The Pulitzer Prize Board has announced that Gabriela Lena Frank’s ‘Picaflor: A Future Myth,’ co-commissioned and premiered by The Philadelphia Orchestra, is the winner of the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Music
By Steven Brodsky
… Congratulations to Gabriela Lena Frank.
The following news release was issued by The Philadelphia Orchestra:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Philadelphia, May 5, 2026)—Gabriela Lena Frank’s Picaflor: A Future Myth won the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Music yesterday. The Philadelphia Orchestra and Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin co-commissioned Picaflor and gave the world premiere of the piece in March 2025 with Principal Guest Conductor Marin Alsop.
Picaflor: A Future Myth was the culmination of Frank’s tenure as The Philadelphia Orchestra’s composer-in-residence from 2019 to 2023. While in this position, she worked closely with students throughout the region, specifically at KIPP West Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School, helping to provide music education to Philadelphia’s next generation of artists and arts lovers. The Orchestra has also commissioned and given the world premieres of Frank’s Concertino Cusqueño (2012) and Pachamama Meets an Ode (2022), both with Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
The Pulitzer Prize–winning work is a retelling of a traditional Peruvian creation myth about a picaflor, or hummingbird, that pollinates the world and its varying wildlife, giving birth to a vibrant and complex earth. Frank’s retelling takes place in a futuristic setting, where the picaflor navigates a world on the brink of cataclysm—reflecting Frank’s climate activism in art and life.
“The Philadelphia Orchestra extends our heartfelt congratulations to Gabriela Lena Frank on this monumental achievement,” said Ryan Fleur, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts. “Frank’s Picaflor is a profound act of storytelling, weaving her Peruvian heritage into an urgent message about the wellbeing of our planet. We are thrilled to have co-commissioned this work and presented its world premiere last year. Collaborating with composers like Gabriela reflects our organization’s deepest values—where artistic excellence meets cultural inclusivity and genuine authenticity; we build the kind of musical legacy that endures time and space. We look forward to continuing to champion her music and introducing this extraordinary piece to audiences for years to come.”
The Orchestra has commissioned two additional Pulitzer Prize–winning compositions in its history: Walter Piston’s Symphony No. 7 (1961) and Shulamit Ran’s Symphony (1991).
Posted 5-7-26
On Judy Collins’ 87th birthday
By Steven Brodsky
… Happy birthday wishes go out to Judy Collins!
Judy Collins was born on May 1, 1939.
Posted 5-1-26
Wild geese
By Steven Brodsky
A Canada goose
Photo by Steven Brodsky
… have a special way of announcing our “place in the family of things,” as does Mary Oliver’s poem “Wild Geese.”
Posted 4-30-26
The recipients of the 2026 NEA National Heritage Fellowships have been announced
By Steven Brodsky
… Congratulations to the 2026 NEA National Heritage Fellows!
From a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) news release that was issued today, April 21, 2026:
Washington, DC—The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 NEA National Heritage Fellowships, the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. This lifetime honor recognizes artists whose work reflects excellence, deep knowledge, and a lasting commitment to sustaining our nation’s cultural traditions.
Mary Anne Carter, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, said, “The 2026 National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellows reflect the richness of America, carrying forward cultural practices that have been passed down over generations, sharing them with others, and continuing to shape who we are as a nation.”
The 2026 NEA National Heritage Fellows are:
Juan Díes and Victor G. Pichardo, Mexican folk musicians (Chicago, Illinois)
Through performance, teaching, and community work, Juan Díes and Victor G. Pichardo have helped sustain Mexican son, a rich tradition of regional folk music from across Mexico. As co-founders of Sones de México Ensemble, they have brought this music to national stages while training new generations of musicians.
Belen Escobedo, Conjunto Tejano Fiddler (San Antonio, Texas)
Rooted in the musical traditions of the Texas–Mexico borderlands, Belen Escobedo performs early Mexican and Tejano fiddle tunes once common across South Texas. Through decades on stage and in the classroom, she has helped keep this rare style alive.
Giovanni Hidalgo, Latin Percussionist (Ocoee, Florida)
Known for his speed, precision, and expressive playing, Giovanni Hidalgo has reshaped Latin percussion on the global stage. A virtuosic performer and dedicated teacher, he continues to influence generations of musicians.
Gerry Milnes, Folklorist & Documentarian (Elkins, West Virginia)
During a career spanning more than 50 years, Gerry Milnes has documented and shared the traditions of Appalachia through recordings, films, and public programs. His work has brought lasting attention to the region’s artists and cultural practices.
Milnes is the 2026 recipient of the Bess Lomax Hawes National Heritage Fellowship, presented in recognition of an individual who has made a significant contribution to the preservation and awareness of cultural heritage.
Lloyd Kumulā‘au Sing, Jr. and May Haunani Balino-Sing, Hawaiian Twined Basketry Artists (Wahiawā, Hawai‘i)
Through decades of teaching and cultural stewardship, Native Hawaiians Lloyd Kumulā‘au Sing, Jr. and May Haunani Balino-Sing have led the revival of ulana ʻie, a traditional Hawaiian weaving practice once near extinction. Their work has helped restore and sustain this art form for future generations.
Patrick Olwell, Flutemaker (Athens, Georgia, and Nellysford, Virginia)
Central to Irish traditional music is the sound of the wooden flute—an instrument Patrick Olwell has helped revive and redefine. Drawing on historic designs and decades of study and craftsmanship, his flutes have set the standard for today’s makers and players.
Frank Rabon, CHamoru Dancer & Choreographer (Hagåtña, Guam)
For more than four decades, Native Pacific Islander Frank Rabon has led efforts to restore and sustain CHamoru dance, an Indigenous tradition of Guam and the greater Mariana Islands. His work continues to pass on the history, language, and cultural knowledge of the CHamoru people.
Cary Schwarz, Saddlemaker & Leather Artist (Salmon, Idaho)
Working at the intersection of function and design, Cary Schwarz creates custom saddles known for their strength, balance, and craftsmanship. His nearly five decades of work have helped sustain and advance the traditions of the American West.
Each Heritage Fellowship includes a $25,000 award and the recipients will be honored in Washington, DC in fall 2026. More details will be available later this summer.
Nominate a National Heritage Fellow
Each year, NEA National Heritage Fellowship recipients are nominated by the public—often by members of their own communities—and then judged by a panel of experts in the folk and traditional arts. The panel’s recommendations are reviewed by the National Council on the Arts, which sends its recommendations to the NEA chairman. The deadline to submit a nomination for the 2027 class of NEA National Heritage Fellows is Monday, May 11, 2026. Visit the National Endowment for the Arts website for more information and to submit a nomination.
About the National Heritage Fellowships
The National Heritage Fellowships are the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. Including the 2026 class, the NEA has awarded 502 National Heritage Fellowships since 1982, recognizing artists working in more than 200 distinct art forms, including bluegrass musicians, blacksmiths, tap dancers, quilters, folklorists, a birchbark canoe builder, children’s folk singer, and many others. More information about the National Heritage Fellows is available on the arts.gov/Heritage.
About the National Endowment for the Arts
Established by Congress, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. To learn more, visit arts.gov or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
Posted 4-21-26
Information about the 2026 Frank P. Law Summer Carillon Concert Series at the Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
By Steven Brodsky
The Washington Memorial National Carillon tower at the Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge
Photo by Steven Brodsky
… is posted at: https://www.wmchapel.org/frank-law-summer-carillon.
Two special anniversaries to celebrate in 2026: the 250th anniversary of American independence and the Washington Memorial National Carillon’s centennial!
From the above linked page: “In celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, this year’s series will feature distinguished American carillonneurs performing music connected with our nation’s history and heritage. The concerts begin on Wednesday, July 1, with a recital by our own Chapel Carillonneur, Doug Gefvert.”
Admission to the carillon concerts in this series will be free.
Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Posted 4-15-26
Romanticized notions about nature
By Steven Brodsky
… pass away for the speaker of Seamus Heaney’s poem “Death of a Naturalist.”
Many “naturalists” have had a similar experience.
And most would, with sufficient exposure to realities of the natural world.
May we all acquire and retain a sense of wonder in regard to the natural world.
This brief article appeared at: Conversations About Nature.
Posted 3-3-26, Revised and reposted 3-21-26
Spring
By Steven Brodsky
… is referenced in the hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” as are the other seasons.
Some readers of this column “join with all nature in manifold witness” to God’s “great faithfulness, mercy and love” (every season)!
In the Northern Hemisphere, astronomical spring will arrive this Friday, March 20, 2026, at 10:46 a.m. ET.
May you have a blessed spring 2026!
Posted 3-16-26
The belief that is sure to arise from possible dormancy this spring
By Steven Brodsky
Photo by Steven Brodsky
… is the “secret belief in perpetual spring.”
Though astronomical spring will begin on Friday, March 20, 2026 in the Northern Hemisphere, some of this column’s readers across the globe will experience that belief emerging (not prematurely!) from dormancy before spring’s arrival after they read the poem “In Perpetual Spring,” by Amy Gerstler.
Enjoy: In Perpetual Spring by Amy Gerstler | Poetry Foundation.
Posted 3-6-26
Everyone needs to be connected to a caring and supportive community
By Steven Brodsky
… as did Edgar Allan Poe, the author of this linked poem that’s saturated with extreme aloneness: “Alone” | The Poetry Foundation.
Poe wasn’t connected to such a community, unfortunately.
The link to Poe’s “Alone” appears here on the evening prior to Poe’s birthday.
Poe was born on January 19, 1809.
I like to think that a few people might have reached out to Poe on his birthday to communicate that the poem deeply resonated with their own experiences with aloneness in extremis.
If they had, perhaps they and Poe may have had their aloneness at least temporarily alleviated, and if that happened, Poe’s birthday would have been somewhat better.
Posted 1-18-26
Steven Brodsky hosted a radio show for 3 and a half years. The show focused on coverage of entertainment, the arts, and all manner of culture. He is widely known for his many live on air interviews with guests such as: Rodney Crowell, Charlie Louvin, Richie Havens, Eric Whitacre (composer, conductor), Solomon Burke, Janis Ian, Percy Sledge, Billy Joe Shaver, Jack LaLanne, Gene Shay, Bruce Morrow “Cousin Brucie,” Jerome “Little Anthony” Gourdine, Pat Cooper, Jett Williams (daughter of Hank Williams), Steve Forbert, Chris Smither, Lukas Nelson, Dr. Temple Grandin, Dan Fante, Harold Camping (Harold Camping was the radio broadcaster and Bible teacher who famously proclaimed that Judgment Day and the Rapture would take place on May 21, 2011. Harold Camping passed away on December 15, 2013.), Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, curators, historians, scientists, and newsmakers. He welcomes email.