GENERAL COMPETITION INFO
PREPARATION
Ensembles should receive a minimum of three coachings from a qualified professional coach prior to the competition, however, we strongly encourage weekly coachings. Each entering chamber ensemble should consist of 2 – 6 performers, none of whom may be full time professional musicians.* Please email us if you have any questions or need help finding a coach.
*A full time professional musician is considered someone who earns the majority of their income as a performing musician or music teacher. This does not apply to the Emerging Ensemble Division.
DIVISION DETERMINATION
We have recently updated our Divisions. Check each division page for more specific information. Please reach out if your group has a unique circumstance regarding ages, grades, or with any other questions about division determination. We will be happy to find a solution together!
Ensembles entering may not have a faculty or staff member as part of their ensemble.
COMPETITION RESULTS
JUNIOR

ELIGIBILITY
- Junior Division ensembles consist of students who are in 4th-8th grades during the 2023-2024 academic school year.
- Division determination is based on the highest grade level in the ensemble. For example, if three members of a quartet are in 4th-8th grade and the fourth member is in high school, your ensemble should enter in the High School Division.
- Each entering chamber ensemble should consist of 2 – 6 performers.
- Musicians who currently reside in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida are eligible to apply.
DEADLINES + FEES
Friday, December 15, 2023 early bird registration ends at 11:59 PM CST at $60 per ensemble.
Friday, February 16, 2024 registration ends at 11:59 PM CST at $120 per ensemble.Â
All registration fees are nonrefundable. Please email us with any questions or concerns regarding the registration fee. NOLA Chamber Fest will do its best to assist you with any concerns regarding financial needs.
REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS
PRIZES
Per Ensemble
Medals and Winners Certificate for 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners.
INCLUDED WITH REGISTRATION FEE
- Free admission to Opening Night Emerging Ensemble Competition Finals.
- Free admission to Decoda In Concert.
- Participation in the Junior Division Masterclass with Loki Karuna.
- Free access to the Winners Masterclass with Jerusalem Quartet.
- Free admission to Festival Finale with Jerusalem Quartet, plus one voucher for a parent or friend.

BARBARA PHILLEO
HIGH SCHOOL
ELIGIBILITY
- High School Division ensembles consist of students who are in 9th-12th grade during the 2023-2024 academic school year. If you have any questions about your ensemble’s eligibility, please do not hesitate to contact Programming Director Benjamin Atherholt at ben@lyricabaroque.com
- Each entering chamber ensemble should consist of 2 – 6 performers.
- The High School Division is open to any ensemble whose members reside in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida.
DEADLINES + FEES
Friday, December 15, 2023 early bird registration ends at 11:59 PM CST at $100 per ensemble.
Friday, February 16, 2024 registration ends at 11:59 PM CST at $200 per ensemble.Â
All registration fees are nonrefundable. Please email us with any questions or concerns regarding the registration fee. NOLA Chamber Fest will do its best to assist you with any concerns regarding financial needs.
REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS
PRIZES
- 1st Prize – $500 cash & Winners Masterclass Performance
- 2nd prize – $400 cash
- 3rd prize – $300 cash
- 2 Honorable Mention Awards $150 cash each
INCLUDED WITH REGISTRATION FEE
- Free admission to Opening Night Emerging Ensemble Competition Finals
- Free admission to Decoda In Concert
- Free admission to Festival Finale with Jerusalem Quartet. plus one voucher for a parent or friend.

EMERGING ENSEMBLE
ELIGIBILITY
- The Emerging Ensemble Division includes groups whose members are enrolled in an undergraduate, masters, or post master’s degree program (i.e. artist diploma, performing artist certificate or doctorate), and/or post-graduates not currently enrolled in a university or conservatory program, actively pursuing and/or maintaining a career in music.
- All members must be 35 years of age or younger by February 16, 2024.
- Each entering chamber ensemble should consist of 2 – 6 performers.
- The Emerging Ensemble Division is open to any ensemble currently residing in the United States.
DEADLINES + FEES
Friday, December 15, 2023 early bird registration ends at 11:59 PM CST at $150 per ensemble.
Friday, February 16, 2024 registration ends at 11:59 PM CST at $300 per ensemble.Â
All registration fees are nonrefundable. Please email us with any questions or concerns regarding the registration fee. NOLA Chamber Fest will do its best to assist you with any concerns regarding financial needs.
REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS
PRIZES
- 1st Prize – $5,000 cash; performance in the live final round in New Orleans on April 4, 2024 (housing provided); ensemble media session while in New Orleans; presented in concert in New Orleans before Dec. 31, 2026.
- 2nd prize – $2,000 cash; performance in the live final round in New Orleans on April 4, 2024 (housing provided); ensemble media session while in New Orleans.
- 3rd Prize – $1,000 cash; performance in the live final round in New Orleans on April 4, 2024 (housing provided); ensemble media session while in New Orleans.
INCLUDED WITH REGISTRATION FEE
- Free admission to Decoda In Concert.
- Free admission to Festival Finale with Jerusalem Quartet.