Honorable Mention: Mark Dal Porto

Dr. Mark Dal Porto has received numerous commissions with his works receiving hundreds of performances by many instrumental and vocal ensembles throughout the US and abroad.  In 2019, he released Peace, Nature & Renewal¸ a CD featuring some of his orchestral, choral, and chamber works.  In the most recent CODA (College Orchestra Director’s Association) International Composition Contest, he was awarded first prize for his orchestral work Song of Eternity.  He has also been given certificates of excellence in band, choral, orchestral, and chamber music composition from The American Prize organization.

Dal Porto serves on the faculty of Eastern New Mexico University as Professor of Music and Coordinator of Music Theory and Composition.  In 2012, he received the ENMU Presidential Award in Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activities.  A former student of Donald Grantham, Dal Porto received degrees from California State University, Sacramento, and the University of Texas at Austin.  He frequently serves as a guest composer, conductor, and pianist.  Further information about Mark can be found at markdalporto.com.