The Chesapeake Chamber Music Competition announces it 5th Biennial International Competition for young instrumental ensembles of three to five members to be held in 2012. The average of the ages of the ensemble members must be less than age 31. The Competition, sponsored by Chesapeake Chamber Music, Inc. located in Easton, MD, drew 74 entries in 2010 from the United States, Canada, Europe and Taiwan.

The Competition offers emerging musicians new performance opportunities, financial rewards, and recognized musical credentials. Prizes are Gold Medal: $10,000 and performance at the 27th Chesapeake Chamber Music Festival in June 2012; and Silver Medal: $5,000. Additional prizes and awards will also be given. Audition finalists will also have performance exposure to other presenting organizations in the region.

The Chesapeake Chamber Music Competition is advised by a panel of outstanding chamber musicians and academicians. The 2012 judges will be David Jolley, French horn virtuoso; Ursula Oppens, Grammy-nominated pianist; and Marcy Rosen, consummate cello soloist.

Applications with audition CD must be submitted by November 30, 2011. Finalists will be invited to perform before an audience at the Avalon Theatre in Easton, MD on Saturday, March 31, 2012 and in other concerts in the area on April 1, 2012. The Gold Medalists will appear at the Chesapeake Chamber Music Festival on June 15, 2012, plus additional concerts. See www.chambermusiccompetition.org for rules of the competition, application forms, advisory panel, judges, and additional background information. For further information, contact the Chesapeake Chamber Music Competition, PO Box 461, Easton, MD 21601, (410)819-0380 or e-mail info@chambermusiccompetition.org. The Competition is funded through private contributions and grants.