PULLMAN, Wash. – Ryan Hare, coordinator of music theory and composition at Washington State University, was named Washington State Composer of the Year by the Washington Music Teachers Association (WSMTA).
The honor includes a cash award and commissioned work, which Hare will compose for the WSU School of Music faculty duo “88 Squared” featuring pianists Jeffrey and Karen Savage. The piece will be premiered at the WSMTA conference in June.
Hare’s music is regularly performed around the world. His “Canzonetta” for solo oboe was performed in Asia by WSU faculty member and Fulbright recipient Keri McCarthy. “Little Objects,” a piece constructed of only 100 notes, premiered at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. “Quasi Improvisando” for solo cello was performed at the Seattle Composers Salon by WSU faculty member Ruth Boden.
Additionally, Hare has two premieres scheduled in the coming weeks: “Entanglement” for solo bassoon will be performed by Lynn Hileman at West Virginia University, and “Mythos” will be performed by the WSU Solstice Quintet in Seattle on Nov. 10.
Hare is composer in residence with the Washington Idaho Symphony. “Maracanazo,” his new piece in commemoration of the orchestra’s 40th anniversary, will be premiered in January.