MUSIQA ANNOUCES OSWALD HUYNH AS AN EMERGING COMPOSER WINNER!

Posted on October 31, 2022

PYP Music Theory Teacher, Oswald Huỳnh was recently chosen for the Emerging Composer Commission program by The Musiqa Artistic Board.

Oswald is an accomplished composer with many musical groups having performed his works, including St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Akropolis Reed Quintet, Nefelibata New Music Collective, and New Music on the Bayou (Oswald won the 2022 Black Bayou Composition Award for his piece Aubade with Ashen Clouds, Scarlet Sky).

Oswald’s website shares details on his works, saying they “navigate Vietnamese aesthetics and tradition, language and translation, and the relationship between heritage and identity.”

His journey to composing started when he began playing bassoon and saxophone in the David Douglas School District (Portland, OR). After doing some arranging for the high school pep band, he became interested in composing his own original music.

“I began studying composition with Texu Kim and Michael Johanson at Lewis & Clark College (BA),” he said. “I then attended the University of Missouri for grad school (MM) studying with Carolina Heredia and Stefan Freund. This was where my career really began to gain some momentum with selections to several international festivals and the opportunity to work with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.”

Oswald graduated from Mizzou earlier this year (2022) and has been freelancing as a composer. He has received a few awards and commissions that he says have allowed him to focus on writing music.

Oswald first heard about Musiqa through some Houston-based composers he met this past summer and was amazed by the work they were doing.

“Musiqa collaborates with their local arts scene and is dedicated to cultivating and showcasing young composers, especially those living in Houston. After checking their website, I learned about their commissioning programs and made a note to apply for the next cycle. I am honored to have been selected as one of the winners, and it is validating to know there are people, especially other composers who I respect, that value my music.”

Oswald advises budding composers to just start composing!

“It doesn’t matter what medium; whether it’s traditional notation, improvisation, or producing, we all have to start somewhere. There are more resources than you might think to help you get started, both online and probably around your local area.”

When asked if he had any other thoughts to share, Oswald said “Portland Trail Blazers are going to the playoffs this year for sure!”

Thank you for sharing a piece of your story with us, Oswald, and a big congratulations on this exciting award!