Zhou Tian’s Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemble has won the 2026 Sousa-ABA-Ostwald Award.
The American Bandmasters Association competition received approximately 150 entries. The selection process narrowed the field to 13 semifinalists and then four finalists. The other finalists were Henry Dorn’s “I, Too, Am America,” Jake Runestad’s “Vincent’s Sky” and Patrick Harlan’s “Time Traveler.”
Zhou previously received the award in 2022 for “Sinfonia.” The new award recognizes his concerto for solo alto saxophone and wind ensemble.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City Wind Symphony is scheduled to perform the winning work at the association’s convention in Kansas City on Feb. 25, 2027. Kevin Sedatole chaired the selection committee.
Established in 1956, the Sousa-ABA-Ostwald competition recognizes original compositions for band. The announcement adds a new concerto to the award’s history and identifies a forthcoming convention performance where band directors and other attendees can hear the selected work.
For more information, visit americanbandmasters.org.