LSU's Christopher Trapani Nominated for Prestigious International Composition Prize

BATON ROUGE, LA – The LSU School of Music is proud to announce that faculty member Dr. Christopher Trapani has been nominated for the Prince Pierre of Monaco Foundation’s International Prize for Musical Composition, widely recognized as one of the most significant honors in contemporary music.

Presented once every three years, the €75,000 prize celebrates recent works of exceptional artistic achievement. Candidates cannot apply; instead, they are chosen by the Foundation’s Musical Council—an international panel of composers, performers, and cultural leaders—based on the artistic vision, innovation, and global impact of their work. Since its inception in 1960, the award has honored composers whose music is shaping the future of the art form.

Trapani earned his nomination for Noise Uprising, a work inspired by the vibrant cross-cultural exchanges of the late 1920's and early '30s. Drawing on archival 78 rpm recordings from port cities around the world, the piece reimagines these historic sounds for modern ears, blending tradition with contemporary techniques. Performed by the Dutch guitar quartet Zwerm with vocalists Sofia Jernberg and Sophia Burgos, Noise Uprising has been praised by leading publications and critics for its inventive textures and seamless merging of musical worlds.

"This nomination is a tremendous honor for Dr. Trapani and a true testament to the extraordinary talent within our entire faculty," said Dr. James Byo, Director of LSU's School of Music. "It reflects the spirit of creativity and innovation that thrives within the our School, where students learn alongside artists whose work is shaping conversations in the global music community."

The winner of the 2025 International Prize for Musical Composition will be announced later this year in Monaco. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Trapani. 

To learn more about his work, visit his personal site.