Austin Ali wins Evansville Philharmonic Young Composers Competition

The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra (EPO) has announced the first winner of its Young Composers Competition. Austin Ali, a Los Angeles-based composer, trumpeter, and arranger, secured the top prize.

Ali’s winning composition, ‘Bacheh Golam’, integrates Western and Afghan musical traditions. The competition, designed for composers aged 18 to 29, offers winners a $2,000 prize, a professional recording, and a performance by a full orchestra.

The Indiana debut of the piece is scheduled for October 1, 2026, at 6 p.m. as part of the EPO’s New Traditions Series at The Commons in Evansville.