Ayden Machajewski, Round Rock High School junior, was recognized as one of the top young composers in the state during the Sarah and Ernest Butler Austin Symphony Texas Young Composers Competition.

Taking second place overall, he was challenged to create an original composition. His entry titled Nexus is an original full orchestral composition of approximately six minutes in length. In recognition of Ayden’s award, Nexus will be premiered on June 16, 2018, by the Austin Symphony Orchestra under the direction of guest conductor David In-Jae Cho at the Long Center in Austin.

Ayden will also have the unique opportunity to work directly with Austin Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director and Conductor Peter Bay, and Executive Director Anthony Corroa and the entire Austin Symphony Orchestra during rehearsals before the concert. He will also receive a $2,500 scholarship.

Ayden is a percussionist in the Dragon Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and leads a small percussion ensemble. He has been writing his music for seven years, with many of his pieces being performed by students at Walsh Middle School and Round Rock. Most recently Ayden was selected to participate in the Golden Hornet Composer Laboratory’s Student Composer Concert in both 2016 and 2017, giving him a unique opportunity to work with Austin Composer Graham Reynolds.