Daniel Asia: Composer
Daniel Asia (b. 1953) stands among the most versatile composers of his generation, having traversed orchestral, chamber, vocal, and operatic realms with equal mastery. A 2009 recipient of an American Academy of Arts and Letters Award and inducted into the American Academy of Sciences and Letters in 2024, Asia has been hailed as "a genuine creative spirit" and "a welcome addition to the roster of our strongest group of living composers."
His orchestral works have been commissioned and performed by major symphony orchestras including Cincinnati, Seattle, Milwaukee, Phoenix, and the American Composers Orchestra in New York City. Renowned conductors such as Jesús López-Cobos, Gerard Schwarz, Eiji Oue, and Zdeněk Mácal have championed his music on stages across America and Europe.
Asia served as Professor of Music at the University of Arizona from 1988-2024 and currently serves as President of Polyhymnia (Center for American Culture and Ideas). His distinguished career includes a Guggenheim Fellowship, four NEA Composers Grants, a Fulbright Arts Award Fellowship, and numerous other honors recognizing his contribution to American music.
Daniel Asia: Ivory
"The material on the CD, while sophisticated in language and structure, is deeply satisfying on an emotional and intellectual level."
— Fanfare
"Asia is a welcome addition to the roster of our strongest group of living composers, the tonal postmodernists: Bolcom, Del Tredici, Adams, et al. This new disc is highly recommended."
— Schwann Opus
The Ivory album showcases Asia's masterly writing for solo piano and chamber forces, balancing emotional directness with structural sophistication — a hallmark of his mature compositional voice.
Scherzo Sonata for Solo Piano
A spirited, virtuosic work full of rhythmic energy and wit.
Piano Quartet
A richly crafted work for piano and strings, demonstrating Asia's command of chamber texture. [LISTEN] [DOWNLOAD MP3]
Why (?) Jacob for Piano
A searching, introspective work of quiet expressive power.
Daniel Asia: Ivory II
"The effect is entrancing."
— Peter Burwasser, Fanfare
"…fresh new music… Recommended with enthusiasm."
— Colin Clarke, Fanfare
Ivory II deepens and expands the sonic world introduced in the first volume, showcasing a wide expressive range — from majestic grandeur to calm introspection, lively dance energy to gentle ruminative swing. The album affirms Asia's unique place in the landscape of contemporary American piano music.
Works on Ivory II
Piano Set I
Piano Set II
Piano Variations 1: Majestic
Piano Variations 2: Calm and Placid
Piano Variations 3: Lively
Piano Variations 4: Majestic
No Time: Ruminative Pondering
Ragflections: A Gentle Easy Swing
"…aspires to a place in the grand tradition. Exposure by the box-office virtuosi with America's Big Five orchestras is overdue."
— Atlantic Monthly
"This recording should make a major step toward getting Asia the recognition he deserves."
— The Seattle Times
Daniel Asia: Piano Concerto
Recorded with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra under conductor James Sedares, Asia's Piano Concerto is a landmark work that commands serious attention from programmers and audiences alike. Unfolding across three contrasting movements — from driving Allegro energy to calm lyricism to a spirited dancelike finale — the concerto demonstrates Asia's mastery of large-scale form and his ability to balance individual expression with orchestral power.
Movements — Score, Listen & Download
- Mvt. I — Allegro [LISTEN] [DOWNLOAD MP3]
- Mvt. II — Calm and Serene [LISTEN] [DOWNLOAD MP3]
- Mvt. III — Dancelike [LISTEN] [DOWNLOAD MP3]
Performers & Conductors
Daniel Asia's symphonic works have been brought to life by some of the world's most distinguished ensembles and conductors, showcasing the breadth and appeal of his compositional voice across the international classical music community.
Distinguished Ensembles
Dorian Wind Quintet, American Brass Quintet, Meadowmount Trio, Cypress Quartet, Amernet String Quartet
Acclaimed Soloists
Andre-Michel Schub, Alex Klein, Benjamin Verdery, John Shirley-Quirk, Sara Watkins, Christopher Pedro Trakas, Faye Robinson, Robert Dick, Carter Brey, Julian Schwarz, Robert Swensen, Jeremy Huw Williams, Carmen Pelton, Mary Feinsinger
Renowned Conductors
Zdenek Macal, Jesus Lopez-Cobos, Eiji Oue, Lawrence Leighton Smith, Carl St. Clair, James Sedares, Stuart Malina, George Hanson, Kirk Trevor, Koji Kawamoto, Gerard Schwarz, Odaline de la Martinez, Jonathan Shames
Distinguished Recognition
Throughout his career, Daniel Asia has received some of the most prestigious honors available to American composers, reflecting both the quality of his work and his significant contribution to contemporary classical music.
American Academy of Sciences & Letters induction ceremony, 2024
American Academy of Arts and Letters Award
2009
American Academy of Sciences and Letters
Inducted 2024
Guggenheim Fellowship
United Kingdom Fulbright Arts Award Fellowship
National Endowment for the Arts
Four NEA Composers Grants
Major Foundation Support
M.B. Rockefeller Grant | Aaron Copland Fund for Music Grant
Artist Residencies
MacDowell Colony Fellowship | Tanglewood Fellowship | DAAD Fellowship (Germany)
Composition Prizes
ASCAP Composition Prize | BMI Composition Prize
Orchestra Residency
Meet The Composer/Composer in Residence with the Phoenix Symphony 1991-94
Connect With Us
Igor Reznik
Agent & Producer
Momentum Artists
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: +1-646-975-8402
Artist Websites
Organizations & Resources
Daniel Asia: Piano Music for Consideration