The BMI Foundation, in collaboration with BMI, has announced seven young classical composers, ages 19 to 28, as winners of the 70th annual BMI Student Composer Awards. This year’s ceremony was held yesterday at Tribeca 360 and winners were announced by the Chair of the BMI Student Composer Awards, Ellen Taaffe Zwilich.
“Celebrating these young composers is the highlight of our year at BMI Classical,” said Deirdre Chadwick, President of the BMI Foundation. “As emerging artistic voices, it’s so important for them to receive recognition and encouragement, and we are thrilled to honor their achievements.”
The 2022 award winners are:
Cheng Jin Koh, 26 - Awarded the William Schuman Prize for most outstanding score; Student of Elizabeth Hoffman at New York University
Oliver Kwapis, 25 - Student of Jeffrey Stolet at Oregon University School of Music and Dance
Alan W. Mackwell, 24 - Student of John McDonald at Tufts University
Abel M.G.E., 28 - Student of Julian Anderson
Sehyeok (Joseph) Park, 19 - Student of Abigail Richardson-Schulte at the University of Toronto; Awarded the Carlos Surinach Prize honoring the youngest winner of the competition
Nina Shekhar, 27 - Student of Donnacha Dennehy at Princeton University
Kari Watson, 24 - Student of Augusta Read Thomas at the University of Chicago