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For distinguished musical composition by an American in any of the larger forms including chamber, orchestral, choral, opera, song, dance, or other forms of musical theatre, which has had its first performance in the United States during the year, One thousand dollars ($1,000).

Variations for Orchestra, by Leslie Bassett

First performed in the United States by Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia on October 22, 1965.

Winning Work

Variations for Orchestra is presented here in a 2010 recording by the Polish National Radio Orchestra and the Radio Zürich Symphony Orchestra.

The Jury

Paul Hume

Miles Kastendieck

Winners in Music

Samuel Barber

Premiered with the Boston Symphony at Philharmonic Hall on September 24, 1962.

Robert Ward

For an opera in three acts, libretto by Bernard Stambler, based on the play by Arthur Miller. First performed at New York City Center, on October 26, 1961 by the New York City Opera Company.

1966 Prize Winners