Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri
After an extensive review process, Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri (29), a DMA candidate at the University of Missouri - Kansas City, has been selected as the winner of the Austin Symphonic Band’s third annual Young Composers’ Contest. A panel of adjudicators selected him out of a field of 88 applicants.
In addition, five applicants were selected as finalists. These include (listed alphabetically):
Franklin Hansen
Adam Harrington
Matthew Nell
Connor Wooley
Sam Wu
Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri
About Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri:
Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri (b. 1995) is a Thai composer, conductor, and music educator known internationally for blending traditional Thai soundscapes with contemporary styles, establishing him as a leading figure among emerging Asian composers. His works have been performed internationally by ensembles such as the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, Tacet(i) Ensemble, Meiden High School Symphonic Band (Japan), Lawrence University Symphonic Band (US), and at international festivals including Asian Saxophone Congress (China, 2024), World Saxophone Congress (Croatia, 2018; France, 2015), International Trumpet Guild (US, 2023), International Viola Congress (Thailand, 2023), International Double Reed Society (Thailand, 2023), Thailand New Music and Arts Symposium (2020), and the International Festival of Wind Orchestra Prague (2020). He is a founder of thaiwindcomposers.com, an online resource and community for wind music in Thailand.
Viskamol is currently in Kansas City, Missouri, where he is completing his DMA in Composition at University of Missouri - Kansas City, while enjoying cooking different dishes from whatever ingredients he can track down in the city. He is a member of ASCAP.
Website: viskamol.com
Music Director Dr. Kyle Glaser said:
We congratulate Viskamol on being selected as our third recipient of the ASB Young Composers' Contest. His exceptional artistry and musicianship were on full display in his application materials, and we are certain that his new work for the Austin Symphonic Band will be a significant addition to the wind band repertoire.
Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri’s new work will be premiered by the Austin Symphonic Band during the 2025-26 season.