The CAG Louis and Susan Meisel Prize is open to all instrumentalists, vocalists, conductors, and chamber ensembles. We encourage unique chamber ensemble combinations.

Please note: CAG represents solo singers for recitals, chamber music, and orchestral engagements only, not for opera.

AGE LIMITS:
Solo instrumentalists: 28
Solo singers: 30
Conductors: 35
Ensembles must have an average age of no more than 30
No member of the ensemble may be over the age of 35

• Ensembles should have been in existence with the same membership for at least 2 years and there should be no plans for personnel change.

APPLICANTS WITH MANAGEMENT

• Instrumentalists, ensembles, and conductors with any form of commercial national or North American management are not eligible to apply. Applicants under international management must supply a letter of recommendation from their manager.

• Singers with North American management who wish to perform recitals, chamber music, and orchestral engagements through CAG are eligible to apply. Submit a statement with your application confirming that your manager grants management rights to CAG for concert engagements should you be selected to join the CAG roster.

Below is a summary of materials requested on our Open Call Application:

• Information about you and your musical background

• Programs (with titles and descriptions) that you would be ready to perform for the upcoming season. Specific program requirements can be found in the applications.

• A list of recent and upcoming concerts

• For Soloists: A list of your current concerto offerings

• A link to a YouTube video of at least 40 minutes of music demonstrating a variety of repertoire as well as the range and scope of your artistry, including a work by a living composer (excluding conductors)

  • Video may be edited, but audio must be unedited. Please submit as one video or as a playlist.

  • Videos do not need to be from concert performances

  • Include only complete movements or complete works (no excerpts). Concerti with piano accompaniment may be included

• Supplemental materials, if required (i.e., a management letter if you are under international management)

There is a $35 processing fee for all applications. Applications will not be reviewed until payment is received.

Evaluations of prospective artists may occur in a range of formats at CAG’s discretion, including concerts, other performance settings, and scheduled In-Person Screenings. Below are the requirements for In-Person Screenings.

For Soloists and Ensembles: If you are invited to an In-Person Screening, you will be asked to prepare the following:

• 3 works (full pieces or movements) of contrasting styles.

  • For soloists: Please provide a collaborative pianist

  • For soloists (excluding pianists): Please include at least one movement of a concerto

• Please include a work by a living composer

Conductors will be contacted to make separate arrangements for further evaluation.

25-26 Regional Screening Schedule:

New York, NY - September 17, 2025
Rochester, NY - October 22 & 23, 2025
Chicago, IL - November 2025 (Dates TBD)
Los Angeles, CA - February 2026 (Dates TBD)

*More screening dates and cities may be added throughout the season

Note: While CAG arranges some regional screenings in advance to increase geographic accessibility, screenings are scheduled at CAG’s discretion throughout the year and can be arranged on a case-by-case basis.

If you are selected to join the CAG roster, you will be featured as part of CAG’s Annual Awards Ceremony and Showcase in NYC on Monday, May 11, 2026 at the Kosciuszko Foundation.

• Does CAG provide feedback? Due to the volume of applications, CAG is only able to provide feedback following in-person screenings.

• When can I expect to hear back on my application? As CAG’s review and selection process is on a rolling, ongoing basis, there is no specific timeframe for receiving results, though you will receive a decision by the end of the application period.

• What if I can’t attend one of the pre-scheduled, regional screenings? While CAG arranges some regional screenings in advance to increase geographic accessibility, screenings are scheduled at CAG’s discretion throughout the year and can be arranged on a case-by-case basis.

• How many times and how often can I apply? As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply as many times as you’d like! You are limited to one application per application period, though you may apply both as a soloist and part of an ensemble in the same application period.

• Is there a fee to apply? Yes, there is a $35 processing fee per application.

Please contact apply@concertartists.org for questions and further information about joining the CAG roster.