We are pleased to share that PhD composer Benjamin Martin received the 2025 IL-ACDA Composer Award.
The 2025 IL-ACDA Composer Award is awarded to composers within ACDA’s Midwestern Region with a creative voice and clear compositional ability. As part of their prize, the winner has a commissioned new work performed by the William Ferris Chorale in Chicago.
As stated by the judges:
“The composer demonstrated exceptional compositional craft and an ability to express a range of styles and moods. The vocal writing is effective, idiomatic, and sensitive to the text. The works submitted also convey a capacity to compose for diverse levels of ensemble ability.”
“This composer has a strong command for harmony, texture, melody and lyricism. Their instrumental works are colorful and show how strongly adept they are at working with large forces. The compositional voice is interesting, craftful and has an inherent vocal quality. They were able to showcase the voice dramatically and idiomatically in their solo voice works. The choral portion of their large ensemble piece worked symbiotically with their orchestral accompaniment. I can’t wait to see how they translate their ability to orchestrate and use of skillful counterpoint with their new commission for the William Ferris Chorale.”
Congratulations, Benjamin!