EarShot CoLABoratory Special Event

March 22, 2025

Harlem Samba | Philly Salsa featuring Edmar Castañeda & Curtis Stewart

Esperanza Arts Center | Philadelphia, PA

This event is hosted and curated by Grammy-nominated artists Edmar Castañeda and Curtis Stewart. Harlem Samba/Philly Salsa spotlights two Latino dance and music traditions that blossomed to two separate cities in the 20th century: Samba in New York City and Salsa in Philadelphia, and celebrates the cultural legacy of the Brazilian and Puerto Rican residents responsible for cultivating and sustaining these traditions. Featuring performances by Harlem Samba and Siempre Salsa Philly.

This program is part of American Composers Orchestra’s CoLABoratory Fellowship program at Carnegie Hall – an exploration of how Latin American, Afro-Caribbean, and United States cultures have been interconnected for centuries by the effects of colonization and how these musics have been transformed and transported across the Atlantic in the process.

Presented in partnership with AMERICAN COMPOSERS ORCHESTRA

“Away from the Writing Desk and Into the World”

Creating Relationships with Orchestras 

March 14, 2025

4:00 PM ET

Staff Moderator: Loki Karuna

Featured Speakers: Allison Loggins-Hull

For most composers, developing and maintaining relationships with orchestras is a key factor toward first and repeat performances. Composer/flutist Allison Loggins-Hull will discuss the “how-tos” of making initial and repeat connections with orchestra administration and staff, sharing her experiences and guidance along the way.

REGISTRATION LINK (FREE)

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“Helping Hands”

Traversing Artist Management

March 12, 2025

4:00 PM ET

Staff Moderator: Melissa Ngan

Featured Speaker: Dan Visconti

Professional representation has helped countless artists reach the next levels of their careers, but the process of identifying and securing management can be a heavy lift for those who are unfamiliar with how to do so. This session will highlight both the ways in which representation can help orchestral composers continue their professional trajectories, and how composers can gain the attention of management agencies. 

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REGISTRATION LINK (FREE)

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March 6-9, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee

Dallas Symphony

Link: Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 - Dallas Symphony Orchestra

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

Kiskadee was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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March 6-9, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee

Dallas Symphony

Link: Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 - Dallas Symphony Orchestra

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

Kiskadee was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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March 6-9, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee

Dallas Symphony

Link: Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 - Dallas Symphony Orchestra

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

Kiskadee was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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March 7, 2025, 3:30 PM

CoLABoratory Workshop

American Composers Orchestra

DiMenna Center

New York City, New York

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Full orchestra

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Featured Artists and Works

Mazz Swift, New Work (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)

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March 6-9, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee

Dallas Symphony

Link: Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 - Dallas Symphony Orchestra

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

Kiskadee was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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March 6, 2025, 7:30 PM ET

Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall

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Tito Muñoz, Conductor

Clarice Assad, Vocals and Electronics

Edmar Castañeda, Harp

Harlem Samba, Percussion

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PROGRAM

Clarice Assad: The Evolution of AI (ACO Commission/World Premiere)

Edmar Castañeda: Bordones (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory/World Premiere)

Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda, Curtis Stewart, and Harlem Samba – Fantasy and Interludes on Going Home (inspired by Alice Coltrane’s Lord of Lords) (World Premiere Arrangement)

Tania León, Ácana

Tomàs Peire Serrate: Wayfarer (ACO Commission/World Premiere)

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Latin American, Afro-Caribbean, and United States culture have been interconnected for centuries by the effects of colonization and the musics transported and transformed overseas as a result. This program features music from various parts of Latin America and its influence on jazz and “Classical” music in the United States. Conductor Tito Muñoz leads ACO in the performance of works by Clarice Assad, Edmar Castañeda, Alice Coltrane, Tania León, and Tomàs Peire Serrate. Guest artists Clarice Assad (vocals and electronics), Edmar Castañeda (harp), and percussion ensemble Harlem Samba join ACO onstage.

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Mil Mundos Books is a bilingual bookstore and community center located in Brooklyn, NY whose curation celebrates Black, Latinx, and Indigenous heritage. Founder and Co-Director of Mil Mundos, Maria Herron worked to create a suggested reading list that compliments ACO's Hello, America: Transatlantic program.

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Tania Leon's Stride: A Polyrhythmic Life - Alejandro L. Madrid

Rites, Rights & Rhythms: A Genealogy of Musical Meaning in Colombia's Black Pacific - Michael Birenbaum Quintero

Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America - Juan Gonzalez

An African American and Latinx History of the United States - Paul Ortiz

Monument Eternal: The Music of Alice Coltrane - Franya J. Berkman

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March 5, 2025, 10:00 AM

CoLABoratory Workshop

American Composers Orchestra

DiMenna Center

New York City, New York

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Full orchestra

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Featured Artists and Works

Mazz Swift, New Work (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)

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“Onstage Do’s and Do’s”

Rehearsal Techniques and Procedures 

February 24, 2025

4:00 PM ET

Staff Moderator: Loki Karuna

Featured Speakers: Leanna Primiani and John Devlin

Receiving a performance by an orchestra isn’t the end of the road for a composer, but the beginning of an ongoing relationship. This webinar will offer rehearsal techniques to composers, and will speak to how they should engage conductors, orchestras, and its musicians throughout the rehearsal process.

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REGISTRATION LINK (FREE)

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February 22, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Brittany J. Green, TESTIFY!

Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra

Link: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36404/production/1198898?performanceId=11466141

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season,  10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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“Put Me On”

Commissions and Consortia Workshop 

February 18, 2025

4:00 PM ET

Staff Moderator: Melissa Ngan

Featured Speaker: Vanessa Reed and Juan Pablo Contreras

There's a lot more to getting a commission and building a consortium than writing a great piece of music. In this webinar, the leaders of the American Composers Orchestra and New Music USA will dialogue with one of today's most successful composers about the ins and outs of navigating contracts, fee negotiations, and more! 

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REGISTRATION LINK (FREE)

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‍“Beyond Bars”

Creating ‘Non-Traditional’ Scores and Parts

February 4, 2025

4:00 PM ET

Staff Moderator: Loki Karuna

Featured Speaker: inti figgis-vizueta

While creating and providing standard orchestral scores and parts to orchestras is a key component of being a broadly-performed composer, more ensembles are exploring the world of graphic and improvised scores. ACO Director of Artist Equity Loki Karuna will dialogue with composer inti figgis-vizueta on how to successfully traverse this growing corner of new music. 

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REGISTRATION LINK (FREE)

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February 1–2, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Chelsea Komschlies, Mycelialore (World Premiere)

Tucson Symphony Orchestra

Link: https://www.tucsonsymphony.org/event/mahler-and-schumann/2025-02-01/1/

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season,  10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

Mycelialore was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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February 1–2, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Chelsea Komschlies, Mycelialore (World Premiere)

Tucson Symphony Orchestra

Link: https://www.tucsonsymphony.org/event/mahler-and-schumann/2025-02-01/1/

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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Composing the Future

Composers and Music Education

January 28, 2025

4:00 PM ET

Staff Moderator: JL Marlor

Featured Speaker: Leila Pertl

New music isn't just for adults- a growing population of K-12 students is also taking a deep dive into creative collaborations with contemporary composers! Leila Pertl, Instructor of Music Education at Lawrence University & Music Education Curator for the Mile of Music, will join ACO Education Coordinator JL Marlor to offer insights on what a successful collaboration between composers and schools looks like. This, the first of a series, will focus on middle and high school ensembles. Join them on Wednesday, January 28th, at 4pm ET on Zoom. Registration is free at the link below.

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REGISTRATION LINK (Free)

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EarShot CoLABoratory Workshop

January 20, 2025

10:30a-1:00p

Ripley Grier Studios (939 8th Ave # 2B)

CoLABoratory Fellow Mali Irene leads this improvisatory workshop exploring music as ritual and recognizing the "audience" as fellow music creators in the space. Attendees will be invited to participate in call and response, graphic score reading, sound creating, and deep listening. Attendance is free but registration is required. Capacity is limited.

REGISTER HERE (FREE)

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About the Work

For her ACO-commissioned CoLABoratory work, Mali Irene will draw upon two existing compositions: Rite to Freedom, carried by the Praise House Project, and Becoming (Be Suite), which is an electronic dance work for cello, improvised voice, and visual art. 

Rite to Freedom is musically informed by Lined-Hymn singing and the Ring Shout. Becoming (Be Suite) depicts styles of African chanting, spirituals, blues, jazz, and scat singing, and expresses the timeline and evolution of Black music from Africa to modern-day popular music. In Mali’s own words, “I will draw these musical themes of Black sacred music to incorporate into this new orchestral work.”

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“Tricks of the Trade”

Orchestration Workshop

January 15, 2025

4:00 PM ET

Staff Moderator: Loki Karuna

Featured Speaker: Curtis Stewart

Curtis Stewart has made a name for himself taking works from the past and re-envisioning them for contemporary relevance. In this session, Curtis will take musical works from the “canon” and use them as a guide to highlight key aspects of orchestration, part writing, and more.

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REGISTRATION LINK (FREE)

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December 13–14, 2024

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Meilina Tsui, Floridian Symphony (World Premiere)

Artis––Naples, Naples Philharmonic

Link: https://artisnaples.org/subscriptions/masterworks

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season,  10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
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Floridian Symphony was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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December 13–14, 2024

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Meilina Tsui, TBD (World Premiere)

Artis––Naples, Naples Philharmonic

Link: https://artisnaples.org/subscriptions/masterworks

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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December 13, 2024

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Angel Lam, Please let there be a paradise…

Utah Symphony & Opera

Link: https://utahsymphony.org/event/id/33382/

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

Please let there be a paradise… was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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December 6-7, 2024

American Composers Orchestra

Link: BAM | Journey LIVE

Part of Next Wave 2024 & Emerging Visions

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Austin Wintory, Composer & Conductor

Tommy Mesa, cello

Ariadne Greif, soprano

Patrick O’Malley, arranger

Danny Cohen, projectionist

Ode to Joy, Executive Producer

You wake alone, surrounded by miles of burning, sprawling desert and discover the looming mountaintop that is your goal—your passage will not be an easy one.

In this alchemical collision of video gameplay and music, BAM teams up with composer/conductor Austin Wintory, American Composers Orchestra, and Ode to Joy for an interactive live orchestral performance of the Grammy-nominated score of Journey, “the most beautiful game of its time" (IGN). Never the same each time it is played, Journey LIVE marks an unprecedented formal exploration in which live musicians respond to audience members' journeys through the game—in real time—as they play on-stage.

Do you love Journey? Are you an avid player of the game? Tell us what it means to you for a chance to play the game live on-stage with accompaniment from the American Composers Orchestra.

Have you ever created Journey fan art, or wanted to? Submit your Journey fan art for a chance to be featured on our social channels and entered into a raffle to win a pair of tickets to either performance!

Get excited to hear the stunning soundtrack performed LIVE! You can listen to it on Spotify here.

December 6-7, 2024

American Composers Orchestra

Link: BAM | Journey LIVE

Part of Next Wave 2024 & Emerging Visions

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Austin Wintory, Composer & Conductor

Tommy Mesa, cello

Ariadne Greif, soprano

Patrick O’Malley, arranger

Danny Cohen, projectionist

Ode to Joy, Executive Producer

You wake alone, surrounded by miles of burning, sprawling desert and discover the looming mountaintop that is your goal—your passage will not be an easy one.

In this alchemical collision of video gameplay and music, BAM teams up with composer/conductor Austin Wintory, American Composers Orchestra, and Ode to Joy for an interactive live orchestral performance of the Grammy-nominated score of Journey, “the most beautiful game of its time" (IGN). Never the same each time it is played, Journey LIVE marks an unprecedented formal exploration in which live musicians respond to audience members' journeys through the game—in real time—as they play on-stage.

Do you love Journey? Are you an avid player of the game? Tell us what it means to you for a chance to play the game live on-stage with accompaniment from the American Composers Orchestra.

Have you ever created Journey fan art, or wanted to? Submit your Journey fan art for a chance to be featured on our social channels and entered into a raffle to win a pair of tickets to either performance!

Get excited to hear the stunning soundtrack performed LIVE! You can listen to it on Spotify here.

November 22, 2024

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Angel Lam, Please let there be a paradise…

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season,  10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

Please let there be a paradise… was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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October 30, 2024, 7:30 PM ET

Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall

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Mei-Ann Chen, Conductor

Kebra-Seyoun Charles, Bass

Mak Grgik, Guitar

Inbal Segev, Cello

Curtis Stewart, Violin and Electronics

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PROGRAM

Michael Abels: Borders 

Kebra-Seyoun Charles: New Work (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory/World Premiere)

Curtis Stewart, Embrace (ACO Commission)

Paul Novak, Forest Migrations (ACO Commission/World Premiere)

Victoria Polevá, The Bell

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“The New Virtuoso“ is a series of programs featuring works that defy genre expectations for a solo instrument, and in doing so carve out novel texture, affect and technique in Symphonic composition. This program features works that question the nature and effect of political, gender, and ecologic borders, and how we as humans move and migrate in reaction. With conductor Mei-Ann Chen on the podium, this concert features guitarist Mak Grgik, cellist Inbal Segev, and violinist Curtis Stewart.  ACO will perform three commissions by Kebra-Seyoun Charles, Paul Novak, and Curtis Stewart, alongside works by Michael Abels and Victoria Polevá.

October 28–29, 2024

EarShot Readings: National Arts Centre Orchestra

National Arts Centre | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

TBD, Conductor

Featured Artists and Works TBD

Mentor Composers:

Jimmy López Bellido

Ana Sokolović

Dinuk Wijeratne

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October 28–29, 2024

EarShot Readings: National Arts Centre Orchestra

National Arts Centre | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

TBD, Conductor

Featured Artists and Works TBD

Mentor Composers:

Jimmy López Bellido

Ana Sokolović

Dinuk Wijeratne

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October 26, 2024

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Wang Lu, Surge

Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops

Link: https://www.cincinnatisymphony.org/tickets-and-events/buy-tickets/cso/2425-cso-season/sibelius--saint-saens/

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

Surge was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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October 19, 2024

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Gity Razaz, Methuselah (In Chains of Time)

Akron Symphony Orchestra

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

In Chains of Time was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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Raise Up: 2024 Gala and Creative Catalyst Awards

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Tuesday, 15 October, 2024

Bryant Park Grill

25 W. 40th St., New York City

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6:00P Cocktail Hour  

7:00P Dinner & Performances

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RSVP by September 30th

Festive Attire

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Co-chaired by Dr. Indira Etwaroo, Melin Tan-Geller, MD, and Lana Turner, ACO's 2024 Gala & Creative Catalyst Awards honor the contributions of visionary leaders who exemplify the organization’s core values of artistry, creativity, community and equity.

This year’s gala embraces a theme of “Raise Up!” as ACO celebrates a trio of musical visionaries: Regina Carter, ‍MacArthur Fellow, Doris Duke Award recipient and multi-GRAMMY® Award-nominated violinist; Hollis King, ‍Emeritus Creative Director and VP, Verve Group; and the BMI Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting creators of American music through awards, scholarships, grants and commissions.

Gala supporters will enjoy an evening of original music from leading artists while celebrating ACO’s work to expand the definition of American orchestral music to ensure an inclusive and vibrant future. Guests will start by enjoying cocktail hour on the roof terrace, in view of the iconic New York Public Library. Moving to the Garden for awards, performances and dinner, guests will enjoy a scrumptious meal, sparkling company and one-of-a-kind performances before closing the night with dancing under the stars, all while supporting ACO’s mission. 

Proceeds from the gala will support ACO’s full suite of programs, including EarShot Readings, the invaluable mentorship program for emerging composers to hear their scores rehearsed and performed by top orchestras across the U.S., Canada and Mexico; EarShot CoLABoratory Fellowships, a platform for composers whose work is experimental and/or rooted in musical traditions underrepresented in the orchestral repertoire; and Sonic Spark Lab, programs geared to students from middle school to college-age, that offer musical training and composing instruction to more than 500 students in New York City and Detroit. In addition, ACO has professional audio and video recordings of all New York City-based engagements for its orchestra, including programs at Carnegie Hall and New York-based EarShot Readings.

In the spirit of supporting American composers through ACO's national EarShot composer advancement programs, orchestral performances and educational initiatives, the gala will “Raise Up!” to celebrate new music, new connections and new ideas catalyzed by communal presence.

Showcasing all that American orchestral music can truly be and do, performances include an original composition by Regina Carter, sound sculpting by Apache violinist Laura Ortman, Gospel-inspired music by bass virtuoso Kebra-Seyoun Charles, the infectious collective energy of Harlem Samba, the warm vocal stylings of Claudia Acuña and the smooth tunes of the Sam Bardfeld Band.

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HONOREES

BMI Foundation

Supporting creators of American music through awards, scholarships, grants and commissions

Regina Carter

‍MacArthur Fellow, Doris Duke Award recipient and multi-GRAMMY Award nominated violinist

Hollis King

‍Emeritus Creative Director and VP, Verve Group

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PERFORMANCES & CREATIVE EXPERIENCES BY

Claudia Acuña

Regina Carter

Kebra-Seyoun Charles

Harlem Samba

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GALA CO-CHAIRS

Indira Etwaroo

Melin Tan-Geller

Lana Turner

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GALA HONORARY COMMITTEE

Ralph C. Bumbaca

NYC Market President, TD Bank

Amy Cassello

Artistic Director, BAM 

Shirleena Celestine

Global Lead Inclusive Products & Services Apple Music, Podcast, Beats, Shazam, Video, and Sports

Katie Ferguson

Head of Classical, Platoon

Emil J. Kang

Program Director for Arts and Culture, Mellon Foundation

Samantha Levin

Co-Founder, Ode to Joy

Tito Muñoz

Conductor

Adina Sales

Co-Founder, Ode to Joy

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GALA COMMITTEE

Alberta Arthurs

Derek Bermel* & Andrea Pinto Correia

Atif Bhanjee*

Thomas Brener*

Jane Cavalier*

Scott Dunn* and Robbie Moray

Indira Etwaroo

Lisa Evanson Washburn*

Michael Fehrman* & Andrea Luciano

Corey Field

Marilyn Go* & Richard Dolan

Todd Gordon & Susan Feder

David Geller & Melin Tan-Geller*

Augusta Gross* & Leslie Samuels

Benjamin Hildner*

Jonathan Holland*

Hollis King

Chris* & Libby Lando

Tess Mateo* & Gary Brewster

Annette McEvoy* & Harold Bronheim

Melissa Ngan*

Deborah Sherman*

Karen Slack*

Toyin Spellman-Diaz*

Judith R. Thoyer

Sameera* & Christian Troesch

Geoffroy van Raemdonck*

Melinda Wagner* & James Saporito

André J. Washington*

Frederick Wertheim* & Angelo Chan

Shinian Ye*

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*indicates ACO Board Member

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CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT RAISE UP!

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GALA SUPPORT LEVELS

Visionary $25,000

1. 8 VIP tickets to the dinner & performance with priority table placement; includes placement of two guest artists at your table, if desired  
2. Inside Gala Journal Cover Ad (full color)
3. Logo placement or recognition on all print and digital marketing for the event
4. Recognition as an official sponsor of The New Virtuoso: Borders, ACO’s October 30, 2024 concert at Carnegie Hall
5. 8 VIP tickets to ACO’s The New Virtuoso: Borders concert at Carnegie Hall, plus invite to exclusive post-show reception
6. One dedicated social media post highlighting your sponsorship of the event

$23,000 of this purchase is tax-deductible

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Icon $10,000

1. 8 VIP tickets to the dinner & performance with preferred table placement; includes placement of two guest artists at your table, if desired  
2. Full-page Gala Journal Ad (B&W)
3. Logo placement or recognition on all print and digital marketing for the event
4. Recognition as an official sponsor of The New Virtuoso: Borders, ACO’s October 30, 2024 concert at Carnegie Hall
5. 4 VIP tickets to ACO’s The New Virtuoso: Borders concert at Carnegie Hall, plus invite to exclusive post-show reception
6. One dedicated social media post highlighting your sponsorship of the event

$8,000 of this purchase is tax-deductible

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Maverick $5,000

1. 4 VIP tickets to the dinner & performance, with select table placement, includes placement of one guest artist at your table, if desired    
2. Listing in Gala Journal
3. Logo placement or recognition on all print and digital marketing for the event
4. Invitation to a special ACO insider event

$4,000 of this purchase is tax-deductible

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Muse $1,000

1. 1 VIP ticket to the dinner & performance with select seating
2. Listing in Gala Journal
3. Invitation to a special ACO insider event

$750 of this purchase is tax-deductible

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Explorer $600

1. 1 VIP ticket to the dinner & performance
2. Listing in Gala Journal

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$350 of this purchase is tax-deductible  

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For Artists and Nonprofit Colleagues $300

1. 1 VIP ticket to the dinner & performance
2. Listing in Gala Journal

Shoot Your (Ear)Shot: Stories and Guidance on Applying to EarShot Readings

Friday, 10/4, 4-5pm ET

Register now! (FREE)

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Featured Speakers: Malachi Brown, Patricia Leonard, Loki Karuna

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‍EarShot Readings are the first systemic program connecting composers with orchestras, providing the unique opportunity to rehearse and interact with large ensembles in a way that many composers never have. This webinar, featuring two previous EarShot Readings participants, will offer insights on the application process and outcomes of this program.

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September 27–28, 2024

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Brittany J. Green, TBD (World Premiere)

Jacksonville Symphony

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season,  10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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September 27–28, 2024

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Brittany J. Green, TBD (World Premiere)

Jacksonville Symphony

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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September 27, 2024

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Sarah Gibson, to make this mountain taller

Idaho State Civic Symphony

Link: https://iscsymphony.org/24-25-season/

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

to make this mountain taller was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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Part of our EarShot composer advancement program, CoLABoratory Residencies provide artists with a year of generative space with the orchestra to develop ideas that are too big and beautiful for a traditional reading or commissioning model.

With a chamber orchestra of 28 musicians, we are workshopping the following new works:

1. Bass Concerto: Nightlife by Kebra-Seyoun Charles: combining multiple styles and genres, Charles takes forms like the French Baroque Overture and infuses them with modern genres like house music, jazz, and gospel. ACO will present the world premiere of Nightlife at Carnegie Hall on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
2. New Work by Edmar Castañeda that merges jazz traditions with a diverse set of styles and genres featuring himself on the harp

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Location:

The Dimenna Center for Classical Music

New York City, NY

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Ensemble:

American Composers Orchestra

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Ticket Reservations: https://secure.givelively.org/event/american-composers-orchestra/aco-colaboratory-workshop

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