SFCM has awarded its top composition prize, the annual Highsmith Award, to graduate student David Taylor '17 for his piece Within a Forest Dark. Taylor is originally from New Zealand and studies with David Conte. Conte describes the piece as, "a very original and striking work.  Inspired by a quote from Dante, it is a sonically beautiful, moody, and atmospheric tone poem, imaginatively conceived for the orchestra, and filled with many arresting colors, both subtle and bold." Taylor's Within a Forest Dark will be performed by the SFCM Orchestra in the 2016–17 year.

Taylor said of his piece, "The typical journey is one filled with trials of many kinds: facing dangerous creatures (such as mythical beasts and witches), falling victim to temptation (Hansel and Gretel), and the possibility to lose oneself. The undergrowth often becomes so thick that one is uncertain if they will ever see the sun's light again, though as writer and psychologist Bruno Bettelheim notes, ‘When we succeed in finding our way out we shall emerge with a much more highly developed humanity.' Through these endeavors, one comes out the other side changed and somewhat weathered. Since ancient times, the forest has universally been a powerful symbol of mystery, darkness, and the unconscious mind in lore, legend and literature alike. It is a place where inner darkness is confronted and must be worked through. In Dante's Inferno, the protagonist awakens to find himself deep within a forest, thus beginning his journey that leads him through Hell and Purgatory towards Paradise."

The award is endowed by James (Jim) Milton Highsmith, who developed a lifelong passion for drama, music and literature in his native Robersonville, North Carolina. Highsmith came to San Francisco in 1971 to teach English at Lone Mountain College, where he eventually served as department chair. Highsmith's interest in the Conservatory stemmed not only from his love of music, but also from his friendship with former Conservatory President Milton Salkind.