Composer Matthew Aucoin has been named the 2018 MacArthur Fellow, often commonly referred to as a “Genius” fellowship.

Aucoin is the man behind a number of major works, including “Crossing” and “Social Nature,” and has worked as a conductor at the Los Angeles Opera, Santa Fe Opera, LA Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, and is set to appear at the San Diego Opera this coming season. He is also co-founder and co-artistic director of the American Modern Opera Company.

“When I look at past MacArthur fellows, I’m struck not just by their brilliance but, in so many cases, by their humaneness and wisdom,” the composer said in a press release. “Claudia Rankine, Peter Sellars, Claire Chase – these people are not just good at what they do: they are also good and wise human beings. I feel a deep responsibility to use this fellowship to help make the world a kinder, wiser place, and I’m honored to be granted this opportunity.”

Per the MacArthur Foundation’s official website, the MacArthur Fellows are “solving long-standing scientific and mathematical problems, pushing art forms into new and emerging territories, and addressing the urgent needs of under-resourced communities.”