21st Underwood New Music Readings (2012)

21st Annual Underwood New Music Readings and Commission
The American Composers Orchestra reads New Music by American Composers

Miller Theater at Columbia University

Event Details

21st Annual Underwood New Music Readings and Commission

June 1-3, 2012

Up to six composers in the early stages of their careers will be selected to participate. One will be awarded a $15,000 commission to write a new work to be performed by ACO.

The readings are the core of ACO’s ongoing professional training programs for emerging American composers.

At the Readings, composers will meet with ACO artistic staff and orchestra members—including conductor and music director George Manahan, artistic director Robert Beaser and mentor composers Derek Bermel, Steven Stucky, and Melinda Wagner—and receive critical commentary and feedback. The Readings are professionally recorded, and each composer is given a high-quality audio recording to be used for study purposes. Composers also participate in a series of professional development workshops covering such topics as promotion, score preparation, copyright and commissioning agreements, and other career essentials. Participants’ travel expenses are provided.

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.

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