Ricardo Averbach and MUSO named national finalist in three categories of the 2025 American Prize
The American Prize, established in 2009, honors the highest level of achievements in classical music across the United States.
Ricardo Averbach and MUSO named national finalist in three categories of the 2025 American Prize
Professor Ricardo Averbach, Director of Orchestral Studies at Miami University, and the Miami University Symphony Orchestra (MUSO) have been named national finalists in three categories of the 2025 American Prize—one of the nation’s most prestigious competitions recognizing excellence in classical music performance and composition. Final results will be announced by the end of the year.
Recognitions include:
- Orchestral Composition (Professional Division)
Defiance by Martin Hebel, commissioned by Averbach in celebration of MUSO’s 120th anniversary. The piece, composed by the former instructor in the Department of Music, received its world premiere at the 2024 CODA National Conference in Nashville and was recognized in the professional orchestra category—a rare and significant honor for a collegiate ensemble. (Announced April 4, 2025) - Orchestral Conducting (College/University Division)
Ricardo Averbach, for his outstanding artistic direction and visionary leadership. (Announced March 18, 2025) - Orchestral Performance (College/University Division)
Miami University Symphony Orchestra, under Averbach’s direction, honored for their compelling artistry and ensemble excellence. (Announced May 15, 2025)
These national honors reflect Averbach’s long-standing leadership in collegiate orchestral music. A past president of the College Orchestra Directors Association (CODA), he led MUSO last year as one of only two orchestras selected by blind audition to perform at the CODA National Conference in Nashville.
The orchestra continues to push boundaries with innovative programming. Next season, MUSO will present—for the first time in its history—an entire concert dedicated exclusively to female composers, affirming its commitment to amplifying diverse voices in classical music and engaging the community with bold, inclusive repertoire.
This summer, Averbach will serve as a faculty member at the 6th International Conducting Academy – Estoril ’25, held July 20–26, at the Cascais Conservatory of Music in Portugal. There, he will collaborate with Maestro Nikolay Lalov, Artistic Director of the Cascais and Oeiras Chamber Orchestra, to mentor advanced-level conductors and composers. The academy will focus on iconic French orchestral works—including Ravel’s Ma mère l’Oye, Ibert’s Concertino da Câmara for Alto Saxophone, and Debussy’s La Mer (orchestrated by Iaian Farrington). Participants will engage in masterclasses, rehearsals, and an international conducting competition, with the winner receiving an invitation to return as a guest conductor in a future season.
The American Prize, established in 2009, honors the highest level of achievements in classical music across the United States.
To learn more about the Miami University Symphony Orchestra and its upcoming season, visit:
miamioh.edu/music.
