(Southern Music Orchestra). The title Luna is the Latin word for "moon," which is the subject of this lyrical original string orchestra work by composer Yukiko Nishimura. In a lilting waltz style, the composer has described the inspiration as "imagining the sky with the moon at daytime." Nishimura's gift for melody shines throughout, especially in the middle section which includes lush passages in the upper strings with delicate pizzicato accompaniment. Composer/pianist Yukiko Nishimura grew up in Japan and graduated from Tokyo National University of the Arts, where she studied with Atsutada Otaka. Upon graduation, she moved to the USA to study with Alfred Reed at U of Miami and later with Richard Danielpour at the Manhattan School of Music. Nishimura has received numerous commissions in a variety of genres from solo and chamber ensembles, to works for band, orchestra, film and theater. Among her honors are two Special Mentions at the Corciano International Composer Competition in Italy, the Aoyama Award, and a 2018 Nomination for the Hollywood Music in Media Prize.