Classical Fellowship Awards

The Classical Fellowship Awards are held every three years in Indianapolis, Indiana. This seven-month long competition is comprised of the Premiere Series and Discovery Week. During the five months of the Premiere Series, each of the five Finalists play with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra as well as participate in a Concerto Curriculum residency with a local high school. During Discovery Week, the Finalists each play a chamber music recital with a resident quartet, a Lieder recital, a solo program and community concerts. At the conclusion of Discovery Week, a distinguished panel of international judges names the two new APA Classical Fellows.

Finalists

There are three sets of music professionals who adjudicate the different competition stages.

Preliminary Judges - These five judges assemble in Indianapolis to review the applicants' materials in an anonymous fashion. This jury selects the five Finalists who are invited to Indianapolis for the performances of the Premiere Series and Discovery Week.

Premiere Series Judges - This group of three judges travels to Indianapolis for each of the Premiere Series concerts played by the five Finalists.

Discovery Week Judges - These five judges attend and score all events of Discovery Week. At the conclusion of the Gala Finals, their scores are compiled with the Premiere Series judges' scores to name the two new Fellows of the American Pianists Association.

Competition Events and Tickets

Premiere Series concerts and most events of Discovery Week are conducted as public recitals and require tickets.  Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.

Nomination Procedures

Participation in the Classical Fellowship Awards is by nomination only. The Artistic Director sends a "Call for Nominations" to a select list of music professionals worldwide. Pianists interested in being nominated should speak to a distinguished teacher or music administrator to express interest or contact the APA Artistic Director.

To be eligible for the competition you must:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 30
• Be a citizen of the United States