Sept. 15, 2026
The Serge Koussevitzky Music Foundation in the Library of Congress has awarded Utku Asuroglu, assistant professor of composition at the University of Missouri School of Music and assistant artistic director of the Mizzou International Composers Festival, a commission to compose a new musical work. He is one of six composers selected worldwide for the 2026 commissions, which are granted jointly by the foundation and the performing organization that will present the world premiere of each work.
Ensemble Dal Niente co-sponsored Asuroglu’s commission. Based in Chicago, Ensemble Dal Niente performs, develops and sustains new and experimental music for small to large chamber ensembles.
Asuroglu has received numerous distinguished international recognitions, including the highly prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship, the Irino Prize and the Salvatore Martirano Composition Award. He pursued music studies in the Netherlands, Germany and France before earning his doctorate from Stanford University.
His works have been featured at international festivals and performed by numerous leading ensembles, including the Orchestra of Radio France, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Ensemble Modern, Talea Ensemble, JACK Quartet, Mivos Quartet and Ensemble Linea.
Asuroglu’s Koussevitzky commission will result in a work for large mixed ensemble, written for Ensemble Dal Niente. His works are published by Edition Gravis in Berlin.
“Utku’s teaching and composing work is world class, and he is very deserving of this international recognition,” said Stefan Fruend, professor of composition and artistic director of the Mizzou New Music Initiative. “Dr. Asuroglu continues to bring recognition to himself and the University of Missouri through his significant achievements. I am thrilled to hear that he has received a Koussevitzky Commission to write a piece for an ensemble as accomplished as Dal Niente.”
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