Congratulations to USF School of Music Alum, Igor Santos (2010), Winner of 2021 Guggenheim Fellowship

The Board of Trustees of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation has approved the awarding for Guggenheim Fellowships to a diverse group of 184 artists, writers, scholars, and scientists–among them 12 composers. The awarded candidates were chosen through a rigorous peer-review process from almost 3,000 applicants.

Described as “otherworldly and mysteriously familiar” (Chicago Classical Review), and as “exciting and clear... with a striking boldness" (Luigi Nono Competition Prize), Igor Santos’ music has been performed internationally, by leading musicians such as Ensemble Intercontemporain, Ensemble Dal Niente, Ensemble Modern, Alarm Will Sound, eighth blackbird, POING, the American Composers Orchestra, and The Florida Orchestra.

Igor earned degrees in Music Composition from the University of Chicago (Ph.D. 2018), the Eastman School of Music (M.A. 2012), and the University of South Florida (B.M. 2010). Additional studies include workshops and festivals such as Mizzou (2018), Impuls (2017), Time of Music (2017), ManiFeste (2015), Fontainebleau (2010), among others. Igor has won first prizes in the Luigi Nono International Competition and the RED NOTE Competition, second prize in the Salvatore Martirano Award, and was also awarded Best Sound Design from Theatre Tampa Bay.

A native of Curitiba, Brazil, Igor is currently based in Chicago, IL. In addition to writing concert music, he serves as Technical Director for Ensemble Dal Niente, and composes for theater productions throughout the US and Europe.