Jim Stephenson '90 Wins 2026 Walter Beeler Memorial Composition Prize from Ithaca College

The Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre, and Dance awarded the 2025-2026 Biennium to NEC alumnus Jim Stephenson '90 for his submission of Symphony No. 5 and an honorable mention for his submission Declaration!

The Walter Beeler Memorial Composition Prize was created to further encourage the composition and performance of new, high-quality wind band literature in honor and memory of Ithaca College’s renowned Director of Bands. This highly successful and nationally renowned series is funded by the gracious support of the Ithaca College administration, alumni, and generous friends of the institution.

Celebrated for his "astonishingly inventive" sound (Musical America), composer and conductor Jim Stephenson creates highly resonant music that spans orchestral, ballet, and operatic landscapes. Since transitioning to full-time composition in 2007, his prolific, award-winning catalog has earned global premieres by premier ensembles like the Chicago Symphony, San Francisco Ballet, and "The President’s Own" US Marine Band, who performed his "Fanfare for Democracy" at the 2021 presidential inauguration.

Driven by a passion for storytelling, Stephenson has expanded into narrative works ranging from his acclaimed youth education series "Once Upon a Symphony" to his 2023 opera debut Cåraboo and upcoming projects for The Joffrey Ballet. In addition to crafting acclaimed symphonies, concertos, and sonatas performed worldwide, Stephenson actively directs from the podium, guest conducting prominent symphonies and ballet companies across the country.

Congratulations, Jim!