The Solti Foundation U.S. Conducting Awards Program
The Solti Foundation U.S. was established in 2000 in order to honor the memory of Sir Georg Solti by lending significant support to career-ready young American musicians. In 2004, the Foundation concentrated the focus of its award program to exclusively assist talented young American conductors early in their professional careers. Winners have been awarded substantial grants and have received door-opening introductions to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago and Chicago Opera Theater.
In the words of Lady Valerie Solti, “We are committed to realizing Solti’s passion for excellence in music by extending assistance to further the early careers of those with exceptional talent.”
The Solti Foundation U.S. is the foremost organization in the United States dedicated exclusively to helping young conductors.
2013 Awards:
The Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, the Solti Fellow
A grant of $25,000 (payable over 2 years) to one candidate. Age limit: No more than 38 years old as of January 15, 2013.
Application deadline: January 15, 2013 (Download PDF Application)
Solti U.S. Career Assistance Awards
Several finalist candidates from the three award categories listed above may be considered for career development assistance. This may include: transportation expenses; financial support for language studies; creation of demonstration DVDs; or other worthy projects. The Artistic and Awards Committee will determine how many of these awards will be given as well as the amount of financial aid. Awardees will be notified by the committee and may be asked to supply additional information. Unsolicited applications will not be accepted.
In any given year, the Artistic and Awards Committee of the Foundation reserves the right to withhold an award if no suitable candidate is found.
Important: All awardees are expected to:
- provide his/her Social Security Number for payment and tax-reporting requirements
- list Solti Foundation awards and career assistance on personal websites, in vitae, and in professional bios
- furnish the Foundation prior to the periodic payment dates with brief reports concerning their use of grant funds
- keep the Foundation apprised of recent career developments
- assist with the Foundation’s publicity efforts
- appear at occasional Foundation fund-raising benefits, should schedules permit.