DALLAS (SMU) – Xi Wang, assistant professor of composition and theory at SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts, is one of two national recipients of the Charles Ives Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. The $15,000 award is presented annually to “two composers of exceptional gifts.” Xi Wang will receive the award at the academy’s annual ceremony in May in New York City.

Founded in 1898, the academy honors more than 50 composers, artists, architects and writers every year with cash awards ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. The Ives Fellowship was established by Harmony Ives, widow of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Charles Ives; she bequeathed the royalties from her husband’s music to the academy to be used for scholarships for young composers. Composers are nominated by members of the academy and are then voted on by a select committee that awards 6 scholarships of $7,500 and 2 fellowships of $15,000 annually.

“I am thankful and honored to receive this prestigious fellowship,” said Xi Wang. “I came to the U.S. as a graduate student 10 years ago, with two suitcases, my embarrassing English and a dream. My life experience has given me a firm belief in the value of diligent work. I am so thankful for all the support and encouragement I have received from my mentors, colleagues and friends. And I am very proud to be part of the Meadows School of the Arts at SMU.”

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