Congratulations to Louis Franz Aguirre, whose work “Bembé a Obbatalá y Oddúa” for large ensemble (2017) has been selected for the ISCM World New Music Days 2026 in Bucharest, Romania. The work was submitted by Art Music Denmark as the Danish ISCM section entry.

Louis Franz Aguirre has lived in Denmark for 22 years and has contributed actively to Danish musical life, especially in Nordjylland. His music is often religiously inspired and draws on his Afro-Cuban background, which has led some critics to describe it as “music from hell” – “not for the faint-hearted”.

On the selection, Louis says:

“I feel truly humbled and grateful that my music was selected among so many outstanding submissions, and I look very much forward to attending the World New Music Days 2026 in Bucharest; a city I have never visited before. I will also have the opportunity to hear a wide range of different music; always a source of inspiration and a way for me to stay attuned to what composers are doing today.”

About ISCM World New Music Days:

ISCM (International Society for Contemporary Music) is a global network for new music with over 50 member countries. Since 1923, the festival has travelled between major cities around the world – and in 2026, it will take place in Bucharest from May 23–31.