LEADING THE WAY
Cuban-American composer and conductor Odaline de la Martínez to be honored with the 2026 Tulane University International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement. The presentation of the award will take place at the 52nd annual Alumni Awards Gala on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Civic Theater in New Orleans.
by Patrick D. McCoy
Tulane University president Michael A. Fitts had these words to offer on the occasion of this achievement. “Both as a student and in her career, Odaline de la Martínez broke barriers and defied odds, rising to the top of her field. Her impact on both the university and the international music community is truly extraordinary” he stated. Created in 2009 by Fitts, the acknowledgement formally recognizes alumni, faculty, and community members who have made substantial, lasting impacts on the university and beyond. In 2023, as part of this program, Tulane created the Odaline de la Martínez Award to be given to a music student in the department every year. The program highlights individuals whose careers and contributions have helped shape Tulane’s values and reputation, fostered inclusive excellence, and inspired others connected to the university.
An American citizen and current resident of London, England, Odaline de la Martínez remains a towering figure in contemporary music, continuing to compose, conduct, and champion under-represented voices in classical music. Maestra Martínez has guest-conducted orchestras internationally, bringing contemporary music to audiences around the world and championing under-represented composers throughout her career. She has led prestigious orchestras around the world, including the BBC Orchestras, the New Zealand Symphony, Australian Youth Orchestra and the Kansas City Symphony among many others.
A native of Petersburg, VA, Patrick holds a BM in Vocal Performance from Virginia State University and a MM in Church Music from Shenandoah Conservatory. Formerly the Performing Arts Columnist for Washington Life Magazine, he currently is a freelance writer, publishing articles for several noted publications and organizations, including The Washington Post, Early Music America, Classical Music Voice North America, The Afro-American Newspaper, Prince George’s Suite Magazine, CBS Washington, Examiner.com and Washington Classical Review. He holds membership in the Music Critics Association of North America, National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc., American Choral Directors’ Association, Association of Anglican Musicians, a former member of the Shenandoah University Alumni Board of Directors, a member of the Shenandoah University Black Alumni Network, a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and a member of the Sigma Zeta Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America. As an alumnus of Shenandoah, he was named to the Dean’s Circle of the Shenandoah Conservatory Advisory Board. He enters his 9th year as Organist/Choirmaster at Saint John’s Episcopal Church, Zion Parish in Beltsville, MD. Patrick is the host of “Across the Arts” both a live and virtual media platform covering the performing arts. Visit http://patrickdmccoy.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter @PatrickDMcCoy, IG: PDM06. and subscribe to “Across the Arts” on YouTube.