The composer José H. Toledo, originally from Santa Cruz de La Palma and based in Tenerife, has won the VIII International Composition Competition Ateneo de La Laguna with his work 'Triptychos… de los estados de consciencia'. The piece will premiere on September 17 at the Teatro Leal in La Laguna.
The Canarian composer José H. Toledo has been awarded the VIII International Composition Competition Ateneo de La Laguna with his work Triptychos… de los estados de consciencia, written for oboe, cello, and piano. The jury, chaired by Rubens Askenar and composed of Dori Díaz Jerez, Enrique Álvarez, Miguel Jaubert, and Laura Gordo, chose his piece as the best among those submitted to the competition.
Originally from Santa Cruz de La Palma and residing in Tenerife for over three decades, Toledo is a musician, teacher, composer, and musical director. He currently teaches at the Professional Conservatory of Music of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and at the Superior Conservatory of Music of the Canary Islands, where he has been teaching since 1996. His career includes the premiere of several chamber works by the Association of Symphonic Composers and Musicologists of Tenerife (Cosimte), as well as the recording of his Sonatina.com for trumpet & piano as part of the RALS Project alongside Promuscan.
A Year of Recognitions
The award from the Ateneo de La Laguna adds to two other prizes received so far in 2026: the third prize in the VIII Composition Competition of the FTBM (Tenerife Federation of Music Bands) and another third place in the VII Composition Competition for Band Abilio Alonso Otazo, organized by the Candelaria City Council. These recognitions continue Toledo's streak, who in 2025 already achieved the 12th Composition Prize for Symphonic Band Josep María Lleixà Subirats (Catalan Federation of Musical Societies), a second prize in the symphonic work category of the FTBM, and a first and a third prize in the VII Agustín Ramos Chamber Music Competition, as well as the third prize in the VI Composition Competition for Band Abilio Alonso Otazo in 2024.
The awarded pieces range from chamber works to large-format compositions for symphonic band, all of which are deeply narrative in character and inspired by the culture, heritage, and history of the Canary Islands. Toledo combines teaching with composition for symphonic and chamber ensembles, as well as arrangements for vocal and instrumental formations. His latest premiere, performed by the Ensemble Difracción, took place on December 20 in a concert organized by Cosimte.
From Teaching to the Grand Orchestra
In addition to his work as a composer, Toledo has worked as a co-arranger and orchestrator for the Spanish singer Abraham Mateo in the symphonic versions of some of his songs, performed by the Madrid Concertante Orchestra (OCM) in the Christmas special of RTVE broadcast on December 24. He is currently developing several musical projects that maintain his connection with contemporary creation and traditional Canarian music.
The premiere concert of Triptychos… de los estados de consciencia will take place on September 17 at the Teatro Leal in La Laguna, an event that promises to bring to the Tenerife audience the work of one of the most prolific composers in the Canarian scene. For lovers of contemporary classical music, it will be a unique opportunity to hear live a piece that has already been recognized internationally.
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