SJO Names Meg Okura the Winner of the 9th Annual George Duke Commissioning Prize!

Date: December 6, 2024Time: 10:00 AM PSTLocation: Los Angeles, CA

According to the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra’s (SJO) official Instagram account, I am honored to be named the recipient of the 9th Annual George Duke Commissioning Prize!

I am thrilled to share some extraordinary news—my journey as a composer has come full circle in the most unexpected and meaningful way. I’ve been named the recipient of the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra’s 9th Annual George Duke Commissioning Prize!

This honor brings me back to the Carpenter Center stage, where over 20 years ago, I performed Henry Mancini’s Cameo for Violin after winning the concerto competition with the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra under the direction of Jack Elliot. At that time, I was a violin performance major at Juilliard, experiencing “symphonic jazz” for the first time—a moment that transformed the trajectory of my career, igniting a passion for jazz and cross-genre exploration.

Now, decades later, I return to that same stage, but this time as a composer. Next year, the SJO will premiere my newly commissioned work, a piece that reflects my journey as an artist who bridges classical, jazz, and multicultural traditions. Working with Mitch Glickman again—this time in this capacity—is nothing short of miraculous.

Winning the George Duke Commissioning Prize reaffirms the path I chose, however unconventional and challenging. I am deeply honored and grateful to the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra for this opportunity to create music that connects my past, present, and future.

More details to come soon, but for now, I celebrate this moment with gratitude. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

—Meg Okura