Thea Musgrave Performance Fund
Forecasted
Thea Musgrave Performance Fund supports professional U.S.-based ensembles performing her chamber music and offering audience engagement activities to deepen appreciation and reach new listeners.
Funder: Chamber Music America
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $1,000–$5,000; up to 10 awards; 18-month grant period for the 2026 cycle
Summary: Supports professional U.S.-based ensembles performing Thea Musgrave’s chamber music with audience engagement activities.
Key Information: Organization-level CMA membership is required, and funds cannot be received through a fiscal sponsor.
Description
Chamber Music America (CMA) created the Thea Musgrave Performance Fund in partnership with the Scottish-American composer, whose endowment gift supports professional U.S.-based ensembles performing her more than 60 chamber works. The fund encourages performances in their original versions and instrumentation, deepening appreciation of Musgrave’s music and bringing it to new audiences.
For the 2026 cycle, projects paired at least one Musgrave work on a concert program with an audience engagement component. Examples include a pre- or post-performance talkback, panel, or education session exploring her biography, artistic influences, cultural and historical contexts, or continuing impact on contemporary composition. CMA prioritizes projects that expand access to chamber music, foster respect and appreciation for the art form, and engage current and new audiences.
