Laurier composer Kevin Day awarded MacDowell Fellowship for Music Composition

Aug. 3, 2023

Kevin Day, an assistant professor of Composition at Wilfrid Laurier University, was awarded a MacDowell Fellowship for Music Composition, one of the most prestigious awards for artists in North America. Beginning in mid-December, he will spend six weeks at MacDowell’s artist residency in Peterborough, New Hampshire to complete his first commissioned opera project. It will be produced in collaboration with Cincinnati Opera and the Andrew T. Mellon Foundation.

MacDowell is a leading contemporary arts organization that supports “artists of exceptional talent and potential for creative work.” A fellowship consists of exclusive use of a private studio and accommodation at MacDowell’s 450-acre woodland campus, offering an inspiring residential environment in which to produce enduring works of the creative imagination. MacDowell also provides opportunities for artists to interact with each other and share their work with the public.

“I’m honored and grateful to receive this fellowship from MacDowell,” says Day. “This is an incredible opportunity to focus on my work and collaborate with other artists at one of the most renowned artist residencies in the world. I’m looking forward to completing my opera project.”

“We are thrilled that Kevin was awarded this prestigious fellowship,” says Cynthia Johnston Turner, dean of Laurier’s Faculty of Music. “His work as a composer is truly exceptional and innovative, and he has received many accolades and recognition for his music. Kevin is a valuable member of our faculty and a role model for our students. His work contributes to Laurier’s vision of being a leading university for music education and research.”

To learn more about Day and his work, visit his website.