2026 College Division Winner - Kian Ravaei

Winning composition: Family Photos

Composer Kian Ravaei (b. 1999) takes tone painting to a new level, synthesizing diverse inspirations ranging from the Iranian music of his ancestral heritage to the pulsating electronic music of late-night dance clubs. From Carnegie Hall to the Concertgebouw, sought-after musicians including Fleur Barron, Lara Downes, and Anthony McGill have brought Ravaei’s works to global stages. His music has been commissioned by Seattle Chamber Music Society, Chamber Music Northwest, and American Composers Orchestra, with commissioning awards from Chamber Music America, New Music USA, and the Barlow Endowment. He is currently a C.V. Starr Doctoral Fellow at The Juilliard School.