The Department of Music is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 prizes for distinction in Music Composition, awarded annually to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate distinction in the area of Music Composition, as determined by a committee of faculty members in the Composition area.
Chandra Gangavarapu and Murat Gulcelik have won the 2025 Charles S. Miller Awards (undergraduate). The Charles S. Miller Award is given annually to students in the field of Music Composition who, in the opinion of the Faculty, have achieved distinction of the highest standard.
Chandra Gangavarapu is a 22-year-old Carnatic singer, neo-soul/R&B artist, and composer whose work thrives on an appreciation for improvisation and emotional expression. As a neo-soul artist, Chandra’s melodies are innovative yet comforting, moving in unexpected directions that land listeners in a warm and lush soundworld. Originally from the Chicago suburbs, she previously sang in 48 Under, a jazz/indie band based in Elmhurst, IL that released an album in 2021. Most recently, Chandra opened for JID at Columbia University’s 2024 Bacchanal festival. She is currently set to release her debut EP in 2025, exploring themes of trust, peace, and alignment. Chandra began composing in 2024 through courses at Columbia University. As a composer, Chandra seeks to translate specific moments in time and place into sonic trajectories and textures, working to evoke their unique atmosphere through sound, all while maintaining her improvisational style.
Murat Gulcelik (b. 2003) is a New York City-based composer, sound engineer, and multi-instrumentalist. A graduate of Juilliard School’s Pre-College, his work spans chamber music, film, ballet, modular synthesis, soundscapes, and more.
He has performed throughout New York City at venues such as Pianos, Mercury Lounge, and Berlin Under A, and has toured internationally. He performs both as a solo artist and as the bassist for the band The Fleok. He composes across a range of media and has collaborated with ensembles and organizations including PinkNoise, W4RP Trio, Yarn/Wire, the King’s Crown Shakespeare Troupe, and Columbia Ballet Collaborative.
Murat is currently focusing on ambient works, exploring sonic landscapes that blend modular synthesis with live instrumentation. His work can be found at muratgulcelik.com.
