Michael Schelle Wins Crossroads Of America: Composer Competition
This concert combined Hoosier talent with immersive visuals by Camilla Tassi, which brought each composition to life.

On Sunday, January 8, 2023, at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, Michael Schelle won the South Bend Symphony Orchestra's first Crossroads of America: Composers Competition! This concert combined Hoosier talent with immersive visuals by Camilla Tassi, which brought each composition to life. Schelle's Summit at San Quentin's inspiration drew upon the San Quentin State Prison Jazz Band, consisting of professional and amateur musicians. This piece broke the paradigm that prisons are void of music.
Earlier this year, the Symphony invited Indiana composers to submit a composition for a chamber orchestra. On November 1, Nathan Froebe, Tim Reinholz, Eric Saroian, and Michael Schelle advanced to the next level of the Competition. With Michael Schelle's unanimous win, he will create a 10-minute piece for the 2023-24 Season.
Jack M. Champaigne proudly supports the June H. Edwards Mosaic Series, and Jordan Lexus of Mishawaka proudly supports the 90th Season Guest Artists. This concert was sponsored by Carol and Craig Kapson.
To VIEW the 2022-23 Season schedule, visit www.southbendsymphony.org
About the South Bend Symphony Orchestra
Embarking on its 90th season, the South Bend Symphony Orchestra is the region's only professional orchestra and is committed to engaging the community in all it does. In addition to being recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and other state and local arts funding organizations, the South Bend Symphony Orchestra is the recipient of the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County's 2019 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence, which recognizes the best-run nonprofit organization in St. Joseph County, Indiana.
About Michael Schelle
Michael Schelle's work is heard across the United States and internationally by over 350 orchestras and professional chamber ensembles. In addition, he has been a guest composer in residencies in the United States, Poland, China, and Japan.
Today he is the Artist-in-Residence at Butler University in Indianapolis. Schelle earned degrees from Villanova University, the Hartt School (CT), Trinity College of Music (London), and the University of Minnesota and has studied with Arnold Franchetti, Dominick Argento, and Aaron Copland.
More Hot Stories For You

January 25, 2023
Actors Theatre of Indiana (ATI) has formed a new partnership with the Carmel Clay Public Library Foundation. With similar mission statements - to engage, inspire lifelong discovery and learning, to provide enriching social and cultural experiences and to entertain - bringing the ATI LabSeries to the Carmel Clay Library is the perfect union.

January 18, 2023
The American Theatre Guild will present the internationally acclaimed hit theater show, THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY.

January 13, 2023
The American Theatre Guild will present the innovative new production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. This production is part of the BROADWAY IN SOUTH BEND SERIES and will take the Morris Performing Arts Center stage February 3–5, 2023.

January 9, 2023
The American Theatre Guild presents the Tony Award-nominated Broadway Revival of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. This production is part of the BROADWAY AT THE BUDDY HOLLY HALL SERIES and will take The Buddy Holly Hall stage January 30–February 1, 2023.

January 9, 2023
In this highly-anticipated event, fans of The Princess Bride will join the heroic Westley (actor Cary Elwes) in a behind-the-scenes look at life on and off the set of the classic film. After a screening of the iconic film, Elwes will engage in a moderated discussion on classic scenes, revealing never before shared secrets and tales of inconceivable antics!