O’Day Wins Emerging Composers Competition

Evan O’Day was selected as the first-place winner of the 2024-2025 Jâca Emerging Composers Competition.

Jâca, the award-winning clarinet and guitar duo, received nearly 30 submissions from around the world – including entries from Canada, Argentina and Israel.

O’Day’s winning work, “Duet for Clarinet and Guitar,” was praised for its idiomatic writing, genre-blending musical language and emotional authenticity. Drawing inspiration from jazz, Brazilian choro, Klezmer, contemporary chamber music and even anime scores, he created a 12-minute piece that balances rhythmic complexity with heartfelt lyricism. 

Currently pursuing degrees in music education and composition, O’Day is a multi-instrumentalist with a passion for sharing music with others, especially through teaching. 

As the first-place winner, O’Day will receive a $500 cash prize, have his work premiered in concert by Jâca and have the piece published on Jâca’s website and online store.