2025 Young Composers’ Contest Winner
CARLOS LALONDE
After an extensive review process, Carlos Lalonde, 24, a graduate student in composition at Michigan State University, has been selected as the winner of the Austin Symphonic Band’s fourth annual Young Composers’ Contest. A panel of adjudicators selected him out of an international field of 68 applicants.
In addition, five applicants were selected as finalists. These include (listed alphabetically):
Christopher Artau
Benjamin R. Barker
Daniel Kim
Cooper Wood
Connor Wooley
Carlos Lalonde
About Carlos Lalonde:
Filipino-American composer Carlos Lalonde (b. 2001) is an internationally performed artist whose eclectic catalog spans introspective chamber music to electrifying orchestral, wind band and choral works. Deeply interested in creating thought-provoking art through music and sound, Carlos explores themes of identity, human emotion, the natural world, science, spirituality and society. Their art often reflects the ever-changing world, traversing time both retrospectively and prospectively to engage with ideas that demand careful reflection or bold prediction.
Their music has been recognized and performed across the United States and Europe, including by UNESCO, earning awards from ASCAP, the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies and Cantus Vocal Ensemble. Carlos has held residencies with the Bach Society of Dayton and served as composer-in-residence for the 2022 Alabama All-State Orchestra Festival. Also a dedicated pedagogue, Carlos has presented at the Illinois Music Educators Conference and published works with Carl Fischer—earning multiple J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice distinctions—while fostering a community of composers through a popular YouTube channel.
Carlos holds a bachelor’s degree in music composition from Bradley University and is pursuing a master’s degree at Michigan State University. Their mentors include Rachel Finnes, Lynnsey Lambrecht, Mark De Zwaan, Cory Boulton, David Biedenbender, Viet Cuong and Zhou Tian.
Website: carloslalonde.com
Music Director Dr. Kyle Glaser said:
We congratulate Carlos Lalonde on receiving this year’s ASB Young Composers’ Contest award. His submissions displayed wonderful craft and artistry, and his unique voice will create a wonderful addition to the repertoire. We are excited to see what he has in store for us, and look forward to our upcoming collaboration.
Carlos Lalonde’s new work will be premiered by the Austin Symphonic Band during the 2026-27 season.