GERARD SCHWARZ
Acclaimed conductor, and champion of American music, Gerard Schwarz, Maestro of the Seattle Symphony, Music Director of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, founder of the New York Chamber Symphony, long time Music Director of Mostly Mozart, exemplifies the ideal American Conductor. ASCAP honors his leadership and commitment to bring the music of our time to audiences everywhere, through his concerts and recordings.
BRIGHT SHENG
Bright Sheng, composer, pianist and conductor is honored for the excellence of his compositions and his mission to bridge the diverse musical customs of East and West. His achievements as composer of innovative opera, chamber and orchestral works have earned him a 2002 MacArthur “Genius” Award.
PETER SCHICKELE
Distinguished composer, performer, communicator, Peter Schickele, has brought serious insight and great pleasure to concert music novices and sophisticates. Through his compositions and the music of his colleagues, past and present, he has brought wit and wisdom to millions of appreciative listeners on the radio and in the concert hall.
HENRY BRANT
Innovator and pioneering experimental composer, Henry Brant was awarded the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Music Composition for his “spatial” work, "Ice Field," commissioned for Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony. Unique in his conviction and style, at 88 years of age, he continues to be productive and regards his Pulitzer Prize as incentive to keep going strong.
JUSTIN DAVIDSON
Music critic for Long Island Newsday, Justin Davidson earned his DMA as a composer. In recognition of his “crisp coverage of classical music that captures its essence,” he was awarded the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Music Criticism. ASCAP honors his achievement and applauds the music critic who is a well-informed advocate, conversant with the music languages of his time.
THE AMERICAN COMPOSERS ORCHESTRA
ASCAP celebrates the 25th Anniversary Season of the ACO by honoring the vision of its founders. The ACO is the only orchestra in the world dedicated to the creation, performance, presentation and promulgation of music by American composers. We honor the founders:
FRANCIS THORNE,
DENNIS RUSSELL DAVIES,
PAUL LUSTIG DUNKEL
and the late NICOLAS ROUSSAKIS.
Photo: Steve J. Sherman
2002 ASCAP FOUNDATION MORTON GOULD YOUNG COMPOSER HONOREES
Pictured with Peter Schickele, Paul Lustig Dunkel, Gerard Schwarz, Chen Yi, Samuel Adler, Chris Theofanidis, Bright Sheng, Dennis Russell Davies, Justin Davidson and ASCAP's Fran Richard, Nikki Banks and Cia Toscanini.
