NYC Gazette

Juilliard has announced that Aníbal Vidal, a composer originally from Chile and currently residing in London, is the winner of the 2024 Pisar Prize. This annual composition prize, now in its third year, is a collaboration between Juilliard, Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, and Villa Albertine. The award includes 10,000 euros and a residency at Juilliard where Vidal will develop a new piece. This work will be showcased at Juilliard before its premiere with the orchestra Les Siècles under Antonello Manacorda's direction in Paris this November.

"Receiving the Pisar Prize is a tremendous honor and a significant step in internationalizing my career as a composer," Vidal stated. He emphasized the unique opportunity to collaborate with prestigious institutions like Juilliard and Théâtre des Champs-Élysées.

During his residency in New York, Vidal's composition will be workshopped by Juilliard’s AXIOM ensemble on May 1, 2025. The piece titled "The Languages That All Living Things Speak" draws inspiration from Henry David Thoreau’s reflections on deep listening found in "Walden." After an initial reading for reduced orchestra by AXIOM, it will be presented as a full orchestral version in Paris on November 14.

Judith Pisar initiated the Pisar Prize to promote cultural collaboration between France and the United States by commissioning works from young composers. Previous recipients include Argentinean Alex Nante and Christian-Frédéric Bloquert.

Théâtre des Champs-Elysées is renowned for its diverse programming since opening in 1913. Villa Albertine supports cultural ties between France and the U.S., offering residencies and fostering educational exchanges. Founded in 1905, The Juilliard School remains at the forefront of performing arts education globally.