Hailey
Music has a special way of bringing people together. It tells stories without words and touches hearts in every corner of the world.
Recently, two talented composers from Columbia, Missouri made their community proud by winning top awards in the 2026 Missouri Composers Project competition. Their hard work, creativity, and love for music have now earned them statewide recognition.
Let’s take a closer look at who they are, what they achieved, and why this competition is so important.
Big Wins at the 2026 Missouri Composers Project
Two Columbia composers stood out in this year’s Missouri Composers Project (MOCOP).
- Renan Reis Leme won Best New Orchestral Music for his piece titled “Adagio y Fuga Porteña.”
- Gilbert Gavin Slade Bach received an Honorable Mention for his composition “Marcia Funebre.”
Both awards are a big achievement, especially in a contest that attracts talented composers from all across Missouri.
Meet the Award Winners
Renan Reis Leme
Renan Reis Leme is the Director of Orchestras at Hickman High School. As a music teacher and orchestra leader, he guides students every day. Winning the award for Best New Orchestral Music shows not only his talent but also his dedication to music education.
His winning piece, “Adagio y Fuga Porteña,” impressed judges with its creativity and orchestral style.
Gilbert Gavin Slade Bach
Gilbert Bach is a junior at Rock Bridge High School. Even at a young age, he is already making waves in the music world. Receiving an Honorable Mention in such a competitive event is a proud moment for him and his school.
His piece, “Marcia Funebre,” was recognized for its strong musical expression and originality.
About the Missouri Composers Project (MOCOP)
The Missouri Composers Project is now in its 14th year. It is organized by the:
- Mizzou New Music Initiative
- University of Missouri School of Music
- Columbia Civic Orchestra
- Premiere Vocal Artists
- Sinquefield Charitable Foundation
The goal of the competition is to support and encourage new music composition in Missouri. Composers from different age groups are invited to submit their original works in orchestral and choral categories.
How Winners Are Selected
The judging process is done through blind judging. This means judges do not know the names of the composers while reviewing the pieces. This ensures fairness and equal opportunity for everyone.
There are two main age categories:
- Open Category
- High School Category
This allows both professional composers and young students to participate.
Other Recognized Composers
In total, eight composers were recognized in the 2026 competition. Here is a simple table showing some of the winners and their compositions:
| Composer | Composition | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Renan Reis Leme | Adagio y Fuga Porteña | Orchestral Winner |
| Gilbert Gavin Slade Bach | Marcia Funebre | Honorable Mention |
| Orin Johnson | Stay My Love | Choral |
| Theodore Greer | A Glimpse of October | Orchestral |
| Noah Pyle | Once Love | Choral |
| Andrew Kahler | Huxley’s Gesualdo | Orchestral |
| Phillip C. Roberts | Hocket Rocket | Orchestral |
Each of these composers brought something unique to the competition.
Free Concert to Celebrate the Winners
The winning and honorable mention works will be performed live in a special concert.
Concert Details
- Date: March 8
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Broadway Christian Church, 2601 W. Broadway, Columbia
- Admission: Free
The concert will feature performances by the Columbia Civic Orchestra and Premiere Vocal Artists.
Conductors for the Evening
- Barry Ford will conduct “Adagio y Fuga Porteña.”
- Amy Knopps will conduct “Marcia Funebre.”
This event gives the public a chance to hear these award-winning pieces performed live.
Prize Money and Support for New Music
All four main winners of the competition will receive a $500 honorarium. The award money is provided by the Sinquefield Charitable Foundation.
The foundation, led by Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield, supports the Mizzou New Music Initiative. Their goal is to create an environment where new music can grow and reach wider audiences.
The initiative helps composers develop their work and get it performed, which is very important in the music world.
Why This Achievement Matters
Winning or even receiving an honorable mention in the Missouri Composers Project 2026 is not a small thing. It shows creativity, discipline, and strong musical skills.
For Renan Reis Leme, it highlights the importance of dedicated music teachers who continue to create and inspire.
For Gilbert Bach, it proves that young musicians can compete at high levels and earn recognition.
It also brings pride to Columbia and encourages more students to explore music composition.
The success of Renan Reis Leme and Gilbert Gavin Slade Bach in the 2026 Missouri Composers Project is a proud moment for Columbia. Their awards show that talent, practice, and passion truly pay off.
Events like this competition help support new music and give composers a platform to share their creative work. The free concert on March 8 is not just a performance — it is a celebration of dedication, imagination, and the power of music.
Achievements like these inspire young artists and remind us that music continues to grow through fresh ideas and committed individuals.