Perle, who turned 90 this month, is recognized as a "composer, educator, scholar, theorist, musicologist, and mentor to generations of students and colleagues. Monk is honored for her 40 years as a "pioneering, creative force for discovery and exploration."

Gockley, general director of the Houston Grand Opera since 1972 and general director designate of San Francisco Opera, is cited for "distinguished service to American opera and American composers." Morgan, conductor of the Oakland East Bay Symphony, is described as a "conductor, communicator, audience builder, champion of the music of American composers, and distinguished musical citizen."

Meet the Composer, which has commissioned over 700 works since 1988, and Heather Hitchens, its president, are recognized "for their towering achievements on behalf of American composers and their music."

The ceremony also honors the winners of the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award.