Performances
& Events
March 26-28, 2025
EarShot Readings: Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music
Bloomington, IN
Conductor: Jeffery Meyer
Featured Artists and Works:
Natalia Camargo Duarte
Emre Sener
Gabriel Novak
Wenxin Li
Alexey Logunov
Corey Chang
Laura Pacheco
Xinyuan Deng
Mentor Composers:
Augusta Read Thomas
David Dzubay
Han Lash
Curtis Stewart
March 26-28, 2025
EarShot Readings: Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music
Bloomington, IN
Conductor: Jeffery Meyer
Mentor Composers: Augusta Read Thomas, David Dzubay, Han Lash, Curtis Stewart
“Signing the Dotted Line”
Licensing and Publishing
April 2, 2025
4:00 PM ET
Staff Moderator: Melissa Ngan
Featured Speaker: Deirdre Chadwick
Understanding media rights, broadcast regulations, and payments is a vital part of making a living as a composer. BMI’s Deirdre Chadwick will lead a dialogue built to demystify some of the fine print that composers face as their careers reach larger scale.
“Signing the Dotted Line”
Licensing and Publishing
Staff Moderator: Melissa Ngan
Featured Speaker: Deirdre Chadwick
Understanding media rights, broadcast regulations, and payments is a vital part of making a living as a composer. BMI’s Deirdre Chadwick will lead a dialogue built to demystify some of the fine print that composers face as their careers reach larger scale.
April 6, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Angel Lam, Let there be a paradise…
Quad City Symphony Orchestra
Link: https://qcso.org/event/masterworks-vi-rhapsody-in-blue/
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.
Let there be a paradise... was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
April 6, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Angel Lam, Let there be a paradise…
Let there be a paradise... was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
May 8, 2025, 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
CoLABoratory Workshop
American Composers Orchestra
Benzaquen Hall at DiMenna Center
New York City, New York
Quintet: Violin, viola, cello, bass, percussion + electronics
Featured Artists and Works
Horacio Fernandez Vazquez, New Work (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)
Kian Ravaei, New Work (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)
CoLABoratory Workshop
Featured Artists and Works
Horacio Fernandez Vazquez, New Work (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)
Kian Ravaei, New Work (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)
May 12-13, 2025
EarShot Readings: Lawrence University Symphony Orchestra
Appleton, WI
Michael Clayville, Conductor
Via EarShot, Lawrence University will workshop scores that fall outside of typical performance and notation standards including graphic scores, scores that engage improvisation, and scores with other components that are non-typical to Western musical notation. Selected works include those for open instrumentation (scores that can be read by any configuration of instruments), compositions that integrate "shape note" notation, and works that require light improvisation. Selected composers - Alicia Castillo, Matthew Mason, Lila Meretzky, and Logan Rutledge - will receive individualized feedback from mentor composers Marcos Balter, Joanne Metcalf, and Asha Srinivasan.
Artists will return to Lawrence University in January 2026 to participate in EarShot Readings where they will develop these compositions for the Lawrence University New Music Ensemble.
May 12-13, 2025
EarShot Readings: Lawrence University Symphony Orchestra
Appleton, WI
Michael Clayville, Conductor
Via EarShot, Lawrence University will workshop scores that fall outside of typical performance and notation standards including graphic scores, scores that engage improvisation, and scores with other components that are non-typical to Western musical notation. Selected works include those for open instrumentation (scores that can be read by any configuration of instruments), compositions that integrate "shape note" notation, and works that require light improvisation. Selected composers - Alicia Castillo, Matthew Mason, Lila Meretzky, and Logan Rutledge - will receive individualized feedback from mentor composers Marcos Balter, Joanne Metcalf, and Asha Srinivasan.
Artists will return to Lawrence University in January 2026 to participate in EarShot Readings where they will develop these compositions for the Lawrence University New Music Ensemble.
May 17, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Karena Ingram, TBD (World Premiere)
Memphis 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.
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
May 17, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Karena Ingram, TBD (World Premiere)
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
June 1, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Gity Razaz, Methuselah (In Chains of Time)
Berkeley 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.
In Chains of Time was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
June 1, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Gity Razaz, Methuselah (In Chains of Time)
In Chains of Time was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
June 5–6, 2025
EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra
Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music | New York City, NY
Link TBA
Conductor Rei Hotoda
Featured Artists and Works:
Grace Ann Lee
Marie Douglas
Cheng Jin KOH
Lavell Blackwell
Shawn Johnson
Arjan Singh
Mentor Composers:
Curtis Stewart
June 5, 2025
EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra
Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music | New York City, NY
June 5–6, 2025
EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra
Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music | New York City, NY
Conductor Rei Hotoda
Featured Artists and Works:
Grace Ann Lee
Marie Douglas
Cheng Jin KOH
Lavell Blackwell
Shawn Johnson
Arjan Singh
Mentor Composers:
Curtis Stewart
June 6, 2025
EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra
Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music | New York City, NY
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 7:30 PM
American Composers Orchestra
Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall | New York City, NY
Link TBA
The New Virtuoso: For Art’s Sake features works that utilize newly created instruments and sonic media to explore symphonic texture. Spanning the use of sculptures that move and sonically react to their environments; graphic scores; gestural conduction; a survey of contemporary techniques for traditional instruments; the fashioning of instruments based on composers’ unique cultural backgrounds, these artists’ sense of design propels them into new compositional spaces.
Lucy Gibbon, Soprano
Mélisse Brunet, Conductor
Daniel Rozin, Responsive Sculptures
The New Virtuoso: For Art's Sake
RAVEN CHACON, Inscription (NY Premiere, ACO Co-commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)
TAMAR MUSKAL, Square Off for Voice and Mirror with Responsive Sculptures (World Premiere, ACO Commission)
ELIJAH DANIEL SMITH, Horizon of Closure (World Premiere, ACO Commission)
MAZZ SWIFT, Memory FIVE: Freedom Initiate (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory, World Premiere)
AARON ISRAEL LEVIN, Multiverse verse chorus bridge verse chorus chorus (ACO Commission, World Premiere)
The New Virtuoso: For Art’s Sake features works that utilize newly created instruments and sonic media to explore symphonic texture. Spanning the use of sculptures that move and sonically react to their environments; graphic scores; gestural conduction; a survey of contemporary techniques for traditional instruments; the fashioning of instruments based on composers’ unique cultural backgrounds, these artists’ sense of design propels them into new compositional spaces.
January 26-30, 2026
EarShot Readings: Lawrence University Symphony Orchestra
Appleton, WI
TBD, Conductor
Featured Artists and Works: TBD
Mentor Composers:
Joanne Metcalf
Asha Srinivasan
Marcos Balter
January 26-30, 2026
EarShot Readings: Lawrence University Symphony Orchestra
Appleton, WI
TBD, Conductor
Featured Artists & Works: TBD
Mentor Composers: Joanne Metcalf, Asha Srinivasan, & Marcos Balter
American Composers Orchestra
Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall | New York City, NY
Link TBA
Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we focus on artists’ musical open letters to America, which reflect narratives around the summer homes of turn-of-the-century Black folk; dreams; unspoken emotions; rituals of celebration; and the connection between the historic and current patriotism of Black American women.
Karen Slack, soprano
Amanda Goookin, cello
Cynthia Yeh, percussion
Carolyn Kuan, conductor
Hello, America: Letters to Us, from Us
JOSEPH PHILIPS, We hold these truths (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)
BRITTANY GREEN, Letters to America (ACO Co-commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)
KITE, Wičhínčala Šakówin (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)
SHELLEY WASHINGTON, Haymaker (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)
JESSIE MONTGOMERY, Procession (arrangement)
Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we focus on artists’ musical open letters to America, which reflect narratives around the summer homes of turn-of-the-century Black folk; dreams; unspoken emotions; rituals of celebration; and the connection between the historic and current patriotism of Black American women.
July 7, 2024
Aspen Music Festival and School “Festival Orchestra: Hadelich, Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2”
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Wang Lu, Surge
Link: https://www.aspenmusicfestival.com/events/calendar/aspen-festival-orchestra-2/
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.
July 7, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Wang Lu, Surge
Surge was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Event Details
June 13–14, 2024
EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra
Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music
New York City, NY
LIVESTREAM (click video below)
Ensemble: American Composers Orchestra
Conductor: Delta David Gier
Mentor Composers: Marcos Balter, Curtis Stewart, and Niloufar Nourbakhsh.
Featured Artists and Works
Malachi Brown: Statements- a journal entry
Samuel Torres Frailejón
Sofía Scheps: Demografía acústica: % / Acoustic Demography: %
Anuj Bhutani: After the Freeze
Madeline Merwin: Dirty Ice
Eunsung Kim*: Kaleidoscope for Orchestra
Read more about artists & their works on ACO's blog.
*Participation by Eunsung Kim is made possible through an exchange program between ACO's EarShot and the Korean National Symphony Orchestra’s Composers’ Atelier program. One composer selected through Atelier is featured in ACO's EarShot Readings, while one composer selected through ACO's EarShot Readings will be featured in KNSO's Composers' Atelier program.
June 14, 2024 at 7:30pm - Public Read Through
EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra
Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music
New York City, NY
June 13–14, 2024EarShot Readings: American Composers OrchestraNeidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of MusicNew York City, NYEnsemble:American Composers OrchestraMentor Composers:TBDConductor:TBDFeatured Artists and Works:TBD
Event Details
June 13, 2024
EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra
Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music
New York City, NY
Ensemble: American Composers Orchestra
Conductor: Delta David Gier
Mentor Composers: Marcos Balter, Curtis Stewart, and Niloufar Nourbakhsh.
Featured Artists and Works
Malachi Brown: Statements- a journal entry
Samuel Torres Frailejón
Sofía Scheps: Demografía acústica: % / Acoustic Demography: %)
Anuj Bhutani: After the Freeze
Madeline Merwin: Dirty Ice
Eunsung Kim*: Kaleidoscope for Orchestra
Read more about artists & their works on ACO's blog.
*Participation by Eunsung Kim is made possible through an exchange program between ACO's EarShot and the Korean National Symphony Orchestra’s Composers’ Atelier program. One composer selected through Atelier is featured in ACO's EarShot Readings, while one composer selected through ACO's EarShot Readings will be featured in KNSO's Composers' Atelier program.
June 13, 2024 at 10:30am - Open Rehearsal
EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra
Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music
New York City, NY
Through orchestral, choral, gospel and soul choral music, this one-night-only event is the signature celebration for The Kennedy Center’s Conflux partnership with the National Black Theatre (NBT) running May 26 - June 2, 2024. The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout will take us on a sonic quest produced by National Black Theatre & The Apollo. Taking place in the Opera House at The Kennedy Center, The Gathering will center the soul of Black folks and the heart of America's brilliant and bitter present. With Creative Concept and Direction by NBT’s Executive Artistic Director, Jonathan McCrory, and featuring the American Composers Orchestra and NEWorks Voices of Inspiration chorale, this night will feature the DC premiere of Seven Last Words of the Unarmed by Joel Thompson alongside Carlos Simon’s Amen! and Courtney Bryan’s Sanctum. In conjunction with these pieces, the night has been curated in the African tradition of call and response to include original works by genre-defying Black artists such as Abby Dobson, Toshi Reagon, Troy Anthony, and Nona Hendryx. The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout was originally performed at The Apollo in Harlem, New York 2022.
Event Details
May 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 2024
Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC)
An American Soldier
On October 3, 2011, Chinese-American Army Pvt. Danny Chen was found dead in a guard tower at his base in Afghanistan. Based on his story and the ensuing courts-martial of Chen’s fellow soldiers, this New York City premiere opera tells the powerful true story of a young soldier from Manhattan’s Chinatown who sought to serve his country, only to find his biggest threat was the very people who swore to protect him.
Told through the multidimensional music of Huang Ruo (M. Butterfly, Book of Mountains and Seas) with libretto by Tony and Grammy winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly, Soft Power), and directed by Obie Award winner Chay Yew (Cambodian Rock Band, Sweatshop Overlord), An American Soldier is a powerful and unforgettable experience.
Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra.
The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera.
Huang Ruo, composer
David Henry Hwang, librettist
Carolyn Kuan, conductor
Chay Yew, director
Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm
Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm
Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm
Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm
American Opera by composer Huang Ruo and librettist David Henry Hwang
Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra
The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera
Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm
Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm
Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm
Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm
Event Details
May 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 2024
Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC)
An American Soldier
On October 3, 2011, Chinese-American Army Pvt. Danny Chen was found dead in a guard tower at his base in Afghanistan. Based on his story and the ensuing courts-martial of Chen’s fellow soldiers, this New York City premiere opera tells the powerful true story of a young soldier from Manhattan’s Chinatown who sought to serve his country, only to find his biggest threat was the very people who swore to protect him.
Told through the multidimensional music of Huang Ruo (M. Butterfly, Book of Mountains and Seas) with libretto by Tony and Grammy winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly, Soft Power), and directed by Obie Award winner Chay Yew (Cambodian Rock Band, Sweatshop Overlord), An American Soldier is a powerful and unforgettable experience.
Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra.
The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera.
Huang Ruo, composer
David Henry Hwang, librettist
Carolyn Kuan, conductor
Chay Yew, director
Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm
Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm
Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm
Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm
American Opera by composer Huang Ruo and librettist David Henry Hwang
Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra
The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera
Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm
Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm
Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm
Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm
Event Details
May 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 2024
Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC)
An American Soldier
On October 3, 2011, Chinese-American Army Pvt. Danny Chen was found dead in a guard tower at his base in Afghanistan. Based on his story and the ensuing courts-martial of Chen’s fellow soldiers, this New York City premiere opera tells the powerful true story of a young soldier from Manhattan’s Chinatown who sought to serve his country, only to find his biggest threat was the very people who swore to protect him.
Told through the multidimensional music of Huang Ruo (M. Butterfly, Book of Mountains and Seas) with libretto by Tony and Grammy winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly, Soft Power), and directed by Obie Award winner Chay Yew (Cambodian Rock Band, Sweatshop Overlord), An American Soldier is a powerful and unforgettable experience.
Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra.
The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera.
Huang Ruo, composer
David Henry Hwang, librettist
Carolyn Kuan, conductor
Chay Yew, director
Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm
Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm
Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm
Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm
American Opera by composer Huang Ruo and librettist David Henry Hwang
Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra
The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera
Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm
Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm
Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm
Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm
Event Details
May 16–19, 2024
Kennedy Center, “Randall Goosby plays Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto; Thomas Wilkins conducts Elgar’s Enigma Variations”
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Anna Clyne, This Moment
National Symphony Orchestra
Thirty orchestras will take part in the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program. The unprecedented national consortium ensures that new works by women composers, each commissioned by the League, will be infused in orchestra seasons to come, with multiple performances throughout the country. The consortium’s initial six lead orchestra-composer pairings were previously announced, with more than eighty orchestras applying for the additional twenty-four spots.
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers (formerly the Women Composers Readings and Commissions program) 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.
This Moment was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Kennedy Center, “Randall Goosby plays Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto; Thomas Wilkins conducts Elgar’s Enigma Variations”
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Anna Clyne, This Moment
National Symphony Orchestra
April 15–16, 2024EarShot Readings: Illinois Philharmonic OrchestraVenue TBDPalo Heights, ILEnsemble:Illinois Philharmonic OrchestraMentor Composers:Jessie MontgomeryJames StephensonConductor:Stilian KirovFeatured Artists and Works:TBD
April 6–7, 2024Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertAngel Lam, TBD (World Premiere)Quad City Symphony OrchestraToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.
March 22–24, 2024Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertAngel Lam, TBD (World Premiere)Kansas City SymphonyToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra
March 20–22, 2024EarShot Readings: Indiana UniversityBloomington, INMentor composers:TBDConductor:Jeffrey MeyerFeatured Artists and Works:TBD
March 12, 2024, 7:30pm Zankel Hall, Carnegie HallRei Hotoda, conductorChrystal E. Williams, mezzo-sopranoFelipe Hostins, accordionJerod Impichcha̱achaaha' Tate, narrator and lead vocalAMERICA IN WEIMAR: ON THE MARGINSGeorge Antheil: Jazz Symphony 7’Jerod Impichcha̱achaaha' : Lowak Shoppala' (Clans) (NY premiere) 10–15’John Glover (composer)/Kelley (librettist): Right Now (World Premiere) 15’Duke Ellington: “Solitude” and “Sophisticated Lady”, arr. Morton Gould 8’Tonia Ko: Breath, Untamed (World Premiere) 15’Kurt Weill/Ira Gershwin: “My Ship” from Lady in the Dark 5’AMERICA IN WEIMAR: ON THE MARGINS explores American influence on the Weimar period and—conversely—the legacy of Weimar's embrace of transgression, non-Teutonic identity, and utopian ideals, all of which continually resonate in today's American art and music.
February 22–23, 2024“Beethoven Violin Concerto”Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertSarah Gibson, to make this mountain tallerKnoxville Symphony OrchestraToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.
February 7–8, 2024“Pouliot & Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto& Shelley conducts Scheherazade”Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertGity Razaz, Methuselah (In Chains of Time)National Arts Centre OrchestraToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.
January 25, 2024“Birth of a Culture”Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertArlene Sierra, KiskadeeLouisiana Philharmonic OrchestraToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.
Event Details
November 9, 2023, 7:30pm
Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall
Vimbayi Kaziboni, conductor
Sidney Outlaw, baritone
Luke Dubois, video design
Augusta Read Thomas: Sun Dance—In memoriam Oliver Knussen (NY Premiere) 6’
George Lewis: New Work (World Premiere/ACO Commission) 15’
Jack Hughes: Three Ways of Getting There (World Premiere/ACO Underwood commission) 10-12’
Guillermo Klein: The Kingdom (CoLABoratory/World Premiere) 10’
Nina C. Young: Out of whose womb came the ice (World Premiere, Carnegie Hall/ACO Co-commission) 28’
ACO invites you to kick off the 2023-24 season with us at our 2023 Gala & Creative Catalyst Awards, a joyful celebration of the music and culture of the Americas honoring three visionary leaders - Paquito D'Rivera, Dr. Indira Etwaroo, and Edward Yim - who exemplify our core values of artistry, creativity, community, and equity.Meet rising stars of tomorrow over a caipirinha at the bar. Discover new sounds with NYC's most culturally curious. Make lifelong connections through the one-of-a-kind communal dining experience that is Brazilian churrasco. And, because it's a party after all, bring out your most creative festive attire!Save the date and join us for a night featuring music by composer & saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera, soprano Chrystal E. Williams, forró musician Felipe Hostins, composer Raquel Acevedo Klein, and sound artist Chris Kallmyer, among others, and a fabulous dinner.Founded in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Fogo de Chão's interactive tableside service features fire roasted meats, fish, and vegan/vegetarian entrees alongside Fogo's signature Market Table spread inspired by the farms of Southern Brazil where family and friends gather to share the finest and freshest from their harvests.We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of enthralling performances, sparkling company, and delicious food, while supporting the expansion of ACO's national EarShot composer advancement programs, orchestral performances, and educational initiatives.EVENT6:00pm Cocktail Hour7:00pm Awards Ceremony & Performances7:30pm Dinner & DessertTICKETSOnline tickets will be available by August 2023. Until then, please RSVP to Chaele Davis at chaele@americancomposers.orgVisionary $25,000
- 8 VIP tickets to the dinner & performance with priority table placement; includes placement of two guest artists at your table, if desired
- Inside Gala Journal Cover Ad (full color)
- Recognition as an official sponsor of The Quest: Epic Journeys, ACO’s November 9, 2023 concert at Carnegie Hall
- 8 VIP tickets to ACO’s The Quest: Epic Journeys concert at Carnegie Hall, plus invite to exclusive post-show reception
$23,000 of this purchase is tax-deductibleIcon $10,000
- 8 VIP tickets to the dinner & performance with preferred table placement; includes placement of two guest artists at your table, if desired
- Full-page Gala Journal Ad (B&W)
- Recognition as an official sponsor of The Quest: Epic Journeys, ACO’s November 9, 2023 concert at Carnegie Hall
- 4 VIP tickets to ACO’s The Quest: Epic Journeys concert at Carnegie Hall, plus invite to exclusive post-show reception
$8,000 of this purchase is tax-deductibleMaverick $5,000
- 4 VIP tickets to the dinner & performance, with select table placement, includes placement of one guest artist at your table, if desired
- Listing in Gala Journal
- Invitation to a special ACO insider event
$4,000 of this purchase is tax-deductibleMuse $1,000
- 1 VIP ticket to the dinner & performance with select seating
- Listing in Gala Journal
- Invitation to a special ACO insider event
$750 of this purchase is tax-deductibleExplorer $600
- 1 VIP ticket to the dinner & performance
- Listing in Gala Journal
$350 of this purchase is tax-deductibleTRIBUTESI cannot attend, but I’d like to place a tribute in the program book:Back Cover (color) 5” x 7 5/8” $1,500 Full page (B&W): 5” x 7 5/8” $500½ page (B&W): 5” x 3 11/16” $300¼ page (B&W): 2 3/8” wide x 3 11/16” $175ABOUT THE HONOREESNEA Jazz Master Paquito D'Rivera defies categorization. The winner of 14 combined Grammy and Latin Grammy awards with his celebrated musical career that reflects a dedication to jazz, bebop, and Latin music, including his impressive contributions to classical music. In his passion to bring Latin repertoire to greater prominence, D'Rivera has successfully created and championed all types of classical compositions, including chamber compositions and symphonies. His second National Symphony commission "The Journey" premiered in 2022 with Yo-Yo Ma as Soloist.Dr. Indira Etwaroo is an award-winning producer, director, scholar, and non-profit arts leader, and currently serves as the Director of the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple. Previously, she led RestorationART and The Billie Holiday Theatre through radical growth, including the launch of the first national strategic plan for Black theaters, The Black Seed.As Chief Content Officer and Senior Vice President of WQXR, Edward Yim is responsible for developing and implementing a strategic vision that helps WQXR reach a broader, more inclusive audience, drives digital innovation, bolsters the station’s role in New York City’s arts and culture ecosystem, and increases WQXR’s relevance and service to the city’s communities. Prior to joining WQXR, he served as President & CEO of the American Composers Orchestra.
October 19–21, 2023“Korngold’s Violin Concerto”Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertArlene Sierra, KiskadeeDetroit Symphony OrchestraToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.
Presented by the Pittsburgh Symphony, this concert is free and open to the public. This 90-minute concert features selections from Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Suite, and Gershwin’s An American in Paris. Also, a RAD Days first: the Pittsburgh premiere of “to make this mountain taller” by American composer Sarah Gibson. Online reservations are encouraged. This concert is family-friendly, recommended for ages six and older.Sarah Gibson's work is made possible through the Virginia B. Toulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.
October 6–8, 2023Kimmel Center"Trifinov Plays Brahms"Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertAnna Clyne, This MomentThe Philadelphia OrchestraToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.
CSO Assistant Conductors Samuel Lee and Daniel Wiley will conduct the CSO in a performance featuring composers of EarShot, the nation’s first ongoing, systematic program for creating relationships between orchestras and composers. EarShot is operated in partnership with the American Composers Forum, New Music USA, and the League of American Orchestras. The composers will be mentored by CSO Music Director Louis Langrée.
Featured Artists & Works:
Leyou Wang: Impressions from TianqianMartin Hebel: Radiant PillarsGiuseppe Gallo-Balma: Los Huesos de YayaelJoseph Sowa: Summer Has Ten Thousand StarsMentor Composers: Melinda Wagner, Curtis Stewart, Texu KimRead more about Composers & their Works. CLICK HERE –>
“The Four Seasons”Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertGity Razaz, Methuselah (In Chains of Time)Rochester Philharmonic OrchestraSeptember 28th and 30th, 2023Toulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.
Brooklyn’s own Tamar-kali joins forces with international opera and theatre director James Blaszko and the American Composers Orchestra to bring Freedom Is a Constant Struggle to Lincoln Center. A second-generation musician with roots in the coastal Sea Islands of South Carolina, Tamar-kali has designed an evening of orchestral performances and readings that highlight the African-American struggle to reap the benefits of liberty and justice defined as a part of American citizenry. The concert traces the African-American struggle to achieve freedom—from the call to abolish chattel slavery through the Civil War, from reconstruction and the early movement for racial equality to the ‘60s civil rights movement, all the way to our present-day fights for equity. The performance includes the world premiere of Tamar-kali’s Sea Island Symphony: Red Rice, Cotton and Indigo, and spotlights pivotal works by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Frederick Douglass, Langston Hughes, Nina Simone, and Ida B. Wells, among other notable works. Featuring an orchestra, choir, guest vocalists, orators, and ring shouters, this will be an unforgettable, not-to-be missed evening of innovation, experimentation, and introspection.
Brooklyn’s own Tamar-kali joins forces with international opera and theatre director James Blaszko and the American Composers Orchestra to bring Freedom Is a Constant Struggle to Lincoln Center. A second-generation musician with roots in the coastal Sea Islands of South Carolina, Tamar-kali has designed an evening of orchestral performances and readings that highlight the African-American struggle to reap the benefits of liberty and justice defined as a part of American citizenry. The concert traces the African-American struggle to achieve freedom—from the call to abolish chattel slavery through the Civil War, from reconstruction and the early movement for racial equality to the ‘60s civil rights movement, all the way to our present-day fights for equity. The performance includes the world premiere of Tamar-kali’s Sea IslandSymphony: Red Rice, Cotton and Indigo, and spotlights pivotal works by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Frederick Douglass, Langston Hughes, Nina Simone, and Ida B. Wells, among other notable works. Featuring an orchestra, choir, guest vocalists, orators, and ring shouters, this will be an unforgettable, not-to-be missed evening of innovation, experimentation, and introspection.This is a FREE event with first-come first-served General Admission. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Guest Experience at 212-875-5456 or guestexperience@lincolncenter.org.
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra hosts EarShot Readings on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 with four featured composers: Moni (Jasmine) Guo, Diallo Banks, Ricardo Ferro, and Iván Enrique Rodríguez. The composers will work throughout the day with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra musicians and DSO Assistant Conductor Maurice Cohn, and receive feedback from mentor composers Quinn Mason, a 27-year old Dallas-based composer and conductor; “expert in orchestration” (The New York Times) Jimmy López Bellido; and Xi Wang, a Dallas-based composer and faculty member at Southern Methodist University. At 2:00pm that afternoon, the DSO and Cohn perform all four works at Meyerson Symphony Hall, after which a recording will be provided to the participants and published online. The public is invited to a free concert at 2:00pm.
EarShot is the first ongoing, systematic program for developing relationships between composers and orchestras on the national level, developed by the American Composers Orchestra to ensure the vibrant future of new American orchestral music. Over the last 25 years, these readings have provided more than 250 composers with vital artistic and technical resources, as well as career-accelerating public exposure. Alumni of EarShot have won every composition award, including the Pulitzer, GRAMMY, Grawemeyer, American Academy of Arts & Letters, and Rome Prizes, to name a few. Composer-orchestra relationships extend beyond the EarShot Readings, and since 2009, 28 works have been commissioned by partner orchestras from EarShot participants and more than half of selected EarShot composers report receiving a commission directly resulting from their participation.
Reserved tickets are required for this free event. General admission seating.
Read more about Composers & their Works. CLICK HERE –>
Program:
Moni (Jasmine) Guo – Rays of the After-rain Evening Sun
Diallo Banks – Chute Libre
Ricardo Ferro – ‘17-North
Iván Enrique Rodríguez – Symphony No. 2: Naa Okùnkùn ti Òkúnta Dídán
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Maurice Cohn, conductor
Music from Copland House presents six world premieres of the new works it commissioned from the 2023 Fellows of its acclaimed annual Emerging Composers Institute: Henry Dorn, Seare Farhat, Oswald Huỳnh, Maya Miro Johnson, Grace Ann Lee, and Max Vinetz. CULTIVATE 2023, directed by Grammy-nominated composer-clarinetist Derek Bermel, is an intensive, creative workshop and mentoring program for gifted American composers of all backgrounds and identities, in the initial stages of their professional careers. Each year, six young composers are awarded fellowships to participate in this immersive, weeklong session, which takes place at Aaron Copland’s National Historic Landmark home in Westchester County, one hour north of New York City.
SONiC and Mannes/The New School co-present three new interactive works developed through ACO’s EarShot CoLABoratory composer residency program. Inspired by the African-American history of resilience, healing, and awakening post-trauma, Grammy-winner Marcus Gilmore’sPulse, developed with ACO through the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative with his mentor, world-renowned tabla player Zakir Hussain, is scored for drums, jazz ensemble, spoken word, and orchestra. Pulse will feature spoken word by Tracy K. Smith, the 22nd Poet Laureate of the United States and a Pulitzer Prize winner. Trevor New’s Cohere Touch connects artists across continents using the composer’s own augmented reality environment and performance on viola. Mendi + Keith Obadike’s DreamTrain is an immersive sound installation and performance that encourages audiences to dream collectively as a means of social transformation. The American Composers Orchestra will be led by David Bloom.Featuring American Composers OrchestraDavid Bloom, conductorPaloma McGregor, director/choreographerMarcus Gilmore TrioTrevor New, violistTracy K. Smith, poetProgramDreamTrain by Mendi + Keith Obadike, sound artistsCohere Touch by Trevor New, electro-acoustic violist and composerPulse byMarcus Gilmore, drummer and composer, Fellow in the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts InitiativePost-Concert Discussion and Q&A, moderated by Melissa Ngan, featuring Rolex Mentor and Protégé Artists Zakir Hussain & Marcus Gilmore, plus CoLABoratory Fellows Trevor New, Mendi + Keith Obadike
SONiC teams up with Luna Composition Lab and International Contemporary Ensemble to present a concert of brand new works by the 2022–23 Luna Lab Fellows. Founded in 2016 by composers Missy Mazzoli and Ellen Reid, Luna Composition Lab provides mentorship and performance opportunities to young composers ages 13–18 who are female, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming. Missy Mazzoli, Ellen Reid, and George Lewis curate this evening of world premieres as well as additional works by Luna Lab mentors.
Read more about Composers & their Works. CLICK HERE –>
Featured Artists2022–23 Luna Lab FellowsHannah ChenLucy ChenLili MasoudiGabrielle SmithElaina Rae StupplerIsabelle TsengLuna Lab MentorsWang LuNina ShekharInternational Contemporary EnsembleAlice Jones, fluteLeah Asher, violinMeaghan Burke, celloEmmalie Tello, clarinetErika Dohi, pianoProgramHannah Chen: Spiral (World Premiere)Lucy Chen: Seventeen (World Premiere)Wang Lu: From the Distant Plains IILili Masoudi: [to be determined] (World Premiere)Nina Shekhar: GLITCHGabrielle Smith: Stellar Evolution (World Premiere)Elaina Rae Stuppler: Waluga (World Premiere)Isabelle Tseng: Bumbershoot (World Premiere)
Curators: George Lewis, Missy Mazzoli, Ellen Reid
SONIC welcomes a program of Caribbean music entitled Nexus, produced by Puentes Caribeños, an organization dedicated to promoting Caribbean art music since 2013. Featuring Jamaican pianist Paul Shaw, Puerto Rican flutist Nora Lee Garcia with pianist/composers Mariano Morales and Raymond Torres-Santos, and Bahamian ensemble C Force – with Christine Gangelhoff, flute; Christian Justilien, euphonium; and Paul Jones, piano – this performance presents works connected to the Caribbean, including four world premieres.
Curated by: Puentes CaribeñosCoordinated by: Christine Gangelhoff
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Puentes Caribeños is the organization behind the Caribbean art music symposia that have taken place across the Caribbean since 2013. Passionate about the extensive but little-known repertoire of music from the region, Puentes Caribeños is committed to promoting composers linked to the Caribbean in order that their voices may be heard more widely. As the classical music world finally begins to embrace more diversity and inclusion, the work of Puentes Caribeños is more timely than ever. The Puentes Caribeños committee consists of its co-founders Dr Carlos Carrillo (University of Illinois), Dr Christine Gangelhoff (University of The Bahamas) and Dr Adam Walters (University of Trinidad and Tobago).
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Composer Carlos R. Carrillo Cotto holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music (BM), Yale University (MM), and the University of Pennsylvania (Ph.D.). Dr. Carrillo is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Bearns Prize, the Charles Ives Scholarship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, BMI, and ASCAP awards. He has taught composition at DePauw University, Reed College, and the Conservatory of Music in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Currently, Dr. Carrillo is an Associate Professor of Composition-Theory at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Flutist Christine Gangelhoff is currently Professor of Music at The University of The Bahamas and has also held positions on the faculties of Memorial University of Newfoundland and St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She is a founding member of C Force, a chamber ensemble that challenges the traditional concept of chamber music. Her extensive research on art music from the Caribbean has inspired albums, academic symposia, concert series, scholarly publications and most recently, an innovative textbook. She is a Powell performing artist and holds degrees from Yale University, the University of North Texas, and the University of Minnesota.
After a freelance career as a composer and French horn player in the UK, Adam Walters moved to Trinidad in 2009 to join the music faculty of the University of Trinidad and Tobago. Absorbing himself in local musical styles, Adam has developed an approach to composition that blends sounds and gestures of Trinidadian musics and environments with his own background in western classical styles. Now living back in London, Adam holds a PhD in composition from Royal Holloway, University of London, and his music has been performed in Trinidad, the UK and the US.
Audiences are invited to observe a collaborative session with orchestra, composers, and choreographers/dancers.The Next Festival’s 2023 Choreographer, Composer and Performance Fellows premiere new music and dance works, intermingling the world premiere of ACO EarShot compositions with a works-in-progress dance showing. This is the culmination of a week-long workshop, consisting of rehearsals, collaboration and spontaneous creation. ACO's EarShot is the nation's first ongoing program for creating relationships between orchestras and composers, in partnership with American Composers Forum, League of American Orchestras and New Music USA.Composer Mentors, the Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award-winning composer Aaron Jay Kernis and “strikingly original” (The New York Times) Kamala Sankaram, along with Festival A.D. Peter Askim, will guide ACO’s Earshot Composer Fellows Michael R. Dudley Jr., Emil Ernström, and Akari Komura in the creation of new music. These new pieces will be played by the Festival’s String Performance Fellows. Choreography Mentor Sidra Bell will lead Choreographer Fellows Flora Ferguson, Jay Beardsley, and Ameeya Singh in the development of new dance work, in collaboration with EarShot Composer Fellows and String Performance Fellows.This workshop is one of eight SONiC Festival events that will be available for livestream. Access is free, but advance registration is required. To access links for all livestreamed events, register now.Read more about Composers & their Works. CLICK HERE –>Click here for more information about The Next Festival of Emerging ArtistsClick here for a closer look at Next Fest Composer/Choreographer Workshops
ACO teams up with the Public Theater for a night of SONiC explorations curated by two of ACO’s recently commissioned composers Paula Matthusen and inti figgis-vizueta. Two events on the same evening: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 7pm, and 9:30pm.The 9:30pm event is curated by Paula Matthusen.Program
Dani Dobkin, New Work
Anthony Sertel Dean, New Work
Natalie Greffel, New Work
Seth Cluett & Paula Matthusen, interstitial studies
ACO teams up with the Public Theater for a night of SONiC explorations curated by two of ACO’s recently commissioned composers Paula Matthusen and inti figgis-vizueta. Two events on the same evening: Wednesday, June 7 at 7:00pm and 9:30pm. The 7:00pm event curated by inti figgis-vizueta features The Rhythm Method, an ensemble of four composer-performers.
Bergamot Quartet and special guest Dan Trueman will present a program that pays homage to the intricate array of textures and pitches available on our non-fretted instruments, featuring works that explore “the spaces between the notes”, and backboned by fiddle traditions from around the world.
Jazz at Lincoln Center and SONiC co-present a program curated by two of the most innovative artists bridging the boundaries between Latin Jazz and classical music—Clarice Assad and Yosvany Terry—at Dizzy’s Club.Jazz at Lincoln Center and SONiC co-present a program curated by two of the most innovative artists bridging the boundaries between Latin Jazz and classical music – Clarice Assad and Yosvany Terry – at Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center on Monday, June 5, 2023. At 7:30pm, Grammy Award–nominated composer, pianist, and vocalist Clarice Assad curates a one-hour set featuring Brazilian guitarist João Luiz Rezende, pianists Mariel Mayz and Carolina Calvache, and more.At 9:30pm, JALC and SONiC present Atlantic Connections, created by Grammy-nominated saxophonist, percussionist, and composer Yosvany Terry and multi-dimensional vocalist Alicia Hall Moran, is a song cycle inspired by a selection of poets from the African Diaspora, including Maya Angelou, Salgado Maranhão (Brasil) and Silvie Kande (Senegal). The work of these poets served as a launching point for Terry and Hall to explore themes of land, home, motherhood, love, loss, distance, displacement, and water as some of the elements that spiritually connect the peoples’ of the African Diaspora. Atlantic Connections was originally commissioned by the Harvard University Committee on the Arts.Curated by: Yosvany Terry, saxophonist, percussionist, and composer