Director Ayako Tsuruta said. "At Plowman, interactions with our community members are strongly encouraged.

While the Preliminary results will be announced by e-mail in March, the Semi-Finals will take place Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the First Baptist Church of Columbia, and will be open to the public.

Up to five ensembles, at least two from each category, will be chosen to proceed to the Finals. The Finals will take place on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at 1:30 PM in the form of a formal public concert at the historic Missouri Theatre. Each ensemble is given 30 minutes (set-up inclusive) to perform a program of their choice.

Co-presented by First Baptist Church in Columbia, Office of the President of the University of Missouri System and the MU School of Music, the Missouri Symphony and Odyssey Chamber Music Series, Plowman Chamber Music Competition & Festival invites students and music lovers nationwide to enjoy and learn from guest artists' master classes and recitals.