Veteran composer marks 50 seasons of Survivor
By Angela Redding | Hollywood Beat magazine | March 26, 2026
Photo credit: ASCAP – American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers will give its Golden Note Award to David Vanacore for his significant contributions to television music.
The honor comes as Vanacore celebrates his 50th season scoring Survivor, which airs Wednesdays at 8 PM on CBS and Paramount+.

A Career Built on Signature Sound
Vanacore has shaped the sound of some of television’s most recognized series, including Hell’s Kitchen and Big Brother.
His work on Survivor spans over 25 years, where he collaborates with local musicians, uses traditional instruments, and incorporates native languages from each filming site.
That approach has earned him ASCAP’s top honor for Most Performed Themes 21 years in a row.

Industry Recognition
ASCAP Chairman and President Paul Williams recognized Vanacore for his creativity and reliability, noting that he is a key figure behind many well-known television sounds.
Past Recipients
Past Golden Note recipients include Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones, and Alicia Keys.
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From Musician to Industry Leader
Vanacore began as a session and touring musician before landing a breakthrough with producer Mark Burnett on Survivor in 2000.
He now leads Vanacore Music, a full-service studio that creates scores for film, television, trailers, and branded content. His team includes composers, vocalists, and instrumentalists focused on building music that drives storytelling.
What’s Next
Vanacore will receive the Golden Note Award on April 28 at the ASCAP Screen Music Awards in Los Angeles. The event is invitation-only and celebrates top achievements in screen composition
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