2025 LUIGI NONO COMPOSITION PRIZE WINNER

ROBIN HAIGH (IE)

"This submission stood out for its bold and vividly energetic presentation, immediately captivating the listener's attention. Both pieces, FILTCH and AESOP, were lauded for their impressive originality and unique creative voice. The judges highlighted the composer's extremely creative use of timbres and instrumental writing, resulting in surprising color and results.

FILTCH was specifically praised for its original and highly effective trombone opening, demonstrating an innovative approach by referencing club music and executing it flawlessly through acoustic instruments and traditional notation.

Similarly, AESOP 2 struck the panel with its originality of both sound and approach, particularly in the use of electronics. This included vinyl crackle, looped recorder sounds and microtonal synths, combined artfully with accordion and a "hypnotically simplistic" scalar pattern played by an untrained musician. The captivating relationships between the ensemble, soloist, and electronics were noted as a highlight.

The composer effectively engaged with references to varied genres while maintaining an overall sense of "magical incorrectness" and a great sense of humor. The panel agreed that the works were outstandingly developed and delivered, showcasing an exceptionally eclectic and standing-out artistic voice."

2025 LUIGI NONO COMPOSITION PRIZE HONOURABLE MENTIONS

JUSTIN WEISS

"The music of this composer is distinguished by sophisticated language and elegant transformation of musical material. The pieces are gesturally meaningful and evocative, revolving effectively around the ideas of resonances and unisons while evolving with a strong sense of movement. The judges highlighted the very compelling combinations of timbre, harmony, and rhythmic flow. Specifically, through depths and shadows features a strikingly transparent opening texture, which the composer impressively manages to sustain as the music progresses into more forceful and rhythmic material.
The piece Seeing through was praised as a poetic ode to the viola, showcasing the instrument as one that can be most vulnerable, tender and fragile, yet simultaneously colorful and sparklingly direct. The overall delicacy of this music is mesmerizing, as the compositions patiently unfold to reveal their refined and effective language."

PAUL NOVAK

"Extremely well-crafted compositions, with all musical parameters working in the most cohesive cooperation to deliver an outstandingly vivid and dramatic musical flow. The writing, while effective, demonstrated an irresistibly imaginative quality. The judges specifically praised Impossible inventions for its innovative and elegant string writing, expressing a breathless and swirling energy that remains continually inventive and surprising.odes to a human body was lauded as a sparky and shiny burst of energetic and constantly developing musical phrases. The gestures are tastefully spiced with microtones, yet remain within the aesthetic integrity of the composer's highly individual artistic voice. Overall, both works are captivating, showcasing an undeniable and cohesive musical vision."