Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

The Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal honors mid-career chorus leaders who have demonstrated outstanding leadership of their professional or professional-core choral ensemble. Chorus America intends that the term "leadership" be understood in the broadest sense and not be limited only to conductors. Nominations may be submitted by other chorus leaders who are familiar with the nominee's work. Self nominations are not accepted.

The selection criteria include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. The recipient shall be responsible for achieving exceptional artistic quality with a member ensemble of Chorus America. The professional ensemble shall have been in existence for at least five (5) years at the time of the nomination. Both fully professional and professional-core ensembles are eligible for consideration.

B. The recipient shall have demonstrated a true entrepreneurial spirit in founding a professional or professional-core ensemble or leading an existing one, defined by willingness to

  1. Take risks to create a superior artistic product
  2. Present adventurous programming
  3. Place artistic achievement above personal gain
  4. Continuously advance the artistic mission of the ensemble

C. The recipient shall have demonstrated firm commitment to the fair payment of professional choral ensemble singers.

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.

The nomination should include these items in an email:

  • Name and birthdate of nominee
  • 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
  • A list of three (3) supporting references. Note: Please arrange for these two persons to submit directly to Chorus America an email confirming the qualifications of the nominee.

Note: No attachments of recordings, reviews, or repertoire lists are required.

Nominations and letters of recommendation must be received by Christie McKinney, member services manager, by email: [email protected]. 

The timeline for 2016 Awards applications will be announced in the fall of 2015.  

Questions? Contact Christie McKinney at 202.331.7577 x250 or [email protected].