New Traditions

NEW TRADITIONS DIVERSITY SERIES

The New Traditions Diversity Series presents a variety of free public performances throughout the Tri-State area, highlighting music by underrepresented composers. Each concert features the Eykamp String Quartet, comprised of the Evansville Philharmonic's Principal String musicians: Jack Bogard and Michael Chu on violin, Mark Hatlestad on viola, and Graham Cullen on cello. This community-focused series aims to broaden musical perspectives and promote diversity in classical music. All performances are free and open to the public.


We gratefully acknowledge Dick and Diane Arneson, the generous sponsors of the New Traditions Diversity Series.

Contact Us

Thursday, Nov 13 - 6 p.m.
Temple Adath B'nai Israel

Thursday, February 5 - 6 p.m.
Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science

Sunday, May 3 - 2 p.m.
Wesselman Woods

The Evansville Philharmonic's New Traditions Diversity Series took home the Celebration of Leadership 2024 Arts & Culture Willie Effie Thomas Diversity Award Tuesday evening with Mark Hatlestad, member of the Eykamp String Quartet, accepting the award on behalf of the Evansville Philharmonic. The Eykamp String Quartet anchors the series which performs works by underrepresented composers.

2025-2026 Young Composers Composition Competition

The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra (EP) is excited to announce its Young Composers Composition Competition, a new initiative designed to support opportunities for young composers, encourage the creation of innovative new works, and highlight the artistry of the EP’s core musicians, which consists of the Eykamp String Quartet and Consortium. This competition aims to amplify the voices of emerging creators, foster community engagement, and provide invaluable performance and visibility opportunities.

A Platform for Emerging Composers The competition is open to young composers aged 18 – 29 from across the United States. The winning composer will receive a $2,000 prize and a professional recording of their composition. In addition, the Evansville Philharmonic will provide transportation and lodging for the winner to attend rehearsals and the public performance of their work on the October 2026 New Traditions Concert.

Submission Guidelines
· Eligibility: Composers aged 18–29, U.S. citizens or residents
· Duration: Works up to 10 minutes in length
· Instrumentation: Compositions for chamber ensembles of 3–7 instruments drawn from the EP core ensemble: flute, oboe, violin I, violin II, viola, cello, and percussion. (Complete instrumentation, including percussion, is listed in the application)
· Combinations not accepted: string trio or string quartet alone. Priority will be given to works that make significant use of all seven core instruments.
· Single-track tape is permitted; live electronics are not accepted.
· A conductor will be available if required.


Application Guidelines
· The application period is November 1, 2025 – March 1, 2026.
· The following application materials will be collected electronically via online entry form (accessible via the EP website beginning on November 1) :
· A legible score and individual parts in PDF format of the work submitted.
· A live or MIDI recording of the complete work submitted.
· Entries submitted a $25 entry fee will be required, payable via credit card or PayPal.
· All submissions must be anonymous. The composer’s name and any other identifiable features must be removed from scores and recordings and from file names submitted. Pseudonyms are permitted.
Only your score, parts, and recording will be shared with judges for judging. Adjudication is based on anonymous submissions.

Please direct questions and inquiries to: Education@evansvillephilharmonic.org

Application