Phillip Roberts, a music composer based in Springfield, has received recognition in the 2026 Missouri Composers Project competition. Roberts earned Honorable Mention in the Orchestral — Open Category for his piece titled “Hocket Rocket,” according to a community announcement.
Roberts serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Composition and Music Theory at Missouri State University. He also teaches at the Interlochen Center for the Arts during the summer. His previous commissions include works for Unheard-Of//Ensemble and the University of Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
Columbia concert scheduled for March 8
The Columbia Civic Orchestra and Premiere Vocal Artists will perform “Hocket Rocket” in a concert at 7:30 p.m. March 8 at Broadway Christian Church, 2601 W. Broadway in Columbia. Admission to the concert is free and open to the public, according to the announcement.
MOCOP is a collaborative effort involving the Mizzou New Music Initiative, Columbia Civic Orchestra, Premiere Vocal Artists and the Sinquefield Charitable Foundation. The competition invites Missouri composers to submit original orchestral and choral works, with winners selected by blind judging in two age categories: “open” and “high school.”
Roberts receives $500 honorarium
In addition to the performance and a live recording of his work, Roberts will receive a $500 honorarium from the Sinquefield Charitable Foundation. The Mizzou New Music Initiative supports the composition and performance of new music, aiming to position the University of Missouri School of Music as a leading center in this field…