First place winner of 2025 NATS Art Song Composition Award: Raphael Fusco
The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) is delighted to announce Raphael Fusco as the first prize winner of the 2025 NATS Art Song Composition Award for his work, Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up.
Fusco receives a $2,000 prize and his composition will be performed at the 59th NATS national conference in San Antonio, Texas, (July 3-7, 2026).
Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up is a set of five songs for medium high voice and piano with text by Caitlin Vincent:
The score is available from Opus Imprints HERE
“I am over the moon to receive this prestigious award,” Fusco said. “Art song is thriving in the U.S. right now, with so many gifted composers and singers, so being recognized as a leader in this genre is a deep honor.”
Fusco is currently participating as a mentee in the 2024-25 NATS Mentoring Program for Composers, mentored by Scott Wheeler. Fusco wrote the final song, Home, as the commission for the NATS program and it will be part of the culminating digital concert later this year.
“Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up follows one person’s journey in learning to navigate the challenges of living with a partner,” Fusco explained. “From arguing over wall colors to dealing with each other’s annoying habits and managing cooking disasters, the protagonist ultimately realizes that perfection is simply cuddling up with their loved one and enjoying each other’s company on a broken IKEA couch.”
Fusco originally reached out to lyricist Caitlin Vincent to work on a new opera libretto, but she suggested they test the waters with a song before diving into a large project. Out of that collaboration, the song Just Another Day was born first and the others soon followed.
“Caitlin is one of the most in-demand lyricists of our time,” Fusco said. “And when you read her work, you immediately understand why. Her writing is authentic — no frills or gimmicks — funny yet lyrical, emotionally engaging, and full of contemporary imagery we can all relate to. She’s incredibly intelligent and a trained singer herself, which means she knows how to craft text that sings — a rare gift.”
The two are continuing to work together on a new opera. Fusco also wanted to thank many others for their continued support.
“I am incredibly grateful to Lori Laitman and NATS for creating this opportunity for composers of art song,” he added. “From my first honorable mention in 2010 for Unsolicited Advice to second prize in 2023 for Quarantine Camp, and now first prize, this competition has continually pushed me to strive for excellence and has allowed me to create some of my strongest work. I’d like to thank the amazing sopranos Alexis Merry, Johanna Will, Julia Johnson, and Katharine Dain, who lent me their talents and joined me in the sandbox to help develop this cycle. It’s also the culmination of my doctoral research on emotional resonance and empathy in vocal music at the Kunstuniversität Graz, so I would be remiss not to thank my advisors — Tom Cipullo, Michael Edgerton, Ulf Bästlein, and Deniz Peters — for their invaluable guidance. Finally, my deepest thanks go to my wife and muse, mezzo-soprano Eva Maria Summerer, who keeps me inspired and searching for the best in life every day.”
Erik Franklin received second prize and $1,000 for The Ballad of Maurice Connor, a set of four songs for tenor and piano featuring lyrics by the composer from Thomas Crofton Croker’s “Fairy Tales and Traditions of the South of Ireland (1828).” Maria Thompson Corley received honorable mention for The Colour of Joy, a cycle of four songs for soprano and piano featuring text by the composer, Kanika Ambrose, and Christene Browne.
NATS is committed to keeping the composers and their submissions anonymous in the adjudication process as to evaluate only the music itself. Preliminary adjudicators Jodi Goble (2024 winner), and Ericsson Hatfield (2022 winner) selected seven finalists from 46 submissions. Composers Jeffrey Ryan (2021 winner) and Lori Laitman served as the final adjudicators.
The NATS Art Song Composition Award, established in 1983, continues to inspire and encourage the creation of quality vocal literature. American composer Lori Laitman generously sponsors the first and second cash prizes, and she provides winners with a two-year paid NATS membership. The competition is open to any composer, professional or student, whose submitted work meets the prescribed requirements.
Past winners have included Jodi Goble (2024), Rene Orth (2023), Ericsson Hatfield (2022), Jeffrey Ryan (2021), Kurt Erickson (2020), Philip Lasser (2019), Benjamin C.S. Boyle (2018), Matt Boehler (2017), David Conte (2016), Robert Patterson (2014), Melissa Dunphy (2012), and David Sisco (2010). All previous winners are listed on NATS.org.
First place winner of 2025 NATS Art Song Composition Award: Raphael Fusco
The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) is delighted to announce Raphael Fusco as the first prize winner of the 2025 NATS Art Song Composition Award for his work, Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up.
Fusco receives a $2,000 prize and his composition will be performed at the 59th NATS national conference in San Antonio, Texas, (July 3-7, 2026).
Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up is a set of five songs for medium high voice and piano with text by Caitlin Vincent:
The score is available from Opus Imprints HERE
“I am over the moon to receive this prestigious award,” Fusco said. “Art song is thriving in the U.S. right now, with so many gifted composers and singers, so being recognized as a leader in this genre is a deep honor.”
Fusco is currently participating as a mentee in the 2024-25 NATS Mentoring Program for Composers, mentored by Scott Wheeler. Fusco wrote the final song, Home, as the commission for the NATS program and it will be part of the culminating digital concert later this year.
“Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up follows one person’s journey in learning to navigate the challenges of living with a partner,” Fusco explained. “From arguing over wall colors to dealing with each other’s annoying habits and managing cooking disasters, the protagonist ultimately realizes that perfection is simply cuddling up with their loved one and enjoying each other’s company on a broken IKEA couch.”
Fusco originally reached out to lyricist Caitlin Vincent to work on a new opera libretto, but she suggested they test the waters with a song before diving into a large project. Out of that collaboration, the song Just Another Day was born first and the others soon followed.
“Caitlin is one of the most in-demand lyricists of our time,” Fusco said. “And when you read her work, you immediately understand why. Her writing is authentic — no frills or gimmicks — funny yet lyrical, emotionally engaging, and full of contemporary imagery we can all relate to. She’s incredibly intelligent and a trained singer herself, which means she knows how to craft text that sings — a rare gift.”
The two are continuing to work together on a new opera. Fusco also wanted to thank many others for their continued support.
“I am incredibly grateful to Lori Laitman and NATS for creating this opportunity for composers of art song,” he added. “From my first honorable mention in 2010 for Unsolicited Advice to second prize in 2023 for Quarantine Camp, and now first prize, this competition has continually pushed me to strive for excellence and has allowed me to create some of my strongest work. I’d like to thank the amazing sopranos Alexis Merry, Johanna Will, Julia Johnson, and Katharine Dain, who lent me their talents and joined me in the sandbox to help develop this cycle. It’s also the culmination of my doctoral research on emotional resonance and empathy in vocal music at the Kunstuniversität Graz, so I would be remiss not to thank my advisors — Tom Cipullo, Michael Edgerton, Ulf Bästlein, and Deniz Peters — for their invaluable guidance. Finally, my deepest thanks go to my wife and muse, mezzo-soprano Eva Maria Summerer, who keeps me inspired and searching for the best in life every day.”
Erik Franklin received second prize and $1,000 for The Ballad of Maurice Connor, a set of four songs for tenor and piano featuring lyrics by the composer from Thomas Crofton Croker’s “Fairy Tales and Traditions of the South of Ireland (1828).” Maria Thompson Corley received honorable mention for The Colour of Joy, a cycle of four songs for soprano and piano featuring text by the composer, Kanika Ambrose, and Christene Browne.
NATS is committed to keeping the composers and their submissions anonymous in the adjudication process as to evaluate only the music itself. Preliminary adjudicators Jodi Goble (2024 winner), and Ericsson Hatfield (2022 winner) selected seven finalists from 46 submissions. Composers Jeffrey Ryan (2021 winner) and Lori Laitman served as the final adjudicators.
The NATS Art Song Composition Award, established in 1983, continues to inspire and encourage the creation of quality vocal literature. American composer Lori Laitman generously sponsors the first and second cash prizes, and she provides winners with a two-year paid NATS membership. The competition is open to any composer, professional or student, whose submitted work meets the prescribed requirements.
Past winners have included Jodi Goble (2024), Rene Orth (2023), Ericsson Hatfield (2022), Jeffrey Ryan (2021), Kurt Erickson (2020), Philip Lasser (2019), Benjamin C.S. Boyle (2018), Matt Boehler (2017), David Conte (2016), Robert Patterson (2014), Melissa Dunphy (2012), and David Sisco (2010). All previous winners are listed on NATS.org.
First place winner of 2025 NATS Art Song Composition Award: Raphael Fusco
The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) is delighted to announce Raphael Fusco as the first prize winner of the 2025 NATS Art Song Composition Award for his work, Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up.
Fusco receives a $2,000 prize and his composition will be performed at the 59th NATS national conference in San Antonio, Texas, (July 3-7, 2026).
Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up is a set of five songs for medium high voice and piano with text by Caitlin Vincent:
The score is available from Opus Imprints HERE
“I am over the moon to receive this prestigious award,” Fusco said. “Art song is thriving in the U.S. right now, with so many gifted composers and singers, so being recognized as a leader in this genre is a deep honor.”
Fusco is currently participating as a mentee in the 2024-25 NATS Mentoring Program for Composers, mentored by Scott Wheeler. Fusco wrote the final song, Home, as the commission for the NATS program and it will be part of the culminating digital concert later this year.
“Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up follows one person’s journey in learning to navigate the challenges of living with a partner,” Fusco explained. “From arguing over wall colors to dealing with each other’s annoying habits and managing cooking disasters, the protagonist ultimately realizes that perfection is simply cuddling up with their loved one and enjoying each other’s company on a broken IKEA couch.”
Fusco originally reached out to lyricist Caitlin Vincent to work on a new opera libretto, but she suggested they test the waters with a song before diving into a large project. Out of that collaboration, the song Just Another Day was born first and the others soon followed.
“Caitlin is one of the most in-demand lyricists of our time,” Fusco said. “And when you read her work, you immediately understand why. Her writing is authentic — no frills or gimmicks — funny yet lyrical, emotionally engaging, and full of contemporary imagery we can all relate to. She’s incredibly intelligent and a trained singer herself, which means she knows how to craft text that sings — a rare gift.”
The two are continuing to work together on a new opera. Fusco also wanted to thank many others for their continued support.
“I am incredibly grateful to Lori Laitman and NATS for creating this opportunity for composers of art song,” he added. “From my first honorable mention in 2010 for Unsolicited Advice to second prize in 2023 for Quarantine Camp, and now first prize, this competition has continually pushed me to strive for excellence and has allowed me to create some of my strongest work. I’d like to thank the amazing sopranos Alexis Merry, Johanna Will, Julia Johnson, and Katharine Dain, who lent me their talents and joined me in the sandbox to help develop this cycle. It’s also the culmination of my doctoral research on emotional resonance and empathy in vocal music at the Kunstuniversität Graz, so I would be remiss not to thank my advisors — Tom Cipullo, Michael Edgerton, Ulf Bästlein, and Deniz Peters — for their invaluable guidance. Finally, my deepest thanks go to my wife and muse, mezzo-soprano Eva Maria Summerer, who keeps me inspired and searching for the best in life every day.”
Erik Franklin received second prize and $1,000 for The Ballad of Maurice Connor, a set of four songs for tenor and piano featuring lyrics by the composer from Thomas Crofton Croker’s “Fairy Tales and Traditions of the South of Ireland (1828).” Maria Thompson Corley received honorable mention for The Colour of Joy, a cycle of four songs for soprano and piano featuring text by the composer, Kanika Ambrose, and Christene Browne.
NATS is committed to keeping the composers and their submissions anonymous in the adjudication process as to evaluate only the music itself. Preliminary adjudicators Jodi Goble (2024 winner), and Ericsson Hatfield (2022 winner) selected seven finalists from 46 submissions. Composers Jeffrey Ryan (2021 winner) and Lori Laitman served as the final adjudicators.
The NATS Art Song Composition Award, established in 1983, continues to inspire and encourage the creation of quality vocal literature. American composer Lori Laitman generously sponsors the first and second cash prizes, and she provides winners with a two-year paid NATS membership. The competition is open to any composer, professional or student, whose submitted work meets the prescribed requirements.
Past winners have included Jodi Goble (2024), Rene Orth (2023), Ericsson Hatfield (2022), Jeffrey Ryan (2021), Kurt Erickson (2020), Philip Lasser (2019), Benjamin C.S. Boyle (2018), Matt Boehler (2017), David Conte (2016), Robert Patterson (2014), Melissa Dunphy (2012), and David Sisco (2010). All previous winners are listed on NATS.org.
First place winner of 2025 NATS Art Song Composition Award: Raphael Fusco
The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) is delighted to announce Raphael Fusco as the first prize winner of the 2025 NATS Art Song Composition Award for his work, Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up.
Fusco receives a $2,000 prize and his composition will be performed at the 59th NATS national conference in San Antonio, Texas, (July 3-7, 2026).
Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up is a set of five songs for medium high voice and piano with text by Caitlin Vincent:
The score is available from Opus Imprints HERE
“I am over the moon to receive this prestigious award,” Fusco said. “Art song is thriving in the U.S. right now, with so many gifted composers and singers, so being recognized as a leader in this genre is a deep honor.”
Fusco is currently participating as a mentee in the 2024-25 NATS Mentoring Program for Composers, mentored by Scott Wheeler. Fusco wrote the final song, Home, as the commission for the NATS program and it will be part of the culminating digital concert later this year.
“Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up follows one person’s journey in learning to navigate the challenges of living with a partner,” Fusco explained. “From arguing over wall colors to dealing with each other’s annoying habits and managing cooking disasters, the protagonist ultimately realizes that perfection is simply cuddling up with their loved one and enjoying each other’s company on a broken IKEA couch.”
Fusco originally reached out to lyricist Caitlin Vincent to work on a new opera libretto, but she suggested they test the waters with a song before diving into a large project. Out of that collaboration, the song Just Another Day was born first and the others soon followed.
“Caitlin is one of the most in-demand lyricists of our time,” Fusco said. “And when you read her work, you immediately understand why. Her writing is authentic — no frills or gimmicks — funny yet lyrical, emotionally engaging, and full of contemporary imagery we can all relate to. She’s incredibly intelligent and a trained singer herself, which means she knows how to craft text that sings — a rare gift.”
The two are continuing to work together on a new opera. Fusco also wanted to thank many others for their continued support.
“I am incredibly grateful to Lori Laitman and NATS for creating this opportunity for composers of art song,” he added. “From my first honorable mention in 2010 for Unsolicited Advice to second prize in 2023 for Quarantine Camp, and now first prize, this competition has continually pushed me to strive for excellence and has allowed me to create some of my strongest work. I’d like to thank the amazing sopranos Alexis Merry, Johanna Will, Julia Johnson, and Katharine Dain, who lent me their talents and joined me in the sandbox to help develop this cycle. It’s also the culmination of my doctoral research on emotional resonance and empathy in vocal music at the Kunstuniversität Graz, so I would be remiss not to thank my advisors — Tom Cipullo, Michael Edgerton, Ulf Bästlein, and Deniz Peters — for their invaluable guidance. Finally, my deepest thanks go to my wife and muse, mezzo-soprano Eva Maria Summerer, who keeps me inspired and searching for the best in life every day.”
Erik Franklin received second prize and $1,000 for The Ballad of Maurice Connor, a set of four songs for tenor and piano featuring lyrics by the composer from Thomas Crofton Croker’s “Fairy Tales and Traditions of the South of Ireland (1828).” Maria Thompson Corley received honorable mention for The Colour of Joy, a cycle of four songs for soprano and piano featuring text by the composer, Kanika Ambrose, and Christene Browne.
NATS is committed to keeping the composers and their submissions anonymous in the adjudication process as to evaluate only the music itself. Preliminary adjudicators Jodi Goble (2024 winner), and Ericsson Hatfield (2022 winner) selected seven finalists from 46 submissions. Composers Jeffrey Ryan (2021 winner) and Lori Laitman served as the final adjudicators.
The NATS Art Song Composition Award, established in 1983, continues to inspire and encourage the creation of quality vocal literature. American composer Lori Laitman generously sponsors the first and second cash prizes, and she provides winners with a two-year paid NATS membership. The competition is open to any composer, professional or student, whose submitted work meets the prescribed requirements.
Past winners have included Jodi Goble (2024), Rene Orth (2023), Ericsson Hatfield (2022), Jeffrey Ryan (2021), Kurt Erickson (2020), Philip Lasser (2019), Benjamin C.S. Boyle (2018), Matt Boehler (2017), David Conte (2016), Robert Patterson (2014), Melissa Dunphy (2012), and David Sisco (2010). All previous winners are listed on NATS.org.
First place winner of 2025 NATS Art Song Composition Award: Raphael Fusco
The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) is delighted to announce Raphael Fusco as the first prize winner of the 2025 NATS Art Song Composition Award for his work, Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up.
Fusco receives a $2,000 prize and his composition will be performed at the 59th NATS national conference in San Antonio, Texas, (July 3-7, 2026).
Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up is a set of five songs for medium high voice and piano with text by Caitlin Vincent:
The score is available from Opus Imprints HERE
“I am over the moon to receive this prestigious award,” Fusco said. “Art song is thriving in the U.S. right now, with so many gifted composers and singers, so being recognized as a leader in this genre is a deep honor.”
Fusco is currently participating as a mentee in the 2024-25 NATS Mentoring Program for Composers, mentored by Scott Wheeler. Fusco wrote the final song, Home, as the commission for the NATS program and it will be part of the culminating digital concert later this year.
“Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up follows one person’s journey in learning to navigate the challenges of living with a partner,” Fusco explained. “From arguing over wall colors to dealing with each other’s annoying habits and managing cooking disasters, the protagonist ultimately realizes that perfection is simply cuddling up with their loved one and enjoying each other’s company on a broken IKEA couch.”
Fusco originally reached out to lyricist Caitlin Vincent to work on a new opera libretto, but she suggested they test the waters with a song before diving into a large project. Out of that collaboration, the song Just Another Day was born first and the others soon followed.
“Caitlin is one of the most in-demand lyricists of our time,” Fusco said. “And when you read her work, you immediately understand why. Her writing is authentic — no frills or gimmicks — funny yet lyrical, emotionally engaging, and full of contemporary imagery we can all relate to. She’s incredibly intelligent and a trained singer herself, which means she knows how to craft text that sings — a rare gift.”
The two are continuing to work together on a new opera. Fusco also wanted to thank many others for their continued support.
“I am incredibly grateful to Lori Laitman and NATS for creating this opportunity for composers of art song,” he added. “From my first honorable mention in 2010 for Unsolicited Advice to second prize in 2023 for Quarantine Camp, and now first prize, this competition has continually pushed me to strive for excellence and has allowed me to create some of my strongest work. I’d like to thank the amazing sopranos Alexis Merry, Johanna Will, Julia Johnson, and Katharine Dain, who lent me their talents and joined me in the sandbox to help develop this cycle. It’s also the culmination of my doctoral research on emotional resonance and empathy in vocal music at the Kunstuniversität Graz, so I would be remiss not to thank my advisors — Tom Cipullo, Michael Edgerton, Ulf Bästlein, and Deniz Peters — for their invaluable guidance. Finally, my deepest thanks go to my wife and muse, mezzo-soprano Eva Maria Summerer, who keeps me inspired and searching for the best in life every day.”
Erik Franklin received second prize and $1,000 for The Ballad of Maurice Connor, a set of four songs for tenor and piano featuring lyrics by the composer from Thomas Crofton Croker’s “Fairy Tales and Traditions of the South of Ireland (1828).” Maria Thompson Corley received honorable mention for The Colour of Joy, a cycle of four songs for soprano and piano featuring text by the composer, Kanika Ambrose, and Christene Browne.
NATS is committed to keeping the composers and their submissions anonymous in the adjudication process as to evaluate only the music itself. Preliminary adjudicators Jodi Goble (2024 winner), and Ericsson Hatfield (2022 winner) selected seven finalists from 46 submissions. Composers Jeffrey Ryan (2021 winner) and Lori Laitman served as the final adjudicators.
The NATS Art Song Composition Award, established in 1983, continues to inspire and encourage the creation of quality vocal literature. American composer Lori Laitman generously sponsors the first and second cash prizes, and she provides winners with a two-year paid NATS membership. The competition is open to any composer, professional or student, whose submitted work meets the prescribed requirements.
Past winners have included Jodi Goble (2024), Rene Orth (2023), Ericsson Hatfield (2022), Jeffrey Ryan (2021), Kurt Erickson (2020), Philip Lasser (2019), Benjamin C.S. Boyle (2018), Matt Boehler (2017), David Conte (2016), Robert Patterson (2014), Melissa Dunphy (2012), and David Sisco (2010). All previous winners are listed on NATS.org.
First place winner of 2025 NATS Art Song Composition Award: Raphael Fusco
The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) is delighted to announce Raphael Fusco as the first prize winner of the 2025 NATS Art Song Composition Award for his work, Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up.
Fusco receives a $2,000 prize and his composition will be performed at the 59th NATS national conference in San Antonio, Texas, (July 3-7, 2026).
Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up is a set of five songs for medium high voice and piano with text by Caitlin Vincent:
The score is available from Opus Imprints HERE
“I am over the moon to receive this prestigious award,” Fusco said. “Art song is thriving in the U.S. right now, with so many gifted composers and singers, so being recognized as a leader in this genre is a deep honor.”
Fusco is currently participating as a mentee in the 2024-25 NATS Mentoring Program for Composers, mentored by Scott Wheeler. Fusco wrote the final song, Home, as the commission for the NATS program and it will be part of the culminating digital concert later this year.
“Love Songs from a Third Floor Walk-Up follows one person’s journey in learning to navigate the challenges of living with a partner,” Fusco explained. “From arguing over wall colors to dealing with each other’s annoying habits and managing cooking disasters, the protagonist ultimately realizes that perfection is simply cuddling up with their loved one and enjoying each other’s company on a broken IKEA couch.”
Fusco originally reached out to lyricist Caitlin Vincent to work on a new opera libretto, but she suggested they test the waters with a song before diving into a large project. Out of that collaboration, the song Just Another Day was born first and the others soon followed.
“Caitlin is one of the most in-demand lyricists of our time,” Fusco said. “And when you read her work, you immediately understand why. Her writing is authentic — no frills or gimmicks — funny yet lyrical, emotionally engaging, and full of contemporary imagery we can all relate to. She’s incredibly intelligent and a trained singer herself, which means she knows how to craft text that sings — a rare gift.”
The two are continuing to work together on a new opera. Fusco also wanted to thank many others for their continued support.
“I am incredibly grateful to Lori Laitman and NATS for creating this opportunity for composers of art song,” he added. “From my first honorable mention in 2010 for Unsolicited Advice to second prize in 2023 for Quarantine Camp, and now first prize, this competition has continually pushed me to strive for excellence and has allowed me to create some of my strongest work. I’d like to thank the amazing sopranos Alexis Merry, Johanna Will, Julia Johnson, and Katharine Dain, who lent me their talents and joined me in the sandbox to help develop this cycle. It’s also the culmination of my doctoral research on emotional resonance and empathy in vocal music at the Kunstuniversität Graz, so I would be remiss not to thank my advisors — Tom Cipullo, Michael Edgerton, Ulf Bästlein, and Deniz Peters — for their invaluable guidance. Finally, my deepest thanks go to my wife and muse, mezzo-soprano Eva Maria Summerer, who keeps me inspired and searching for the best in life every day.”
Erik Franklin received second prize and $1,000 for The Ballad of Maurice Connor, a set of four songs for tenor and piano featuring lyrics by the composer from Thomas Crofton Croker’s “Fairy Tales and Traditions of the South of Ireland (1828).” Maria Thompson Corley received honorable mention for The Colour of Joy, a cycle of four songs for soprano and piano featuring text by the composer, Kanika Ambrose, and Christene Browne.
NATS is committed to keeping the composers and their submissions anonymous in the adjudication process as to evaluate only the music itself. Preliminary adjudicators Jodi Goble (2024 winner), and Ericsson Hatfield (2022 winner) selected seven finalists from 46 submissions. Composers Jeffrey Ryan (2021 winner) and Lori Laitman served as the final adjudicators.
The NATS Art Song Composition Award, established in 1983, continues to inspire and encourage the creation of quality vocal literature. American composer Lori Laitman generously sponsors the first and second cash prizes, and she provides winners with a two-year paid NATS membership. The competition is open to any composer, professional or student, whose submitted work meets the prescribed requirements.
Past winners have included Jodi Goble (2024), Rene Orth (2023), Ericsson Hatfield (2022), Jeffrey Ryan (2021), Kurt Erickson (2020), Philip Lasser (2019), Benjamin C.S. Boyle (2018), Matt Boehler (2017), David Conte (2016), Robert Patterson (2014), Melissa Dunphy (2012), and David Sisco (2010). All previous winners are listed on NATS.org.
