The competition
Bringing some fresh air in the chamber music scene and reviving the classical music – that was the goal of Marie-Luise & Christoph Dingler (The Twiolins), when they originated the Progressive Classical Music Award (previously known as Crossover Composition Award). The competition is held every three/four years to expand the repertoire for two violins. In the years 2009, 2012 and 2015 it has met a positive response with about 550 composers from 50 countries participating.
The competition is seeking music which “gets under the skin and sweeps the audience off their feet” . Whether using virtuosity or great emotions– it’s the composers’ choice. Only one formal condition: The work should last about 5 minutes.
The Competition rules have been designed flexible intentionally to allow creation of new music with contemporary emotions. This diversity of styles is supposed to contribute to a sustainable development of the classical concerts and audiences.
In 2019 the fourth Progressive Classical Music Award (PCMA) will take place and continues the success, which started in the year 2009.
Decisions made by the audience
During the PCMA the audience is directly involved in the running of the competition. After a pre-selection by a representative jury, consisting of established musicians, composers and conductors (Julian Rachlin, Aleksey Igudesman, Prof. Christoph Poppen, Prof. Sidney Corbett, Benedikt Brydern…), six finalists advance to the grande finale:
All selected works will be premiered by the Twiolins and the audience (300 – 400 attendees) then votes on the awards.
Course
The PCMA will be announced every three/four years starting February 15th (2009, 2012, 2015, 2019 …).
After the closing date for entries on July 5th the submitted work will be examined by the jury and six compositions will be chosen to advance.
At the end of September there is the grande finale in Mannheim (Germany):
- In the first half the six selected compositions will be presented to the audience by the Twiolins in random order. Composer and titles will not be announced.
- The audience votes for its favorites by ballot paper; the counting is done during the break.
- In the second part of the finale the results will be announced and the prizes will be awarded.
- At the end the work of the first prize winner will be performed again.
Sustainability
The winners, often young composers, receive prize money totaling 11.000€ which can support their studies/career.
The compositions are published by internationally renowned publishing houses: 2012 and 2015 Peer Music, 2009 Ries&Erler. Additionally they will be recorded on a CD by the Twiolins: 2011 „Virtuoso“, 2014 „Sunfire“, 2017 “Secret Places”.
