Mission Statement: The WSMTA Commissioned Composer of the Year (CCOY) is the Washington State segment of the MTNA Composer Commissioning Program. MTNA is dedicated to encouraging the creation of new works by American composers, and annually assists its affiliated State Associations with the generation and performance of new music through the national Composer Commissioning program. A newly commissioned work receives its premiere performance at the convention of the State MTA, which is then submitted to a panel of recognized composers for selection of the MTNA Distinguished Composer of the Year
The premiere of Nicole Buetti’s commissioned piece was performed at the WSMTA Conference in June, and was very well received. A Series of Oddities for 2 Bassoons and Contrabassoon, was performed by Joseph Hartman and Kahayla Rapolla, Bassoons; and Nicole Buetti on Contrabassoon. Nicole’s composition was sent to MTNA and will vie for the Distinguished Composer of the Year. We wish her all the best! Thank you, Nicole, for representing WSMTA with you fine talents!
We are pleased to announce the WSMTA 2026 Commissioned Composer of the Year
Miguel del Aguila resides in Seattle. His commissioned work will be for piano, titled Invisible Variations.
He says, “I would like to write a set of didactic, progressive variations which can be performed individually by beginners and intermediate pianists; and as a whole set large work by advanced players.”
Dr. Lark Powers, Pacific Lutheran University, will be his pianist. She and her husband (Ricardo de la Torre) performed some of Miguel’s pieces at a concert at PLU in May 2024, and they play his pieces often. Miguel comes very highly recommended.
The following is taken from his website:
“I strive to write music that is sincere and that stirs intense emotions in the performer and the listener. Music that expresses my humanity, my times, my geography and my Latin heritage. Often rhythmically driven and virtuosic, I’m always concerned with its dramatic effectiveness. I don’t think in terms of trends or current styles of composition. The story that my music is telling determines its sound and form.”
Here are some of Miguel’s reviews:
“dependably brilliant” – The New Yorker Magazine
“sonically dazzling” – Los Angeles Times
“disarmingly genial” – San Francisco Sentinel
“expressive and dramatic” – American Record Guide
“with near to obsessive vitality” – Wiener Zeitung, Vienna
We look forward to hearing his piece at the WSMTA Conference in June 2026. Thank you, Miguel, for accepting the WSMTA 2026 Commissioned Composer of the Year.