Duncan Tuomi wins 2023 American Prize in Composition for choral work “The Second Coming”

Duncan Tuomi (MM ’22), a DMA student in the USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music program, won the 2023 American Prize in Composition in the short choral works category for The Second Coming.

Tuomi, who is also associate conductor of the USC Thornton Apollo Chorus, wrote the piece as a first-year master’s student under the tutelage of retired Composition faculty member Frank Ticheli.

The American Prize recognizes excellence in music from across the country, offering awards in six different divisions in Composition. Winners of The American Prize in Composition receive a cash prize, certificates, written evaluations and media coverage.