David Arkenstone’s ‘Dreams Carried on Fire’ lands HIMA nomination

David Arkenstone’s orchestral work Symphonina No. 1, “Dreams Carried on Fire,” has been nominated for a Hollywood Independent Music Award in Contemporary Classical. A new music video tied to NASA’s Artemis inspiration is set to premiere on YouTube July 23 at 4 pm PST.

Why it matters: - The nomination gives Arkenstone another industry nod for a piece tied to NASA’s Artemis missions. - The project pairs classical music with a new video premiere, extending the work beyond audio into a visual launch. - The release also spotlights the Symphonina Foundation’s effort to reach younger listeners with symphonic music.

What happened: - David Arkenstone’s Symphonina No. 1, “Dreams Carried on Fire,” was nominated for a Hollywood Independent Music Award in the Contemporary Classical category. - The work was performed by the Budapest Scoring Orchestra. - The nomination marks Arkenstone’s fourth HIMA nod. - A music video for the piece will premiere on YouTube on July 23 at 4 pm PST. - Emerging filmmaker Marissa Baker created the video.

The details: - “Dreams Carried on Fire” appears on the album Symphonina Stories: New Horizons. - The composition is described as a tribute to the courage, pioneering spirit, and possibilities embodied by NASA’s Artemis program. - The music video is designed to reflect themes of exploration, aspiration, and discovery. - Baker is pursuing a degree in Cinematic Arts with a concentration in Film at Indiana University. - Arkenstone said the space program has inspired him since his teenage years and that the fire, rockets, and human ambition shaped the composition. - Symphonina Stories: New Horizons is the fourth album released by the Symphonina Foundation. - The Symphonina Foundation is a nonprofit focused on spreading symphonic music to young audiences around the world. - The double album includes music from Christopher Siu of Canada, the winner of the Foundation’s 2025 Best Symphonina of the Year competition, and Jordan Jinosko of the U.S., the runner-up. - The album also includes Symphonina No. 1, “Dreams Carried on Fire,” plus works by Alexander Unseth, Chris Prather, David Das, David Fogel and Daniel Fisher. - The release defines “Symphonina” as a new classical genre built as a small complete melodic symphony that runs about 12 minutes across three movements. - Pre-orders and a reminder for the video premiere are available at more information.

Between the lines: - The nomination adds visibility to Arkenstone’s orchestral work at a moment when the project is being packaged with a video premiere and a multi-artist album release. - The Symphonina Foundation appears to be using a competition-driven model to surface new composers alongside Arkenstone’s work. - The space-themed framing gives the piece a clear narrative hook that can travel beyond traditional classical audiences.

What’s next: - The YouTube world premiere is scheduled for July 23 at 4 pm PST. - The album is available for preorder ahead of the release campaign. - Arkenstone’s team is also accepting inquiries for interviews, bookings and live performance interest through Cynthia Gage. - Social links listed in the release include Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, X and more information.

The bottom line: - “Dreams Carried on Fire” is getting a high-profile award nod and a timed video rollout that could broaden its reach well beyond the classical niche.