CCM Cello student advances in Naumburg Competition

Each year, hundreds of applicants from around the world vie for a chance to compete in the prestigious Naumburg Competition. Current CCM freshman Miriam K. Smith, a student of CCM faculty member Alan Rafferty, has qualified to compete among some of the best cellists from around the world in the 2024 International Cello Competition, which takes place October 15-20 in New York City. At just 18, Smith is the youngest of the 39 competitors.

Music Director J. R. Cassidy of the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra praised her playing, saying “I have never heard the depth of artistry at such an age. Her command and control, her shaping of phrases, dynamic range [and] intonation are truly beyond her years.”

Held in New York City since 1925, the Naumburg Competition awards exceptional musicians ranging from string players to vocalists, choosing a different instrument category each year. Previous winners include such luminaries as Leonidas Kavakos (violin), Shirley Verrett (vocal), and CCM alumnus Anton Nel (MM Piano, 1984), who won the 1987 prize for piano.

In addition to a cash prize, winners receive two recital appearances at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall and financial support for the commission of a new work.

For the competition, Smith will present two fully prepared recital programs, each containing over an hour of music. The programs must feature a wide variety of repertoire representing her interests and artistic strengths, as they serve as proposals for the winner’s recitals at Alice Tully Hall.

The preliminary round of this year’s competition was October 15-17, with the livestreamed semi-finals on Oct. 18. The final round, held on October 20 at Neidorff-Kaparti Hall in Manhattan, will be streamed and is open to the public.

Featured image at the top: Miriam K. Smith performs on stage with the UK's London City Philharmonic.