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Applications are under review!
Cedille Records has proudly nurtured the careers and legacies of Chicago’s talented classical music performers and composers since 1989. Now, with immense excitement, we turn our focus to the future. Sponsored by the Zell Family Foundation, our second Emerging Artist Competition is a thrilling opportunity to elevate the next generation of exceptional talent.
The competition winner will have the incredible opportunity to record their featured debut album with Cedille Records — a huge step forward in any artist’s career! The first competition’s winner was saxophonist Julian Velasco. Cedille released his debut album, As We Are, in August 2022 to glowing reviews. The Chicago Tribune called it “a bird’s-eye view of Velasco’s range, both as an infectiously joyous interpreter of new music and a monster improviser.” Velasco expressed his gratitude, saying:
“There is such an incredible force behind the record label that really believes in artists in a way that is authentic [and] also so impactful. The reach alone and the community of people that support Cedille — yeah. I mean, it just doesn’t get better than that.”
We’re excited to continue our legacy of supporting and showcasing brilliant emerging artists right here in Chicago. Our esteemed panel is carefully evaluating the 23 applications received. The competition’s
live rounds will take place May 17–18, 2025, in the Feinberg Theater at the Spertus Institute (610 S. Michigan Ave). The finals on May 18th will be open to the public, so plan to come see Chicago’s future stars of classical music!
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Grammy Award-winning Third Coast Percussion (TCP), praised by NPR for championing “borderless music” and “blurring musical boundaries,” celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025 with Standard Stoppages, an album that explores how time can be stretched, manipulated, played with, and reimagined.
Dance of the Night Sky, Black Oak Ensemble‘s third album for Cedille, expands the boundaries of string trio repertoire by offering listeners a vibrant collection of contemporary works including four world-premiere recordings, all by British women composers.
Our new update of our Third Coast Percussion playlist celebrates this month’s release of the ensemble’s 7th album for Cedille as they mark their 20th anniversary with a collection of world premieres titled Standard Stoppages. We’ll add tracks from the new CD when it’s released on April 11.
Enjoy 25% off Cedille’s Weekly Featured Release.