The William Littler Prize for Music Criticism is awarded annually by the Music Critics Association of North America in recognition of excellence in writing by younger critics in the areas of concert music and opera. The prize is named after, and supported by, William Littler, who wrote for the Toronto Star from 1966 to 2022 and is a longtime member of MCANA.
Eligibility: All writers aged 40 or under on Dec. 31 of the applicable calendar year who are based in North America — including, but not restricted to, members of MCANA — are eligible. Three entries per person are permitted. Entries must have been published in the applicable calendar year (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31) by an established and publicly accessible website with or without a print platform.
Criteria: The winning entry will demonstrate thoughtful critical engagement with a live or recorded performance or series of performances. The focus can be on a composer, performer, ensemble or company. Lucid writing style and scholarly preparation will be taken into account. Entries should not exceed 2,000 words.
Evaluation: Entries will be evaluated by an Awards Committee including William Littler. The committee may withhold the award if no entry is deemed to be of prizewinning caliber.
Prize value: The cash value of the William Littler Prize for Music Criticism is US$1,000. Included in the prize are republication of the winning entry (where this is permitted) in Classical Voice North America and one year of membership in the Music Critics Association of North America.
Schedule: The first William Littler Prize for Music Criticism will recognize an article published in year 2024. The winner will be announced at a date to be determined in 2025.