Aug 26, 2025 1:53 PM
Blindfold Test: Buster Williams
Buster Williams, who at the age of 83 has been on the scene for 65 years, had never done a Blindfold Test. The first…
Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute has opened submissions for its second annual Bridges competition.
The David Baker Prize, named for the first RSMI jazz director, includes three $2,500 awards, as well as a chance to premiere the winning composition during Ravinia’s 2019 season.
The competition, open to composers between the ages of 18 and 30, is seeking original compositions, about 10 minutes in length, scored for string quartet (two violins, viola, and cello) and jazz rhythm section (piano, bass, drums). An additional melodic instrument can be added, but is not required.
“We were so impressed by the quality of all the submissions,” pianist Billy Childs, one of last year’s judges, said about previous entries.
Winners of the competition’s first installment were Sam Blakeslee, of Columbus, Ohio; Zach Bornheimer of Tampa, Florida; and Gene Knific of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Each winner received a prize of $2,500, and the works were given their world premieres in Ravinia’s Martin Theatre on June 9.
Deadline for entries is Feb. 1. For full submissions guidelines, visit the Ravinia website. DB
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