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 Midwest artists and ensembles with fewer than five years of performance activity.

How to Apply

Applications will be administered and hosted by New Music Chicago. A link to the application will be provided in October 2026.

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)

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

The Summer Spotlight Series is curated by a panel consisting of representatives from Rembrandt Chamber Musicians, New Music Chicago, and an outside reviewer. Both organizations are committed to supporting innovative artists and creating new opportunities for Chicago's vibrant contemporary music community.