Young Composers Project student Ryoto Brumitt won first place in the Foothills Philharmonic’s inaugural László and Fran Veres Young Composer’s Competition. The contest, named in honor of László Veres, former TSO principal clarinet and maestro of the Foothills Philharmonic for 27 years, and retired TSO violinist Fran Veres, was open to young composers from Pima, Cochise, and Santa Cruz counties. Contest entries were judged by professional local composers and music teachers, and the winner’s composition was performed as part of the Foothills Philharmonic’s December 15 program.
Brumitt, originally from Abiko, Japan, moved to Tucson in 2014 at 5 years old. He began studying violin under Dr. Laura Tagawa at 8 years old, where he learned about the Young Composers Project from a fellow student. Brumitt was inspired to join the program after attending the Young Composers Festival. Now in his fourth year, he is currently enrolled in both advanced classes of the program.
Brumitt’s winning composition Accordionist’s Fantasy was inspired by “Strauss’ waltzes and French accordion music.” When Brumitt first began writing the composition, his YCP instructor suggested it was too clock-like. While he worked on his second draft, his father shared a funny cat video with him and the French café music in the video sparked his creativity. He was particularly inspired by the accordion piece and began to research the instrument. The piece was originally composed for accordion and orchestra and the accordion part was later adapted to woodwinds. Brumitt is currently focused on writing his composition for the next Young Composers Festival in May.