Mission Statement: The WSMTA Commissioned Composer of the Year 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.
Commissioned Composer Of the Year 2026: Miguel del Aguila
Miguel’s piece for solo piano, Visible Variations, was performed by Dr. Lark Powers at the WSMTA Conference in June.
Miguel’s piece composition was sent to MTNA and will vie for the Distinguished Composer of the Year. We wish him all the best! Thank you, Miguel, for representing WSMTA with you fine talents!
Commissioned Composer of the Year 2027: Dr. Donald Appert
Donald Appert, residing in Vancouver, WA, is an award winning composer whose works have been performed in Europe, Central America, Japan, Australia, and the United States. He has been commissioned to compose concerti by international soloists for piano, violin, viola, cello, bass, and bass clarinet as well as several chamber works. He has been Music Director/Conductor since 1990 at Clark College Orchestra in Vancouver WA, and Oregon Sinfonietta, Portland, OR.
Appert’s compositions are particularly noted for his works in string and chamber orchestras and brass ensembles. His music has been performed internationally with numerous accolades, including the 2015 Honored Artists of the American Prize and the 2011 and 2020 American Prize in Orchestral Programming/Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award. He is also recognized for his contributions to the community college orchestra scene where he has been instrumental in nurturing young talent and enriching the cultural landscape of southwest Washington.
As our 2027 CCOY, Dr. Appert’s commissioned work is Contrapunctus II for Brass Trio for trumpet, horn and trombone. While primarily a tonal work, it moves freely through different tonal centers and incorporates both quartal and quintal melodies and harmonies. The textures shift from imitative and contrapuntal to planing (chords in parallel motion) and homophonic (melody in top voice with chordal accompaniment).
His CD: Duprass includes Contrapunctus (Mirrors) for Trombone and Flute, and is the first album ever to exclusively feature trombone and flute duos. Commissioned by Philip and Shelley Martinson both professors at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Dr. Philip Martinson is a tenured member of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic (second trombone), and also performs as principal trombone of the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra.
Another recording, Sehnsucht for Trombone and Harp by the JOLO Duo on their CD “The Bounds of Spring”
Welcome Dr. Donald Appert! We look forward to hearing your commissioned work at our conference next June!