An already successful and accomplished east Auckland musical protégé is the recipient of the distinguished Auckland Philharmonia Young Composer-in-Residence placement for 2026.
Justin Villaflores, of Flat Bush, has been chosen for the “sought-after residency programme” ahead of many other talented emerging music writers.
The Auckland Philharmonia says Villaflores “brings to the position an innovative approach that reflects his exploration and involvement in experimental music-making, performance and improvisation”.
“The talented composer, sound designer and multi-instrumentalist is in his final year of studies for a bachelor of music degree at the University of Auckland, specialising in composition, and adds the residency to an already impressive list of achievements in the field.”
Villaflores, a product of the three schools at Ormiston, is delighted to receive the residency that supports young New Zealand composers on their journey to a professional career forming music.
He told the Times because his composition approach and process vary for each piece he produces, he’ll have in mind a different instrument to use for writing, with his main ones being piano, cello, clarinet, and gayageum, a traditional Korean string instrument.
“I definitely want to focus on creating compositions that mentor the composer and musicianship, while still advocating for new styles of music.
“I want to collaborate with as many mentors as possible.”
The 20-year-old will have his first piece performed in January.
“I’m honoured to have been selected as the next Young Composer-in-Residence for the Auckland Philharmonia,” says Villaflores.
“It’s a privilege to be able to work with such an amazing orchestra and learn from accomplished composers.
“I look forward to seeing what transpires throughout this collaboration. My many thanks to Auckland Philharmonia and the Learn and Participate team for committing their time to spotlight young composers and foster new music.”
Villaflores says he’s enjoyed working alongside his university School of Music lecturers this year including Chris Kendall, Andrea Young, and Luc Vitk.
Auckland Philharmonia says the Young Composer-in-Residence programme partners the orchestra and University of Auckland, supporting “tertiary students to launch their professional careers as composers”.
“The residency is coveted by student and emerging composers as it provides them with the rare opportunity to hear their works performed in concert settings by a professional orchestra.
“Such an experience has often proved to be a valuable stepping stone for early career composers looking to build their portfolio.
“Villaflores composes for a wide variety of genres and contexts, including orchestral performance, video games, short films and commercials,” says Auckland Philharmonia.
“He’s already establishing himself as a rising composition star – winning first prize in the NZTrio Composing Competition, Play Our Preludes, Protel Music Technology Innovation Prize, Lilburn Trust Composition Award, Llewelyn Jones Prize, Indie Film Music Contest, and the Cloud Road Music Production Competition.
“His compositions have also been selected to be performed and workshopped in collaboration with professional ensembles, and he is a current SPLICE Fellowship composer, where his work will premiere internationally at the University of Tulsa and the Hartt School of Music [Connecticut].
“Through his compositions, the young composer aspires to bring to light new and underappreciated fusions, and incorporate a variety of multimedia, cross-cultural and cross-genre practices.
“One of his larger scale goals is to share overlooked social injustices and his personal experiences in his work through an artistic process that values freedom of expression in all art forms.”
Auckland Philharmonia says under the mentorship of professional NZ composers, Villaflores will compose three new works during the residency: two full orchestral works, and a piece for chamber ensemble.
They’re set to be performed by philharmonia musicians at Learn and Participate events next year, including at the Orchestral Summer School finale performance, a Tunes 4 Tamariki concert, and “a bespoke chamber ensemble opportunity suited to Villaflores’ career direction”.
Auckland Philharmonia says Freemasons Foundation support “underpins” the Young Composer-in-Residence programme and the opportunities for aspiring professional and tertiary students generated through the University of Auckland and Auckland Philharmonia partnership.
It says the residency is offered as part of the Learn and Participate programme, aiming to give Aucklanders “access to opportunities and experiences that inspire a connection with orchestral music”.
“Learn and Participate connects the orchestra’s professional musicians with schools, individuals and communities across Tāmaki Makaurau through events, concerts, and workshops that involve more than 20,000 young people and adults each year.”
