Composers and Works

From exploring the legacy of great American composers to premiering new works in unforgettable experiences, ACO brings you to the forefront of new music.

ACO exists to inspire, develop, and support American composers who want to create new orchestral music. For over 40 years, we have celebrated and worked with composers such as Philip Glass, Tania León, Joan Tower, and Wynton Marsalis, and more recently Paola Prestini, Du Yun, Alex Temple and Carlos Simon. We have premiered over 350 pieces at venues across NYC including Carnegie Hall, Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and placed these works with orchestras nationwide. We are dedicated to inclusion and representing all the voices and views that reflect America today. ACO aims to challenge the stereotypical image of a “composer” by supporting creative artists from North, Central and South Americas, especially BIPOC, immigrant, women, transgender and nonbinary artists.

Meet ACO Composers

Watch ACO Composer Portrait Videos

To preserve and promote new American Music, we assemble and maintain an extensive video and audio archive of the works we perform.

Read Composer Spotlights on ACO's Blog

ACO is dedicated to the creation, celebration, performance, and promotion of orchestral music by American composers.

Our Mission & Vision

American Composers Orchestra (ACO) is dedicated to the creation, celebration, performance, and promotion of orchestral music by American composers. With commitment to diversity, disruption and discovery, ACO produces concerts, pre-college and college education programs, and emerging composer professional development to foster a community of creators, audience, performers, collaborators, and funders.