GREENSBORO, N.C. — NOTION Music has announced that Dr. Mark Edwards Wilson, on the faculty of the School of Music at the University of Maryland, is the grand prize winner of the company’s second Realize Music Challenge, an annual orchestral composition competition that draws entries from composers across the globe. As the grand prize winner, Wilson receives a paid trip for two to London to be at Abbey Road Studios when the London Symphony Orchestra records his composition. In addition, he receives a cash prize of $2,500.

“Musicians from all over the world used NOTION software to compose their entries,” said Jim Boitnott, President, NOTION Music. “We were especially happy with the diverse nature of the entries, ranging from lightly orchestrated minimalistic compositions to very complex large orchestral works ­ with an overall quality that exceeded last year’s submissions.”

Wilson has had his compositions performed and recorded around the world, from the Kennedy Center to the Kiev Philharmonic. From his home in Bowie, Maryland, Wilson commented on his latest award: “This opportunity comes at a particularly important juncture in my development as a composer. ‘The Phoenix Rising’ is among the first works that I have composed using what has become for me a radically new style emphasizing the dramatic narrative. It has inspired my renewed passion for the symphony orchestra with its myriad colors, visceral power, and unrivaled richness.”

“The Phoenix Rising” was the first composition Wilson completed using NOTION software. “The first time I used NOTION I was immediately impressed with its streamlined efficiency. It is very direct, easy to learn, and, above all logical,” he says. “Their samples are acoustically clear and allow one to easily perceive even complex textures. This is first-rate music software.”

Finalists in three other categories were selected in recognition for their composition skill. All three Finalists receive a $1,000 cash prize.
• Professional (published) composers category: David Coscina, from Ontario, Canada, was chosen for the Finalist award in this contestant category with his composition “Musashi Suite for Orchestra.”
• Emerging (unpublished) composers category: John McIntyre, also from Canada, received the Finalist award in this category for “Festive Overture.”
• Young (under 18) composers category: Matt Webster of Canberra, A.C.T., Australia, captured the Finalist prize in this category with his “March of the Ants.”

Also named are nine runner-up winners (three in each contestant category):
• Young Composers: Adam Violaris (London, United Kingdom) “Appalachian Trail”; Anthony Blackman (Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada) “Largo and Vivace for Strings”; and Jules Pegram (Greensboro, North Carolina) “Earthquake!”
• Emerging Composers: Richard Birdsall (Thornaby, Stockton on Tees, United Kingdom) “Enigma”; Phillip Martin (Scarsdale, New York) “Sarabandoid”; and Jacob Kirk (St. Augustine, Florida) “Paul’s Travails.”
• Professional Composers: Vincent Oppido (East Meadow, New York) “Celebrations: for Leonard Slatkin”; Mike Pettry (Astoria, New York) “Requiem”; and Ricardo Iznaola (Denver, Colorado) “In the Eyes, a Silver Dagger.” Each runner-up winner receives five NOTION expansion sound kits of their choosing.

The expert panel of judges who selected the top winners represented concert hall, motion picture, and education settings. John Corigliano, one of the most widely recognized American composers today, has won several awards, including Grammy and Academy awards ­ and a Pulitzer Prize. Carter Burwell, an in-demand Hollywood composer, has over 65 motion picture titles to his credit, including A Knight’s Tale, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and It Could Happen to You. Lawrence Dillon, an esteemed educator and an internationally acclaimed composer (the youngest to complete a doctorate at Juilliard), has a broad portfolio of works ­ from solo pieces to full-length opera.

Composers from all walks of life created and submitted entries between November 2007 and the end of May 2008, and the judging concluded in August. NOTION Music plans to release details about the next Realize Music Challenge, renamed the NOTION Music Challenge, later this year.

About NOTION Music

NOTION Music boasts revolutionary, award-winning music software products, scores, sounds, and services. Their patented technology makes it easy for anyone who is passionate about music to create, study, and perform music in ways never before possible. Established in 1998 in Greensboro, NC, NOTION Music is headquartered in the United States and has an office in the United Kingdom. More at http://www.notionmusic.com.

[tags]NOTION Music, Dr Mark Edwards Wilson, School of Music at the University of Maryland, second Realize Music Challenge[/tags]