The Michael Ludwig Nemmers Prize in Music Composition honors classical music composers of outstanding achievement.

The Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University established the biennial award in fall 2003. Nominations are solicited worldwide and the winner is determined by a selection committee comprising individuals of widely recognized stature in the music community. The prize includes a cash award of $100,000. The recipient is expected to participate in two nonconsecutive weeks of residency at the Bienen School of Music interacting with students and faculty. All winners are listed below.

Michael Ludwig Nemmers Prize Criteria 

Note: Nominations are currently closed.

The Michael Ludwig Nemmers in Music Composition will be awarded to a classical music composer who shows the highest level achievement in a body of work and a unique creativity. Composers must be nominated, preferably by recognized authorities in the field of classical music, such as prominent artists, critics, scholars, or administrators, via a letter to the Selection Committee. Should the winner not have an orchestral composition, appropriate chamber groups from the Symphony will be utilized. The winner must be available for a two- to three-week residency at Northwestern University (the weeks may be non-consecutive) and able to interact with faculty and students. A cash allowance will be provided to the winner to cover expenses connected with the residency.

Prize Criteria

  • The Michael Ludwig Nemmers Prize is for outstanding career achievement rather than a specific work.

  • The Prize is international in focus and therefore open to any classical composer without regard to citizenship or institutional affiliation.

  • Only living composers may be nominated

  • The person receiving the award must be available for two nonconsecutive residency weeks at Northwestern University and able to interact with faculty and students.

  • Former or present members of the Northwestern University faculty and employees of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra are ineligible for this prize.

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Background

Northwestern University administers five Nemmers prizes: the Erwin Plein Nemmers Prize in Mathematics, the Frederic E. Nemmers Prize in Economics, the Michael Ludwig Nemmers Prize in Music Composition, the Mechthild Esser Nemmers Prize in Medical Science, and the Nemmers Prize in Earth Sciences. The donors intended that each prize be recognized as a leading award in the designated field and honor individuals of outstanding achievement. The prizes in economics and mathematics have been awarded since 1994 and are now established signal honors in those fields. The Michael Ludwig Nemmers Prize in Music Composition was established in 2003. The Mechthild Esser Nemmers Prize in Medical Science was established in 2014 and the Nemmers Prize in Earth Sciences in 2016. 

All five Nemmers prizes are made possible through bequests from the late Erwin Esser Nemmers, a former member of the Northwestern faculty, and his brother, the late Frederic E. Nemmers.

Learn more about Northwestern's Other Nemmers Prizes

On-Campus Residencies

Winners of the Nemmers Prize in Music Composition spend two nonconsecutive weeks in residence at the Bienen School interacting with students and faculty.