Commissioned Composers
To encourage new works by American composers, the NDMTA with support of the MTNA participates in the Commissioned Composer Program by commissioning a composer to write a work to be premiered at the NDMTA Conference.
2024 Commissioned Composer
Efraín Amaya
2025 NDMTA Commissioned Composer: Efraín Amaya, American conductor and composer, was born in Venezuela where he bagan his musical training. Continuing his study in the US, he earned two Bachelor's of Music degrees in composition and piano from Indiana University, and a Master's degree in orchestral conducting from Rice University.
Amaya's compositions have been selected for performance at major international festivals in Seattle, San Juan, Mexico City, Caracas, Venezuela,Carnegie Mellon University, Juilliard School in New York as well as in Boston and more. The extensive list of performances, both national and internationl and Amaya's extensive résumé can be found on his website, www.efrainamaya.com
Efraín Amaya has released numerous recordings and has been the recipient of many fellowships and grants. His compositions explore numerous instrumentations as well as opera. Recordings of two arias from Amaya's opera, La Bisbetica can be listened to on youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgvv1dSlK8Q and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LFOTkXtEqQ
Mr. Amaya is on the faculty at Minot State University as well as Western Plains Opera General Co-Director (2017-present) and the Music Director for the Minot Symphony Orchestra since the 2015-16 Season.
Amaya's commissioned composition will be premiered 7:00 pm, Wednesday, June 4th at Minot State University Hartnett Recital Hall.
Details
The MTNA Commissioned Composer program seeks to encourage the creation of new works by American composers.
NDMTA has been an avid supporter of the MTNA Commissioned Composer program since 1964. Each year, NDMTA commissions a composer to write a work which receives its premiere performance at the NDMTA Conference. The composition is submitted to the MTNA for consideration for the MTNA Distinguished Composer of the Year. The selected composer/composition is presented in performance at the MTNA Conference and receives a $5,000 award.
Information about how to become a Commissioned Composer is available at:
