In 1981, an award was created to celebrate the life and work of Helen M. Thompson, the person who, more than any other, developed and promoted the cause of the symphony orchestra in the United States. Beginning in 1943, Helen Thompson’s 27 years of inspired leadership and service to the League encouraged smaller-budget orchestras to develop high standards and to serve their communities well.
This annual award is given to orchestra managers/executive directors and music directors in alternate years.
2012 Helen M. Thompson Award for an Emerging Music Director
APPLICATIONS DUE FEBRUARY 15, 2012
Eligibility
Candidates must be nominated by an officer of the orchestra’s board, an executive director, a musician, or by another music director. Eligible nominees are those who have worked as a music director at one or more League member professional orchestra(s), with no more than five years total combined experience as a music director of a professional orchestra or orchestras (as of April 1, 2012.) Nominees must be available to accept the award on Friday, June 8, 2012 at the League’s National Conference in Dallas, Texas.
Evaluation and Selection Criteria
The purpose of this award is to recognize, at an early career stage and working in smaller-budget orchestras, a conductor working in the U.S. or Canada whom the Selection Committee believes has the potential for an important national and/or international career. Award nominees should exhibit excellence and dedication to the orchestra(s) through exceptional musical leadership and commitment to organizational vitality. It is of prime importance that nominees demonstrate superior talent and possess potential for continued artistic growth.
Significant achievements should include:
There will be an initial screening process, after which conducting videos may be requested directly from the nominees. Self-nominations are not accepted. Previous winners are not eligible. Weight will be given to music directors in smaller budget orchestras. Because the purpose of the award is to bring recognition to conductors who are not yet in the national spotlight, music directors of orchestras in the League’s Group 1 are not eligible.
By February 15, 2012 fax or mail a completed nomination form with completed questionnaire and resume of nominee to:
Sarah Zelazny
Attn: Helen M. Thompson Award
League of American Orchestras
33 West 60th Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10023-7905
f 212 262-5198
Download nomination form >>