Tucson composer Daniel Asia will become only the third American whose works have been commissioned by the Czech Nonet, one of the longest continuously performing chamber groups.

The Czech Nonet, which was founded in 1924, has had over 300 works written for it by composers such as Prokofiev, Lutoslawski, Martinu and others. The American compoers included Pulitzer prize winner Robert Ward and Peter Sacco.

The ensemble, which has visited more than 70 North American venues, resumed its North American tours in 2002 after a 25-year absence. in its tours of returns to North America in October 2009 in celebration of
its 85th Anniversary. Sole agent for the Czech Nonet in North America is
Stanton Management which brought about its return to touring here in 2002
following a 25 year absence. Since 2002, the Czech Nonet has visited over 70
venues in North America.

This is proving to be a big year for the longtime Tucson composer and University of Arizona prof. In November, the Tucson Symphony Orchestra will present the world premiere of Asia’s Symphony No. 5, a piece for orchestra, chorus, mezzo-soprano and tenor.