Composer Joan Tower Awarded League of American Orchestra’s 'Gold Baton' Prize

The League of American Orchestras has announced American composer Joan Tower as the recipient of its 2019 'Gold Baton' Award

The League of American Orchestras has this week announced acclaimed American Grammy Award-winning composer Joan Tower as the recipient of its 2019 Gold Baton Award - in recognition of distinguished service to American orchestras.

Awarded annually since 1948, the Gold Baton recognizes individuals and institutions whose far-reaching contributions to the field serve to champion and advance the cause of orchestras and symphonic music throughout the United States.

“We are so happy to celebrate Joan Tower's immense contribution to orchestras ..." League of American Orchestras President Jesse Rosen has said.

"She has been a beloved presence in our community, an exemplary musical citizen, an inspiring mentor, an energetic champion of new music and ... in particular, women composers and performers ... and a delightful colleague whose music has been broadly embraced by musicians and audiences alike," he has said.

Previous Gold Baton recipients include Pierre Boulez, Aaron Copland, Yo-Yo Ma, Leonard Bernstein, Beverly Sills and John Williams.

Ms Tower, 80, will be presented with her accolade at the 74th League of American Orchestras National Conference, in Nashville, in June.

JOAN TOWER | 'SECOND STRING FORCE' FOR SOLO VIOLIN  | VC ARTIST BELLA HRISTOVA | 2015