General
What is PREMIERE|Project Festival?
PREMIERE|Project Festival is a four-day immersive residency where composers, conductors, and CAI’s professional ensemble collaborate to workshop, refine, and premiere new choral works.
Where is the festival held?
Irvine, California
What are the festival dates?
June 23–27, 2026
Who Participates?
12 composers, 12 conductors, and CAI’s 26-voice professional ensemble.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. Needs-based scholarships are available for both tracks.
Daily Schedule & Structure
What does a typical day look like?
Days include seminars, mentoring sessions, composer–conductor meetings, and business-of-music classes. Evenings are dedicated to rehearsals with CAI’s professional ensemble. A detailed schedule is provided approximately 3 weeks prior to the festival.
Is this a reading session?
No. This is a true workshop residency with multiple rehearsals and a final world premiere.
Is this a gesture-focused conducting workshop?
No. The conducting track focuses on artistic leadership, collaboration, rehearsal efficiency, and real-world professional skills.
Housing & Travel
Is housing provided?
No. Participants book their own lodging. A list of recommended options will be provided.
What airport should I fly into?
SNA (John Wayne Airport) is closest. LAX, ONT, and LGB are also options.
Do I need a car?
A car is helpful but not required. Many participants use ride-share services.
Composer-Specific Questions
How finished should my piece be?
Most successful composers already have a piece that is at least in draft form at the time of application. However, we have had many successful participants that proposed a brand new piece at the time of application.
How long should my piece be?
A maximum of 5 minutes.
What forces can I write for?
SATB with or without divisi. CAI will provide the voices and a collaborative pianist. If you want any other instrumentation, you would be responsible for the direct cost of that instrumentalist or if you can play the instrument, you can do that as well.
What forces can I write for?
SATB with or without divisi. CAI will provide the voices and a collaborative pianist. If you want any other instrumentation, you would be responsible for the direct cost of that instrumentalist or if you can play the instrument, you can do that as well.
What if the conductor of my piece isn't fully prepared?
Your premiere is our top priority. We have multiple systems in place to ensure every performance meets a high artistic standard. Throughout the festival, our faculty closely monitors each conductor’s readiness and provides guidance, coaching, and support as needed. If any concerns arise, our Artistic Director may step in to lead the performance, or we may work individually with the conductor to ensure they are fully prepared.
What if the premiere doesn't go as expected?
We schedule a post-concert session to capture any supplemental recordings. If an unforeseen issue affects your premiere, we will make sure you leave with a high-quality recording of your work.
Conductor-Specific Questions
How much podium time will I receive?
Multiple guided sessions with CAI’s professional singers. This is not “five minutes on the podium.”
Will I work directly with a composer?
Yes. Conductors are paired with composers and collaborate throughout the festival.
Is this for early-career conductors only?
The program is ideal for graduate students, emerging professionals, and educators seeking contemporary repertoire experience. Participants should already be comfortable in front of an ensemble and have effective gesture.
What if I don't feel connected to the piece I'm assigned?
PREMIERE|Project Festival is designed to mirror the real-world commissioning process, where conductors often collaborate on works that are new, unfamiliar, or outside their usual aesthetic. We intentionally pair conductors and composers to create space for discovery, curiosity, and artistic growth.
What if I make mistakes or feel unprepared in front of the professional ensemble?
PPF is a learning environment, and we expect growth, not perfection. Our Artistic Director works closely with each conductor throughout the festival, offering guidance during podium time, score study, and mentoring sessions to ensure you feel confident and prepared.If significant challenges arise, we will work with you individually to address them. In rare cases where the premiere would benefit from additional support, the Artistic Director may step in to lead the performance, while ensuring you receive constructive coaching and a valuable learning experience.
What if the premiere doesn't go as expected?
We schedule a post-concert session to capture any supplemental recordings. If an unforeseen issue affects your premiere, we will make sure you leave with a high-quality recording of your work.
Recordings & Documentation
Will recordings be provided?
Yes. Participants receive high-quality audio and video of the premiere performance. Please allow approximately one month after the performance for the recordings.
Can I use these recordings for applications, portfolios, and publicity?
Yes. Participants may use the media for any non-commercial purposes.
Application & Eligibility
When do applications open?
Late Fall 2025.
Is there an age limit?
No. PREMIERE|Project Festival welcomes artists of all ages and career stages.
Can I apply to both tracks?
No. Applicants must choose one track per year.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. International artists are welcome, though we are unable to provide visa sponsorships, endorsements, or assistance.
Why is there an application fee?
The application fee helps offset the administrative costs of processing and reviewing applications across both tracks. Every application is reviewed by our faculty, which requires significant time and coordination. The fee allows us to maintain an equitable, professional review process while keeping participation fees stable and preserving scholarship support. Fee waivers are available upon request.
Can I save my application progress and return later?
No. We encourage you to save all of your application materials and responses so that you can copy/paste/drag/drop in one session for your PPF application.