Promotional poster for the Summer Spotlight Series, featuring an open call for Chicago-based ensembles to perform original music. The event is presented by Rembrandt Chamber Musicians and New Music Chicago, with performances scheduled for June, July, and August 2027. The poster includes torn sheet music and the New Music Chicago logo.

Summer Spotlight Series

A Partnership Between Rembrandt Chamber Musicians and New Music Chicago

The Summer Spotlight Series is a new collaborative initiative between Rembrandt Chamber Musicians and New Music Chicago dedicated to showcasing the creativity and diversity of Chicago's contemporary music community. Selected through a juried open call, three ensembles will be featured in concerts during June, July, and August 2027. The series celebrates adventurous programming, emerging artists, and the creation of new work, with each selected ensemble presenting at least one world premiere. In addition to artist fees provided by Rembrandt Chamber Musicians, participating ensembles will receive professional recording support through New Music Chicago, creating lasting documentation of their work.

The Summer Spotlight Series is open to Chicago-based ensembles of two to eight performers. Pre-existing ensembles are not required, though applications should demonstrate that at least 75% of the proposed performers are represented in submitted work samples. Programs should be approximately 45 minutes in length and must include at least one world premiere, which may be a single work or a larger concert-length composition. Priority will be given to emerging Illinois artists and ensembles with fewer than five years of performance activity.

How to Apply

Applications will be administered and hosted by New Music Chicago. Applications open October 1, 2026 and close December 1, 2026

Apply now at the link provided https://forms.gle/pcUxW7ciTuEo7SUR6

Application Requirements

  • A proposed program approximately 45 minutes in length

  • At least one world premiere

  • Ensemble roster (2–8 performers)

  • Audio and/or video work samples representative of at least 75% of the performing artists

  • Short artist or ensemble biography

  • Program notes or project description

  • If the premiere is still in progress, a composer letter of commitment and supporting materials (score excerpts or audio demos)

  • Proof of Illinois Residence

Timeline

  • October 1, 2026 — Applications Open

  • December 1, 2026 — Applications Close

  • January 2027 — Panel Review

  • February 2027 — Selected Ensembles Notified

  • March 2027 — Public Announcement of Artists and Concert Dates

  • June 2027 — Summer Spotlight Series I

  • July 2027 — Summer Spotlight Series II

  • August 2027 — Summer Spotlight Series III

Review Process

The Summer Spotlight Series artists will be selected through an open call, with selections adjudicated by a four-person panel consisting of 2 representatives from NMC and RCM’s leadership. The panel will prioritize emerging performers in the Chicago Metropolitan area & programs with at least 1 new work by Illinois composers of similar career status.

Award

Selected ensembles will receive a $1000 performance fee, a $400 new work development stipend for a composer of the ensemble’s choice to support the development and premiere of a new work, and professional audio & video recordings of their concert that are free be used by the participating ensemble.

Have Questions?

Submissions will be accepted from October 1 through December 1. Questions can be addressed to [info@rembrandtchambermusicians.org]

See the full program guidelines HERE.