The Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal is given to a conductor who has been involved with a professional or professional-core ensemble for 5-10 years.
This award will next be presented in 2024.
This award was established in memory of Louis Botto for his artistry, selfless service to the choral art, and entrepreneurial spirit in founding the men's vocal ensemble Chanticleer. Botto brought Chanticleer to national prominence as the first professional choral ensemble in the U.S., outside the military, to consistently offer full-time employment to its singers.
Demonstration of the entrepreneurial spirit may include:
- Taking risks to create a superior artistic product
- Presenting adventurous programming
- Placing artistic achievement above personal gain
- Continuously advancing the artistic mission of the ensemble
The recipient will have demonstrated a firm commitment to the fair payment of professional choral ensemble singers.
The winner receives an engraved plaque.
The nominee must be a member of Chorus America. Self-nominations are not accepted.
The Louis Botto Award can be received only once by any individual. It is not an annual award and will be given at the discretion of the selection panel.
This award will next be presented in 2024.
The nomination should be no longer than five pages and include:
- A statement of the nominee's qualifications for the award
- A summary of the accomplishments of the professional or professional-core ensemble under the nominee's leadership
Applicants will be asked to provide information about the fair payment of singers in the ensemble.
Additionally, two letters of recommendation in support of the nominee are required. The request for these letters is sent as part of the application in CAAP. Recommenders who receive the request then upload the letters directly into the system.
Note: No attachments of recordings, reviews, or repertoire lists are required.
Applications will only be accepted through CAAP.
| 2021 | Alexander Lloyd Blake, Tonality |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Ruben Valenzuela, Bach Collegium San Diego |
| 2019 | Katherine FitzGibbon, Resonance Ensemble |
| 2018 | Vince Peterson, Choral Chameleon |
| 2016 | Michael Alan Anderson, Schola Antiqua |
| 2015 | Grant Gershon, Los Angeles Master Chorale |
| 2014 | Beth Willer, Lorelei Ensemble |
| 2013 | Joel Rinsema, Phoenix Chorale |
| 2012 | Donald Nally, The Crossing |
| 2011 | Patrick Dupré Quigley, Seraphic Fire |
| 2010 | Jordan Sramek, The Rose Ensemble |
| 2009 | Craig Hella Johnson, Conspirare |
| 2008 | Jonathan Miller, Chicago a cappella |
| 2007 | Mary Deissler, Handel and Haydn Society |
| 2004 | Gregg Smith, Gregg Smith Singers |
| 2002 | Dale Warland, Dale Warland Singers |
| 2000 | Jon Washburn, Vancouver Chamber Choir |
| 1998 | Dennis Keene, Voices of Ascension |
Questions? Contact Karyn Castro at 202.331.7577 x246 or [email protected]