Welsh composer Tom Davoren has claimed one of the most prestigious wind band composing accolades in the USA.

His 'Concerto for Euphonium and Band' has won the Ostwald Composition Award presented by the American Bandmasters Association and John Phillip Sousa Foundation.

Winners

First presented in 1956, Tom now joins a list of former winners that include James Curnow, James Barnes and John Mackey, as well as British composers Peter Graham (2002) and Peter Meechan (2021).

'Concerto for Euphonium and Band' was commissioned by Dr. Jeffry Scott Doubler of the Michigan City Municipal Band and Valparaiso University.

Composed for euphonium soloist Gunnery Sgt. Hiram Diaz, it has since been performed by 'The President's Own' United States Marine Band, recorded by the University of Kansas Wind Ensemble, and set for the final round of the famous Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Festival.

Premiere

The brass band premiere is set to take place at the Midwest Clinic 2025 in Chicago in December with Hiram Diaz and the Louisville Brass Band.

Tom Davoren is the Director of Bands and Instrumental Music, and Associate Professor of Music at Benedictine College, Kansas, as well as Professional Conductor of Tokyo City Concert Brass.

Very special

In an interview with the Media & Culture Department of his college, Tom stated: "To have my piece included on the list of Sousa-ABA-Ostwald Award winners, in company of such meaningful music, is very special indeed.

I feel profoundly grateful for my musical community here in Kansas."

To have my piece included on the list of Sousa-ABA-Ostwald Award winners, in company of such meaningful music, is very special indeedTom Davoren

UK return

Another of Tom's works, premiered at the conference. 'Atlantic Drift', has been commissioned by the Atlantic Brass Band and will be conducted by Salvatore Scarpa.

Tom will make a return to a UK in February as the adjudicator for the Welsh Open.