2026 Phoenix Percussion Composition Competition

Competition Results

The Phoenix Performance Foundation (PPF) is pleased to announce the results of the third annual Phoenix Percussion Composition Competition. A total of 75 entries were submitted from composers located in eleven different countries. Composers from 25 different states in the United States submitted compositions.

The winner is Dr. Roydon Tse from Canada, with his composition titled "Memories" for marimba and harp. Named one of CBC Music's Top "30 under 30" Canadian classical musicians in 2017, composer Dr. Roydon Tse writes music that bridges cultures, drawing on shared human experience, climate, and our evolving cultural landscape. Memories unfolds across two interwoven layers. On the surface, the duet explores minimalism and convergence, shaped from the most economical material: a repeating sextuplet figure first introduced in the harp. From this simple gesture, the music grows organically, as lines blur into one another and melodic fragments gradually emerge and transform, forming a continuous, evolving arc. Beneath this, the work is an evocation of memory as it surfaces and dissolves within the stream of consciousness. Midway through the piece, a melodic fragment appears, weaving in and out of a single-note ostinato that persists throughout. This fragment is continually reshaped within that framework, suggesting the fleeting, elusive nature of recollection.

The PPF Board and University of Delaware look forward to presenting this work during the 2027 concert season. In addition, Dr. Tse will receive a cash prize of $1000 and the option to publish the work with Bachovich Music Publications.

Many thanks to our donors, board members, and the staff at New Music Engine without which the completion would not be possible. Special thanks to all the composers who created and submitted compositions to the competition.

Winning Composition Performance

A video of the performance of the winning composition "Memories" will be posted here and on our YouTube channel following the performance in 2027.

2025 Phoenix Percussion Composition Competition

Competition Results

The Phoenix Performance Foundation is pleased to announce the results of the second annual Phoenix Percussion Composition Competition. The Phoenix Performance Foundation Board was thrilled with the response to the "Call for Scores". In all, there were 135 submissions from 21 countries. We received submissions from 35 different states in the United States.

The winner is Kyle Krause from the United States, with his composition titled "Luminescence". Mr. Krause received a cash prize of $1000 and the option to publish the work with Bachovich Music Publications. The winning work was performed and recorded by University of Delaware Adjunct Assistant Professor and virtuosic marimbist, Jianpeng Feng, in June, 2026.

Many thanks to our donors, board members, and the staff at New Music Engine without which the completion would not be possible. Special thanks to all the composers who created and submitted compositions to the competition.

Winning Composition Performance

The following is the studio recording of the winning composition "Luminescence", by Kyle Krause, as performed by University of Delaware Adjunct Assistant Professor Jianpeng Feng.

2024 Phoenix Percussion Composition Competition

Competition Results

The Phoenix Performance Foundation is delighted to announce the results of the first annual Phoenix Percussion Composition Competition. The Phoenix Performance Foundation Board was thrilled with the response to the "Call for Scores". In all, there were 244 submissions from 40 countries.

The winner is Colin Eng, with his composition titled "Soar". The winning work was performed by the University of Delaware Percussion Ensemble on April 26th, 2025. In addition, Mr. Eng received a cash prize of $500 and the option to publish the work with Bachovich Music Publications.

Honorable mentions are awarded to Ben Justice for his composition "Nucleation", Benedikt Brydern for his composition "Kinderszenen 2.0", and Emily Joy Sullivan for her composition "Mallet Quartet".

Many thanks to our donors, board members, and the staff at New Music Engine without which the competition would not be possible. Special thanks to all the composers who created and submitted compositions to the competition.

Winning Composition Performance

The winning composition "Soar", by Colin Eng, was first performed by the University of Delaware Percussion Ensemble on April 26th, 2025.

The following is a studio recording of Soar performed by the University of Delaware Percussion Ensemble members: Aidan Dworkin, Cooper Gottcent, Angel Serrano, Joe Tremper, John Trimble, and Katherine Weber.