The American Prize Nation Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts, David (Volosin) Katz, chief judge, is honored to announce the winners, runners-up and honorable mentions of The American Prize in Composition, 2019-20, in the pops/light music division. Congratulations!
Complete listings of finalists and semi-finalists in The American Prize competitions may be found elsewhere on this blog. Please use the chronological tool in the right-hand column to find specific results.
QUICKNOTES: Although The American Prize does not usually provide written evaluations to semi-finalists, some semi-finalist composers will receive in their certificate packets short comments, suggestions or overall impressions made during the judging. We hope they will prove valuable. All finalists receive written evaluations from a member of The American Prize judging panel.
COVID EXTENSIONS: Because of the current national and international situation, many rules have been changed and requirements eased to make it easier to apply for The American Prize 2020-21. In addition, application deadlines have been extended. We will accept applications from COMPOSERS, CLASSICAL VOCALISTS, PIANISTS, CHAMBER ENSEMBLES and INSTRUMENTAL SOLOISTS postmarked or emailed by Wednesday, September 9, 2020. Applications from CONDUCTORS, STAGE DIRECTORS, CONDUCTED ENSEMBLES, ARTS ADMINISTRATORS (arts marketing, arts education) and in the performance of American Music (BACON AWARD) will be accepted until Wednesday, September 9, 2020. Further extensions may be granted pending the most current information about the virus. Visit theamericanprize.org for complete contest information.
Please make us aware of any misprints: theamericanprize@gmail.com
The American Prize in Composition—Pops/Light Music Division (professional division), 2019-20
The American Prize winner:
Penka Kouneva
Tujunga CA
EARTH
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Penka Kouneva |
2nd Place:
Heather Niemi Savage
Wood River Jct RI
Daughter of the Stars
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Heather Niemi Savage |
Heather’s works have been performed in a variety of contexts including the national conference of the Christian Fellowship of Art Music Composers; the 2016 Rhode Island All-State Festival; the 2017 New Music Festival in Fitchburg, MA; and commemorative events at local churches. Her work, Daughter of the Stars, was premiered in Manhattan by the North/South Consonance chamber orchestra.
Heather resides in Rhode Island, where she is also a collaborative pianist, the music director of Carolina Free Baptist Church, and maintains a private teaching studio. More of her works and further information can be found at www.heatherniemisavage.com.
3rd Place (there was a tie):
Jennifer Bellor
Las Vegas NV
High Resolution
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Jennifer Bellor |
Bellor's recent album “Reflections at Dusk” was released by Innova Recordings November 2019, and showcases instrumental music inspired by the Nevada sunsets. The album has been described as “crepuscular,” “mystical,” and “magical.” Textura stated, “She's also that rare composer whose music manages to be instantly listenable and emotionally resonant without any compromise to its sophistication.” High Resolution was one of the pieces featured on the album, and was premiered at Carnegie Hall by the Clark High School Symphony Strings. The New York Concert Review described the work as “atmospheric, dream-like quality. It is an effective work that is worthy addition to the repertoire.”
Bellor holds a PhD in music composition at Eastman School of Music, a Master of Music degree in composition at Syracuse University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in music at Cornell University. She is on the composition faculty at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and artistic director of the new music series Nextet. www.jenniferbellor.com.
3rd Place (there was a tie):
Jonathan Graybill
Baltimore MD
Winter Celebration
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Jonathan Graybill |
Finalist Honorable Mention:
M.L. Daniels
Round Rock TX
Mysterious Journey
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M.L. Daniels |
Dr. Daniels has won the National School Orchestra Associations composition contest five times. He has over 100 published compositions including works for brass ensemble, solo wind instrument and piano, full orchestra, string orchestra, band, and string quartet.
Dr Daniels is the Composer-in-Residence for the Williamson County Symphony Orchestra. So far, the Orchestra has played over twenty of his compositions, many of them premier performances. He currently has 42 pieces listed at Luck’s Music.
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Congratulations!
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