This award focuses on mid-career leaders of professional choral ensembles, in order to encourage their growth and renew their energies.

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 and bringing it to national prominence as the first professional choral ensemble in the U.S., outside the military, consistently to offer full-time employment to its singers. The award is given periodically to an individual who through his or her work with a member ensemble of Chorus America has demonstrated innovative action and entrepreneurial zeal in developing a professional or professional-core choral ensemble (in operation for at least 5 years).

The honoree receives an engraved plaque and a framed citation before an audience of fellow professionals and choral devotees during Chorus America's Annual Conference. Coverage of the award in Chorus America's publications brings international attention to the recipient's accomplishments.

The selection committee is comprised of the Chair of the Board of Directors of Chorus America or an alternate designated by the chair, the Chair of the Artistic Services Committee of the Chorus America Board or an alternate designated by that chair, a representative of Chanticleer, and two representatives from professional choral ensembles (fully professional or pro-core) who are not members of Chorus America's Board of Directors. The decision of the selection committee is final.

The recipient of the 2013 Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal is Joel Rinsema, executive director and assistant conductor, Phoenix Chorale. The award will be presented during Chorus America's 2013 Annual Conference.

2014 Selection and Eligibility Criteria

Past Recipients

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