At the Spring Concert on Sunday, May 6, 2007, the Austin Youth Symphony Orchestra performed the world premier of "Contending," composed by M. L. Daniels, and winner of the 2007 Texas Orchestra Directors Association (TODA) Composition Contest. The following is a statement from Dr. Daniels regarding the Symphony Orchestra’s performance and the TODA Composition Contest:
"It was a thrill for me to be invited by Kay Vanlandingham and James Edwards to conduct the Austin Youth Symphony Orchestra on my new composition, 'Contending.' The Symphony Orchestra had read through the finalists in the TODA contest during the spring before it was announced that I was the winner, so that was helpful. The orchestra did a great job for such brief rehearsals, and I hope that you will enjoy hearing the recording. I want to thank TODA for sponsoring this contest, which is a great motivator for composers." — M. L. Daniels
CLICK HERE to listen to the world premier of "Contending" performed by the Austin Youth Symphony Orchestra and conducted by the composer, M. L. Daniels. "Contending" is published by Latham Music, a Lorenz Company.
To purchase CD recordings of past Austin Youth Orchestra concerts, contact Stinson Recording Studios/Productions at 512-231-0344. To purchase DVD recordings of past AYO concerts that were videotaped, contact the Austin Independent School District Media Productions/Cable TV Department at 512-414-1030.