Lawrence Weiner

1967: Daedalic Symphony

Lawrence Weiner (1932–2009) studied music at the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1954 and master's in 1956. In 1972, he received a doctorate of musical arts from the University of Miami. Weiner was on faculty and served as Composer-in-Residence at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi from 1974 until his retirement in 2003.

Weiner composed over 150 works in his career, including 40 works for symphonic band. He received commissions and awards from ASCAP, Texas A&M University, the Corpus Christi Symphony, and other notable organizations. His Concerto for Piano and Orchestra and Dialogues for Piano Trio were nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

Weiner received the 1967 ABA Ostwald Award for his Daedalic Symphony, which was first performed by the University of Miami Band at the 1967 ABA Convention. The title alludes to the mythological Daedalus, who created the intricate labyrinth for the Minotaur of Crete.