Former TPS Composer-in-Residence receives award

One of the most prestigious awards in music was awarded to a former Composer-in-Residence of The Phoenix Symphony, Daniel Asia.

Asia, a Phoenix Symphony Composer-in-Residence from 1991 through 1994, was honored by the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He was one of around 50 composers, artists, architects, or writers to win a cash award from the Academy, a nominating body of 250 members.

For his specific award Asia was one of sixteen composers who won awards that totaled upwards of $170,000. In May, Asia will be presented with this impressive honor at the Academy’s annual Ceremonial.

Asia has composed nationally and internationally and is a Professor of Composition and Dean of the Composition Department at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

He has also won over 10 different highly competitive grants, including the “Meet The Composer/ Reader's Digest Consortium Commission”, “United Kingdom Fulbright Arts Award Fellowship” and a “Guggenheim Fellowship”.

One of Asia’s 13 recordings, “Daniel Asia: Symphonies No. 2 & No. 3” was performed by The Phoenix Symphony and the resident conductor at the time, James Sedares. This highly acclaimed recording was released in 1993 by New World Records and showcases Asia’s unique, complex and creative approach to his art.