Performances
& Events
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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.
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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, 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, 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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
The Composer to Composer series features major American composers in conversation with each other about their work and leading a creative life. The intergenerational discussions will begin by exploring a single work with one composer interviewing the other. Attendees will gain insight to each work’s genesis, sound, influence on the American orchestral canon, and be invited to ask questions of the artists. Events will be live-streamed and available for on-demand viewing for seven days following the live event.On January 27, Mason Bates talks with John Corigliano about Corigliano’s work Circus Maximus (Symphony No. 3 for Large Wind Ensemble) from 2004. Corigliano writes of the piece, “The Circus Maximus of ancient Rome was the largest arena in the world. 300,000 spectators were entertained by chariot races, hunts, and battles. The Roman need for grander and wilder amusement grew as its empire declined. The parallels between the high decadence of Rome and our present time are obvious. Entertainment dominates our reality, and ever-more-extreme ‘reality’ shows dominate our entertainment.”
The Composer to Composer series features major American composers in conversation with each other about their work and leading a creative life. The intergenerational discussions will begin by exploring a single work with one composer interviewing the other. Attendees will gain insight to each work’s genesis, sound, influence on the American orchestral canon, and be invited to ask questions of the artists. Events will be live-streamed and available for on-demand viewing for seven days following the live event.On January 13, Gabriela Lena Frank talks with William Bolcom about his Symphony No. 9, from 2012, of which Bolcom writes, “Today our greatest enemy is our inability to listen to each other, which seems to worsen with time. All we hear now is shouting, and nobody is listening because the din is so great. Yet there is a ‘still, small voice’ that refuses to disappear…I pin my hope on that voice. I search for it daily in life and in music – and possibly the ‘Ninth Symphony’ is a search for that soft sound.”
The Composer to Composer series features major American composers in conversation with each other about their work and leading a creative life. The intergenerational discussions will begin by exploring a single work with one composer interviewing the other. Attendees will gain insight to each work’s genesis, sound, influence on the American orchestral canon, and be invited to ask questions of the artists. Events will be live-streamed and available for on-demand viewing for seven days following the live event.On December 2, Kerwin Young talks with Chen Yi and Zhou Long about their co-composed work, Symphony “Humen 1839,” from 2009. The work commemorates the public burning of over 1000 tons of opium -- an event which led to the First Opium War between Great Britain and China. The piece was commissioned and premiered by the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra in 2009, conducted by Guangzhou Symphony’s Music Director Long Yu. Symphony “Humen 1839” won First Prize in the Sixteenth Chinese National Composition Competition for Symphonic Works, sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Culture in 2012. The Naxos recording, performed by the New Zealand Symphony and conducted by Darrell Ang, was nominated for a 2016 Grammy.Join us for this one-hour conversation, during which the composers will guide us through this masterful symphony -- complete with listening examples and an exploration of the Cantonese folk music elements in the work.About the ComposersAbout Chen Yi: Born in Guangzhou in 1953, Dr. Chen Yi received her composition degrees from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and Columbia University in New York, studying with Profs. Wu Zuqiang, Chou Wen-chung, and Mario Davidovsky. She has been the Distinguished Endowed Professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory since 1998. Chen Yi blends Chinese and Western traditions, transcending cultural and musical boundaries. She has composed over 150 works ranging from solo instruments and chamber groups (over 60), to chorus (over 30), and large ensembles (over 50, including orchestra or wind band, concertos, or mixed vocal and instrumental works), recorded in over 120 commercially released albums on various labels, and received the prestigious Charles Ives Living Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2001. Published by Theodore Presser Company, her music has reached a wide range of audiences and inspired people around the world. As a strong advocate for new music with diversity and inclusion, particularly for women in music, Prof. Chen has been awarded five Honorary Doctorates in the States and Distinguished Visiting Professorship from many music institutes in China. She has been inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2005, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2019.About Zhou Long: Zhou Long is internationally recognized for creating a unique body of music that brings together the aesthetic concepts and musical elements of East and West. Winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for his first opera, Madame White Snake, Dr. Zhou also received the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award, the Elise Stoeger Prize from Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society in New York, and the Barlow Prize. He has received commissions from Koussevitzky and Fromm Music Foundation, Meet the Composer, Chamber Music America, and NYSCA, and fellowships from NEA, Guggenheim and Rockefeller Foundation, the AAAL, and New York Foundation for the Arts. Dr. Zhou’s music has been widely performed and recorded on major labels and published by the Oxford University Press and the Shanghai Music Publishing House. He studied composition at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and Columbia University in the City of New York. Major composition teachers were Profs. Su Xia, Chou Wen-chung, Mario Davidovsky, and George Edwards. He is currently Bonfils Distinguished Research Professor of Composition at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory.About Kerwin Young: Kerwin Young is a prolific international concert and media composer, and recording producer, whose music has served as social commentary the world over since 1989. A member-producer of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Public Enemy, Kerwin Young is a multi-platinum, Grammy-winning composer/producer of popular music in multiple genres, including film, television, and video games. His works have been performed by Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony, University City Symphony, Inscape Chamber Orchestra, Music From China, Del Sol String Quartet, Tesla Quartet, ROCO, and other well-known ensembles. Young studied music composition at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance with Chen Yi, Zhou Long, and Jazz Messenger legend, Bobby Watson. Since 2019, he serves as Performing Rights Associate with Next Level, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Meridian International Center. Internationally, Kerwin Young is a traveling scholar, lecturing on music composition and production across multiple genres, and entrepreneurship. See: www.kerwinyoung.com
The Composer to Composer series features major American composers in conversation with each other about their work and leading a creative life. The intergenerational discussions will begin by exploring a single work with one composer interviewing the other. Attendees will gain insight to each work’s genesis, sound, influence on the American orchestral canon, and be invited to ask questions of the artists. Events will be live-streamed and available for on-demand viewing for seven days following the live event.On November 18, Courtney Bryan and Damon Holzborn will talk with George Lewis about his Virtual Concerto from 2004, a piece for improvising computer piano soloist and orchestra, written for ACO. The New York Times described the premiere, writing, “the soloist was a computer-driven piano, its software programmed to ‘react’ to aspects of the orchestra's performance.”About the ComposersGeorge Lewis, Professor of American Music at Columbia University, Area Chair in Composition, and member of the faculty in Historical Musicology, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Letters, a Corresponding Fellow of the British Academy, and an Honorary Member of the American Musicological Society. Lewis’s other honors include a MacArthur “genius” Fellowship (2002), a Guggenheim Fellowship (2015), and the Doris Duke Artist Award (2019). A member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) since 1971, Lewis's work in electronic and computer music, computer-based multimedia installations, and notated and improvisative forms is documented on more than 150 recordings. His work has been presented by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Ensemble Dal Niente, Ensemble Intercontemporain, London Philharmonia Orchestra, Talea Ensemble, International Contemporary Ensemble, Musikfabrik, Mivos Quartet, London Sinfonietta, Spektral Quartet, and others; his opera Afterword (2015) has been performed in the United States, United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic. He is the author of the award-winning book, A Power Stronger Than Itself: The AACM and American Experimental Music (University of Chicago Press 2008), and co-editor of the two-volume Oxford Handbook of Critical Improvisation Studies (2016). An Honorary Member of the American Musicological Society, Lewis holds honorary doctorates from the University of Edinburgh, New College of Florida, and Harvard University. Lewis’s music is published by Edition Peters. See https://music.columbia.edu/bios/george-e-lewisCourtney Bryan is “a pianist and composer of panoramic interests” (The New York Times). Her music is in conversation with various musical genres, including jazz and other types of experimental music, as well as traditional gospel, spirituals, and hymns. Bryan has academic degrees from Oberlin Conservatory (BM), Rutgers University (MM), and Columbia University (DMA) with advisor George Lewis, and completed postdoctoral studies in the Department of African American Studies at Princeton University. Bryan is currently the Albert and Linda Mintz Professor of Music at Newcomb College in the School of Liberal Arts, Tulane University. She was the 2018 music recipient of the Herb Alpert Award in the Arts, a 2019 Bard College Freehand Fellow, a 2019-20 recipient of the Samuel Barber Rome Prize in Music Composition and is currently a recipient of a 2020-21 Civitella Ranieri Fellowship, and a 2020 United States Artists Fellow. See www.courtneybryan.comDamon Holzborn is a Brooklyn-based musician, new media artist, and software developer. As a musician, he is an improviser and composer who works primarily with electronics. In performance he uses custom software, traditional effects, and interactive processes. Holzborn has long relied on instruments that he develops for use in his own compositions and performances, creating software that produces dynamic instruments that are particularly effective for improvisational performance. Holzborn has presented his work in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Europe and Japan, performing as a solo artist and with several ensembles, including Donkey – a decades-long collaboration with musician/filmmaker Hans Fjellestad. He was a founding member of the Trummerflora Collective (1999-2009), a group whose aim was to create a fertile, varied, self-sustaining environment for experimental and improvised music. In addition to instruments he creates for his own work, he collaborates with other artists to produce custom technology for use in performances and installations. Previous work includes software or hardware for George Lewis, Eric Metcalfe, Miya Masaoka, Hans Fjellestad, and Duane Pitre. See www.damonholzborn.com
Learn how to raise funds for your next project by leveraging the support of generous individuals. ACO Acting President and Director of Development Lyndsay Werking leads a panel of artists and administrators fluent in grassroots fundraising.Co-presented by ACO and American Composers Forum.Panelists:Bonnie Marshall, American Composers Forum VP of DevelopmentNicholas Phan, tenorDafnis Prieto, drummer, composer & educatorSomi, singer, composer, playwright
ACO’s Composer to Composer Talks are intergenerational discussions, which will begin by listening to and exploring a featured work selected by one of the composers, with one composer interviewing the other. Composer pairings have been inspired by existing collaborative, and student-mentor relationships between the writers. Volume One runs from October 21, 2020 through January 27, 2021 and includes composers George Lewis, Courtney Bryan, and Damon Holzborn (October 21); Chen Yi, Zhou Long, and Kerwin Young (December 2); William Bolcom and Gabriela Lena Frank (January 13); and John Corigliano and Mason Bates (January 27).Attendees will gain insight to each work’s genesis, sound, and influence on the American orchestral canon, and will be invited to ask questions of the artists. Events will be live-streamed and available for on-demand viewing for seven days following the live event. The conversations will also be archived by Oral History of American Music (OHAM) within Yale University’s Irving S. Gilmore Music Library. Single tickets are available on a sliding scale of $15-30; subscriptions will range from $45-$90 for four events.Composer to Composer Talks – Volume One Schedule:October 21, 2020 at 5pm ET: George Lewis’s Virtual Concerto with George Lewis, Courtney Bryan, Damon HolzbornCourtney Bryan and Damon Holzborn talk with George Lewis about his Virtual Concerto from 2004, a piece for improvising computer piano soloist and orchestra.December 2, 2020 at 5pm ET: Chen Yi and Zhou Long’s Symphony “Humen 1839”with Chen Yi, Zhou Long, Kerwin YoungKerwin Young talks with Chen Yi and Zhou Long about their co-composed work, Symphony “Humen 1839,” from 2009. The work commemorates the public burning of over 1000 tons of opium, an event which led to the First Opium War between Great Britain and China.January 13, 2021 at 5pm ET: William Bolcom’s Symphony No. 9with William Bolcom and Gabriela Lena FrankGabriela Lena Frank talks with William Bolcom about his Symphony No. 9, from 2012, of which Bolcom writes, “Today our greatest enemy is our inability to listen to each other, which seems to worsen with time. All we hear now is shouting, and nobody is listening because the din is so great. Yet there is a ‘still, small voice’ that refuses to disappear…I pin my hope on that voice. I search for it daily in life and in music – and possibly the ‘Ninth Symphony’ is a search for that soft sound.”January 27, 2021 at 5pm ET: John Corigliano’s Symphony No. 1With John Corigliano and Mason BatesMason Bates talks with John Corigliano about his Symphony No. 1 from 1989, composed while he was in residence with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Inspired in part by the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, the symphony seeks to memorialize Corigliano’s friends and colleagues who were lost during the AIDS crisis.
Attend all 10 webinars for composers co-presented by American Composers Orchestra and American Composers Forum.Confirmed events:
Oct 14, 3pm EST - Orchestra Musician Roundtable
Description: Experienced orchestral musicians talk about their connection to composers and new orchestral music.
Moderator: Derek Bermel
Panelists:
Kyu-Young Kim
Wayne Dumaine
Alecia Lawyer
Nov 9, 3pm EST - Fundraising via Supportive IndividualsDescription: Artists and small organization leaders talk about grassroots fundraising and how artists can raise support for their projects by engaging individual donors.Moderator: Lyndsay WerkingPanelists:Bonnie MarshallNicholas PhanDafnis Prieto
Jan 20, 3pm EST - Entrepreneurship & Ensembles for Composers
Description: How can composers help guide their own careers? What part does creating an ensemble play in that?
Moderator: Frank J. Oteri
Panelists:
Nadia Sirota
Afa Dworkin
Sugar Vendil
Feb 3, 3pm EST - Finding Your Voice Online
Description: How can composers find their true artistic message and convey that effectively online?
Moderator: Dameun Strange
Panelists:
Anthony R. Green
Beth Stewart
Mary Prescott
Topics to be announced:
Conductors RoundtableDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion in OrchestraFilm MusicOrchestra Administration 101Production Tools for ComposersPublishing, Self-Publishing, and ManagementRecording Law and Practice
Join seasoned orchestral musicians as they speak about their experiences with living composers and new orchestral music. They'll touch on topics of effective communication between composers and musicians in a variety of ways, including parts writing, email/remote communication, and in-person working sessions. ACO Artistic Director Derek Bermel will moderate the panel of musicians and Q&A with the audience.Co-presented by ACO and American Composers ForumPanelists:Wayne Dumaine, trumpet, ACOKyu-Young Kim, violin & Artistic Director, Saint Paul Chamber OrchestraAlecia Lawyer, oboe & Artistic Director, ROCO
Gather as a community online and experience the creation of new work!In response to the impacts of COVID-19 on composers and performers, American Composers Orchestra announces Connecting ACO Community, a new initiative to commission short works for solo instrument or voice. Each composer will receive $500 to write the work, and each performer will receive $500 to perform the work, with the rights to stream for six months. With this project, ACO aims to support artists who need financial assistance; to create new work that will live beyond this crisis; and provide virtual, interactive performances to ACO’s supporters and the general public.This event will include the world premiere of Brain Nabors' new work for ACO Sextet (Deborah Wong, Sandra Robbins, Gene Moye, Diva Goodfriend Koven, Harry Searing, and Susan Jolles) and an exclusive Q&A with the composer and performer, hosted by Ed Yim and Derek Bermel.Ticketholders will receive a private link to join the performance, and all of the proceeds from the ticket sales will go solely to fund artists involved in this project. If the $5 entrance fee poses a barrier to participation, please fill out an anonymous form at bit.ly/ACOConnectComp or email Aiden Feltkamp at aiden@americancomposers.org.The recorded session will be available within 24 hours after the performance on ACO’s website and social media platforms, as well as on MUSIC on the REBOUND: an online festival for participating in live events as well as a platform for streaming concerts.
Gather as a community online and experience the creation of new work!In response to the impacts of COVID-19 on composers and performers, American Composers Orchestra announces Connecting ACO Community, a new initiative to commission short works for solo instrument or voice. Each composer will receive $500 to write the work, and each performer will receive $500 to perform the work, with the rights to stream for six months. With this project, ACO aims to support artists who need financial assistance; to create new work that will live beyond this crisis; and provide virtual, interactive performances to ACO’s supporters and the general public.The Festival Pass provides access to all 7 events in Volume 3 of the series:Sunday, August 2, 2020 at 5pm ETTanner Porter & Eric Jacobsen, cello and Aoife O'Donovan, voice$5 ticketsSunday, August 9, 2020 at 5pm ETVincent Calianno & Mike Seltzer, trombone$5 ticketsSunday, August 16, 2020 at 5pm ETWynton Guess & Aaron Diehl, piano$5 ticketsSunday, August 23, 2020 at 5pm ETAmina Figarova & Susan Palma Nidel and Laura Conwesser, flutes$5 ticketsSunday, August 30, 2020 at 5pm ETDawn Norfleet & Clarice Assad, voice$5 ticketsSunday, September 13, 2020 at 5pm ETGuy Mintus & Kelly Hall-Tompkins, violin$5 ticketsSunday, October 4, 2020 at 5pm ETBrian Nabors & Sextet of ACO Musicians: Debbie Wong, violin; Sandy Robbins, viola; Gene Moye, cello; Harry Searing, bassoon; Diva Goodfriend Koven, flute; Susan Jolles, harp$5 ticketsTicketholders will receive a private link to join the performance, and all of the proceeds from the ticket sales will go solely to fund artists involved in this project. If the $5 entrance fee poses a barrier to participation, please fill out an anonymous form at bit.ly/ACOConnectComp or email Aiden Feltkamp at aiden@americancomposers.org.The recorded session will be available within 24 hours after the performance on ACO’s website and social media platforms, as well as on MUSIC on the REBOUND: an online festival for participating in live events as well as a platform for streaming concerts.
Gather as a community online and experience the creation of new work!In response to the impacts of COVID-19 on composers and performers, American Composers Orchestra announces Connecting ACO Community, a new initiative to commission short works for solo instrument or voice. Each composer will receive $500 to write the work, and each performer will receive $500 to perform the work, with the rights to stream for six months. With this project, ACO aims to support artists who need financial assistance; to create new work that will live beyond this crisis; and provide virtual, interactive performances to ACO’s supporters and the general public.This event will include the world premiere of Guy Mintus' new work for violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins and an exclusive Q&A with the composer and performer, hosted by Ed Yim and Derek Bermel.Ticketholders will receive a private link to join the performance, and all of the proceeds from the ticket sales will go solely to fund artists involved in this project. If the $5 entrance fee poses a barrier to participation, please fill out an anonymous form at bit.ly/ACOConnectComp or email Aiden Feltkamp at aiden@americancomposers.org.The recorded session will be available within 24 hours after the performance on ACO’s website and social media platforms, as well as on MUSIC on the REBOUND: an online festival for participating in live events as well as a platform for streaming concerts.
Gather as a community online and experience the creation of new work!In response to the impacts of COVID-19 on composers and performers, American Composers Orchestra announces Connecting ACO Community, a new initiative to commission short works for solo instrument or voice. Each composer will receive $500 to write the work, and each performer will receive $500 to perform the work, with the rights to stream for six months. With this project, ACO aims to support artists who need financial assistance; to create new work that will live beyond this crisis; and provide virtual, interactive performances to ACO’s supporters and the general public.This event will include the world premiere of Vincent Calianno's new work for trombonist Michael Seltzer and an exclusive Q&A with the composer and performer, hosted by Ed Yim and Derek Bermel.Ticketholders will receive a private link to join the performance, and all of the proceeds from the ticket sales will go solely to fund artists involved in this project. If the $5 entrance fee poses a barrier to participation, please fill out an anonymous form at bit.ly/ACOConnectComp or email Aiden Feltkamp at aiden@americancomposers.org.The recorded session will be available within 24 hours after the performance on ACO’s website and social media platforms, as well as on MUSIC on the REBOUND: an online festival for participating in live events as well as a platform for streaming concerts.
Gather as a community online and experience the creation of new work!In response to the impacts of COVID-19 on composers and performers, American Composers Orchestra announces Connecting ACO Community, a new initiative to commission short works for solo instrument or voice. Each composer will receive $500 to write the work, and each performer will receive $500 to perform the work, with the rights to stream for six months. With this project, ACO aims to support artists who need financial assistance; to create new work that will live beyond this crisis; and provide virtual, interactive performances to ACO’s supporters and the general public.This event will include the world premiere of Dawn Norfleet's new work for vocalist Clarice Assad and an exclusive Q&A with the composer and performer, hosted by Ed Yim and Derek Bermel.Ticketholders will receive a private link to join the performance, and all of the proceeds from the ticket sales will go solely to fund artists involved in this project. If the $5 entrance fee poses a barrier to participation, please fill out an anonymous form at bit.ly/ACOConnectComp or email Aiden Feltkamp at aiden@americancomposers.org.The recorded session will be available within 24 hours after the performance on ACO’s website and social media platforms, as well as on MUSIC on the REBOUND: an online festival for participating in live events as well as a platform for streaming concerts.
Gather as a community online and experience the creation of new work!In response to the impacts of COVID-19 on composers and performers, American Composers Orchestra announces Connecting ACO Community, a new initiative to commission short works for solo instrument or voice. Each composer will receive $500 to write the work, and each performer will receive $500 to perform the work, with the rights to stream for six months. With this project, ACO aims to support artists who need financial assistance; to create new work that will live beyond this crisis; and provide virtual, interactive performances to ACO’s supporters and the general public.This event will include the world premiere of Amina Figarova’s new work for flutists Susan Palma Nidel & Laura Conwesser, and an exclusive Q&A with the composer and performers, hosted by Ed Yim and Derek Bermel.Ticketholders will receive a private link to join the performance, and all of the proceeds from the ticket sales will go solely to fund artists involved in this project. If the $5 entrance fee poses a barrier to participation, please fill out an anonymous form at bit.ly/ACOConnectComp or email Aiden Feltkamp at aiden@americancomposers.org.The recorded session will be available within 24 hours after the performance on ACO’s website and social media platforms, as well as on MUSIC on the REBOUND: an online festival for participating in live events as well as a platform for streaming concerts.
Gather as a community online and experience the creation of new work!In response to the impacts of COVID-19 on composers and performers, American Composers Orchestra announces Connecting ACO Community, a new initiative to commission short works for solo instrument or voice. Each composer will receive $500 to write the work, and each performer will receive $500 to perform the work, with the rights to stream for six months. With this project, ACO aims to support artists who need financial assistance; to create new work that will live beyond this crisis; and provide virtual, interactive performances to ACO’s supporters and the general public.This event will include the world premiere of Wynton Guess' new work for pianist Aaron Diehl and an exclusive Q&A with the composer and performer, hosted by Ed Yim and Derek Bermel.Ticketholders will receive a private link to join the performance, and all of the proceeds from the ticket sales will go solely to fund artists involved in this project. If the $5 entrance fee poses a barrier to participation, please fill out an anonymous form at bit.ly/ACOConnectComp or email Aiden Feltkamp at aiden@americancomposers.org.The recorded session will be available within 24 hours after the performance on ACO’s website and social media platforms, as well as on MUSIC on the REBOUND: an online festival for participating in live events as well as a platform for streaming concerts.
Gather as a community online and experience the creation of new work!In response to the impacts of COVID-19 on composers and performers, American Composers Orchestra announces Connecting ACO Community, a new initiative to commission short works for solo instrument or voice. Each composer will receive $500 to write the work, and each performer will receive $500 to perform the work, with the rights to stream for six months. With this project, ACO aims to support artists who need financial assistance; to create new work that will live beyond this crisis; and provide virtual, interactive performances to ACO’s supporters and the general public.This event will include the world premiere of Tanner Porter's new work for cellist Eric Jacobsen and vocalist Aoife O'Donovan and an exclusive Q&A with the composer and performer, hosted by Ed Yim and Derek Bermel.Ticketholders will receive a private link to join the performance, and all of the proceeds from the ticket sales will go solely to fund artists involved in this project. If the $5 entrance fee poses a barrier to participation, please fill out an anonymous form at bit.ly/ACOConnectComp or email Aiden Feltkamp at aiden@americancomposers.org.The recorded session will be available within 24 hours after the performance on ACO’s website and social media platforms, as well as on MUSIC on the REBOUND: an online festival for participating in live events as well as a platform for streaming concerts.
Gather as a community online and experience the creation of new work!In response to the impacts of COVID-19 on composers and performers, American Composers Orchestra announces Connecting ACO Community, a new initiative to commission short works for solo instrument or voice. Each composer will receive $500 to write the work, and each performer will receive $500 to perform the work, with the rights to stream for six months. With this project, ACO aims to support artists who need financial assistance; to create new work that will live beyond this crisis; and provide virtual, interactive performances to ACO’s supporters and the general public.This event will include the world premiere of Alejandro Basulto Martinez's new work for oboist Alecia Lawyer and an exclusive Q&A with the composer and performer, hosted by Ed Yim and Derek Bermel.Ticketholders will receive a private link to join the performance, and all of the proceeds from the ticket sales will go solely to fund artists involved in this project. If the $5 entrance fee poses a barrier to participation, please fill out an anonymous form at bit.ly/ACOConnectComp or email Aiden Feltkamp at aiden@americancomposers.org.The recorded session will be available within 24 hours after the performance on ACO’s website and social media platforms, as well as on MUSIC on the REBOUND: an online festival for participating in live events as well as a platform for streaming concerts.
Connecting ACO Community: Experience Lembit Beecher's new work for cellist Seth Parker Woods, followed by a Q&A with the composer and performer
Gather as a community online and experience the creation of new work!In response to the impacts of COVID-19 on composers and performers, American Composers Orchestra announces Connecting ACO Community, a new initiative to commission short works for solo instrument or voice. Each composer will receive $500 to write the work, and each performer will receive $500 to perform the work, with the rights to stream for six months. With this project, ACO aims to support artists who need financial assistance; to create new work that will live beyond this crisis; and provide virtual, interactive performances to ACO’s supporters and the general public.This event will include the world premiere of Lembit Beecher's new work for cellist Seth Parker Woods and an exclusive Q&A with the composer and performer, hosted by Ed Yim and Derek Bermel.Ticketholders will receive a private link to join the performance, and all of the proceeds from the ticket sales will go solely to fund artists involved in this project. If the $5 entrance fee poses a barrier to participation, please fill out an anonymous form at bit.ly/ACOConnectComp or email Aiden Feltkamp at aiden@americancomposers.org.The recorded session will be available within 24 hours after the performance on ACO’s website and social media platforms, as well as on MUSIC on the REBOUND: an online festival for participating in live events as well as a platform for streaming concerts.Learn more about the artists on their websites:Lembit Beecher: www.lembitbeecher.comSeth Parker Woods: sethparkerwoods.com
Connecting ACO Community: Experience Lembit Beecher's new work for cellist Seth Parker Woods, followed by a Q&A with the composer and performer
ACO will hold its 29th Annual Underwood New Music Readings for emerging composers on Thursday and Friday, March 12 and 13, 2020. Six composers will hear ACO perform their work live for the first time, receive personalized mentorship, and an archival recording. The Underwood Commission, a $15,000 commission for a new work for ACO, will be awarded to one of this year’s participants who include the following:Dai Wei, Saṃsāric DanceAnthony R. Green, Peace Til We Meet AgainPaul Novak, as the light begins to driftChristian Quiñones, Trigueño o morenoGity Razaz, And the brightest rivers glide…Keane Southard, Symphony No. 2 – Movement I
American Composers Orchestra seeks to identify and celebrate emerging American composers through its EarShot program. Drawing from a national network of advisors and advocates, EarShot works with orchestras around the country to identify and support promising composers in the early stages of their careers. Orchestras have relied on EarShot to identify and connect with composers consistent with their artistic vision, and to advise the orchestra on commissions, competitions, and program design. Managed by the American Composers Orchestra (ACO), EarShot is a partnership between the ACO, League of American Orchestras, American Composers Forum, and New Music USA. Over the past 10 years EarShot has initiated dozens of composer/orchestra/conductor relationships across the country offering opportunities to more than 100 composers. In 2016, ACO launched a composer archive of past EarShot compositions now in the orchestral repertoire. This year, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra participant composers will work closely with mentor composers Robert Beaser, Chen Yi, and Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate, as well as conductor Bradley Thachuk.
Drawing from a national network of advisors and advocates, EarShot works with orchestras around the country to identify and support promising composers in the early stages of their careers. This year, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra participant composers will work closely with mentor composers Robert Beaser, Chen Yi, and Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate, as well as conductor Bradley Thachuk.
A celebration of composers with roots in New England, ACO’s season opener includes the world premieres of Hilary Purrington’s Harp of Nerves featuring guitarist JIJI and orchestrations of Selected Songs by Charles Ives, arranged by Purrington,Hannah Lash, and Jonathan Bailey Holland, featuring mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton. The New York City premiere of Matthew Aucoin’s Evidence completes the program.
A celebration of composers with roots in New England
Drawing from a national network of advisors and advocates, EarShot works with orchestras around the country to identify and support promising composers in the early stages of their careers. Orchestras have relied on EarShot to identify and connect with composers consistent with their artistic vision, and to advise the orchestra on commissions, competitions, and program design. Managed by the American Composers Orchestra (ACO), EarShot is a partnership between the ACO, League of American Orchestras, American Composers Forum, and New Music USA. Over the past 10 years EarShot has initiated dozens of composer/orchestra/conductor relationships across the country offering opportunities to more than 100 composers. In 2016, ACO launched a composer archive of past EarShot compositions now in the orchestral repertoire.In keeping with ACO’s commitment to customizing the EarShot residencies to the participating orchestra’s programming requests, Aguascalientes Symphony Orchestra selected 3 Mexican composers and 3 American composers for their residency.
In keeping with ACO’s commitment to customizing the EarShot residencies to the participating orchestra’s programming requests, Aguascalientes Symphony Orchestra selected 3 Mexican composers and 3 American composers for their residency.
American Composers Orchestra announces the 28th Annual Underwood New Music Readings on May 23 and 24, 2019 at NYU’s Frederick Loewe Theater (35 West 4th Street). ACO continues its commitment to the creation and development of new orchestral music by identifying and celebrating emerging composers with the Underwood New Music Readings, giving audiences a chance to look behind the scenes of bringing new, diverse orchestral music to life. The first day of Readings, an open rehearsal, is Thursday, May 23, 2019 at 10:30 am; the second day of Readings is Friday, May24, 2019 at 7:30 pm during which the new works will be polished and performed in their entirety. ACO Artistic Director Derek Bermel directs the Readings; Ludovic Morlot, Music Director of the Seattle Symphony, conducts. This year, six of the nation’s most promising composers in the early stages of their professional careers were selected from over 200 submissions. Rodrigo Castro, Chen Yihan, inti figgis-vizueta, Jack Hughes, Jihyun Kim, and Aaron Israel Levin represent a broad spectrum of musical backgrounds and sound worlds.Three commission opportunities will be available to this year’s participants: the Underwood Commission and Audience Choice each award the chance to write 2a new work for ACO while the Consortium for Emerging Composers winner will receive a commission to write a new work to be performed by ACO, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, and American Youth Symphony (Los Angeles).Each composer participating in the Underwood New Music Readings receives rehearsals, a reading, anda digital recording of his or her work. Feedback sessions with guest conductor Ludovic Morlot, ACO principal players, mentor composers, and ACO’s directors provide crucial artistic, technical, and conceptual assistance.This year’s mentor composers are Tania León, Anthony Cheung,and ACO Artistic Director, Derek Bermel.In addition, the Readings offer a Career Development Workshop for composers, students, or anyone interested in exploring the business and realities of being a professional composer on Friday, May 24, from 10am-3pm. These invaluable talks, led by leaders in the industry, present topics ranging from copyright and commission agreements to music preparation,from promotion to fundraising.
American Composers Orchestra announces the 28th Annual Underwood New Music Readings on May 23 and 24, 2019 at NYU’s Frederick Loewe Theater
ACO presents the NY premiere of Du Yun and Khaled Jarrar’s Where We Lost Our Shadows, a new multidisciplinary work for orchestra, film, and vocalists. Written in response to film captured by Ramallah-based Palestinian visual artist Jarrar, which documents the refugee crisis in Europe, the piece will be performed by ACO with Pakistani Qawwali singer Ali Sethi, singer Helga Davis, and percussionist Shayna Dunkelman alongside Jarrar’s visuals. The concert also includes Gloria Coates‘ Symphony No. 1, “Music on Open Strings,” from 1973, and Morton Feldman‘s 1980 work Turfan Fragments, inspired by a series of fragments of knotted carpets from the third and sixth centuries which were discovered in the Silk Road region.
ACO presents the NY premiere of Du Yun and Khaled Jarrar’s Where We Lost Our Shadows, a new multidisciplinary work for orchestra, film, and vocalists.
On Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 8pm, EarShot (the National Orchestral Composition Discovery Network) and the Sarasota Orchestra present the readings of new works by four emerging composers at Holley Hall (709 N Tamiami Trail). Led by Los Angeles based conductor Christopher Rountree, the New Music Readings will be the culmination of a series of private readings, feedback sessions, and work with mentor composers Robert Beaser, Laura Karpman, and Chinary Ung. The selected composers and their works, chosen from a national call for scores that yielded 127 applicants, are KristsAuznieks (Crossing), NickySohn (Bird Up), Sam Wu (Wind Map), and KittyXiao (Ink and Wash).Additional activities include professional development panels with the mentor composers and guests William J. Lackey of American Composers Forum, Stephen Miles of New College of Florida, and select staff from the Sarasota Orchestra administrative team.“Sarasota Orchestra is thrilled to be a partner for the ACO’s Earshot initiative and a leader on the national forefront of orchestras raising the profile of emerging composers,” said Sarasota Orchestra President/CEO Joseph McKenna. “As one of only three professional orchestras in the country awarded this opportunity in the 2018-2019 season, we recognize that we are doing something special for Sarasota and our entire region’s arts community. This incredible experience is a testament to the power of our mission to engage, educate and enrich through live performance.”EarShot, an initiative of American Composers Orchestra (ACO) in partnership with American Composers Forum,League of American Orchestras, and New Music USA, is the nation’s first ongoing program for identifying and promoting the most promising orchestral composers on the national stage. ACO’s artistic and administrative staff collaborates with participating orchestras, assisting with planning, program design, and execution. EarShot residencies include mentorship from the most accomplished orchestral composers in the country, orchestra readings, and musician and conductor feedback sessions. The program is customized to each host orchestra’s aesthetic, demographic, community, and educational interests.Additional EarShot readings this season occurred with Grand Rapids Symphony (September 26-30, 2018) and are upcoming with Detroit Symphony Orchestra (March 2-9, 2019) and American Composers Orchestra (Underwood New Music Readings, May 23-24, 2019).
EarShot, an initiative of American Composers Orchestra (ACO) in partnership with American Composers Forum, League of American Orchestras, and New Music USA, is the nation’s first ongoing program for identifying and promoting the most promising orchestral composers on the national stage.
Detroit, MI – On Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at 1:30pm and Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 11am, EarShot (the National Orchestral Composition Discovery Network) and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO), present the readings of new works by four emerging composers at Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center (3711 Woodward Avenue). The New Music Readings will be the culmination of a series of private readings, feedback sessions, and work with mentor composers Gabriela Lena Frank, Derek Bermel, DSO’s Classical Roots composer-in-residence Jonathan Bailey Holland, as well as conductor André Raphel.The selected composers and their works, chosen from a national call for scores that yielded 54 applicants, are Brian Nabors (Rise), Marian L. Harrison Stephens (Out of Kilter), Anthony Tidd (Sa & Alatangana), and Kerwin Young (American Caravan).In addition to the orchestral readings, the DSO EarShot residency includes a professional development component on building skills in education and community engagement. From March 1-4, participant composers will receive hands-on training, through collaboration with DSO Teaching Artists, guest composer Jessie Montgomery, and ACO Education DirectorKevin James, to explore the basics of student engagement and will present composition basics to students in local public schools.All DSO EarShot activities occur during the DSO's annual Classical Roots presentation, which has celebrated the contributions of African-Americans to classical music for 41 years. More information is available here: www.dso.org/classicalroots.EarShot, an initiative of American Composers Orchestra (ACO) in partnership with American Composers Forum,League of American Orchestras, and New Music USA, is the nation’s first ongoing program for identifying and promoting the most promising orchestral composers on the national stage. ACO’s artistic and administrative staff collaborates with participating orchestras, assisting with planning, program design, and execution. EarShot residencies include mentorship from the most accomplished orchestral composers in the country, orchestra readings, and musician and conductor feedback sessions. The program is customized to each host orchestra’s aesthetic, demographic, community, and educational interests.Additional EarShot readings this season occurred with Grand Rapids Symphony (September 26-30, 2018) and are upcoming with Sarasota Orchestra (March 12-16, 2019) and American Composers Orchestra (Underwood New Music Readings, May 23-24, 2019).
EarShot, an initiative of American Composers Orchestra (ACO) in partnership with American Composers Forum, League of American Orchestras, and New Music USA, is the nation’s first ongoing program for identifying and promoting the most promising orchestral composers on the national stage.
"When we began assembling programs around commissions from Valerie, Alex Temple, and Du Yun, we didn’t set out with the goal of featuring women (the iconic Morton Feldman being the sole male voice in our concerts this season). We simply programmed the music we wanted to share with you—music we believe in, music we love. But taking a step back, we were pleased that the result is a season of women’s voices, which demonstrates their vitality in American music today. An exciting generation of composers emerges with every call for scores and reading sessions that ACO produces through the annual Underwood New Music Readings in New York (May 23 and 24—mark your calendars!) and through EarShot in partnership with orchestras nationwide. With all that talent, inclusion and quality definitely go hand in hand. We hope that our beloved and iconic American composers—such as Copland, Bernstein, and Barber—would have been darn pleased.A final note, to one of our great living American composers: September 8marked the 80th birthday of the remarkable Joan Tower. Joan wrote her first large orchestral work for ACO in 1981, and we are delighted to help celebrate her milestone year with a performance of Chamber Dance tonight. It was commissioned by our good colleagues at Orpheus Chamber Orchestra about a decade ago, and by bringing it back, ACO stands strong in our commitment to help cement great works of American music into the standing repertoire"
We simply programmed the music we wanted to share with you—music we believe in, music we love. But taking a step back, we were pleased that the result is a season of women’s voices.
On Friday, September 28, 2018 and Saturday, September 29, 2018, EarShot (the National Orchestral Composition Discovery Network), Art Prize, and the Grand Rapids Symphony present the readings of new works by four emerging composers at The Morton (55IoniaAveNW). The New Music Readings will be the culmination of a series of private readings, feedback sessions, and work with mentor composers Bright Sheng, David Biedenbender, and Margaret Brouwer. The selected composers, chosen from an international candidate pool of 159 applicants, are Emmanuel Berrido (Danza Ritual), Tyler Eschendal (Zarathustra Mixtape), Jiyoung Ko (Remembrances) ,and Daniel Leo (Blowing Mad Clouds).
Grand Rapids Symphony Earshot New Music Readings
The Philadelphia Orchestra and American Composers Orchestra (ACO) will partner for a one-day showcase on September 6, 2018, during which the Orchestra will rehearse works by six women composers as part of a collaborative working session. The selected composers, all of whom have been commissioned previously through ACO’s programs, will have their works read and recorded by The Philadelphia Orchestra in a rehearsal led by Assistant Conductor Kensho Watanabe at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. In addition, the composers will participate in meetings with Orchestra leadership and roundtable conversations with the Orchestra’s Artistic Committee and mentor composers, and will receive feedback from co-facilitators, ACO Artistic Director Derek Bermel and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and native Philadelphian Melinda Wagner.“Identifying and collaborating with living composers from all backgrounds is of paramount importance to our organization and for the future evolution of this art form,” said Jeremy Rothman, vice president of artistic planning for The Philadelphia Orchestra. “Our goal is for these readings to foster dialogue between composers and musicians, provide valuable tools for composers to have their works heard and promoted, and spark deeper relationships with a broader selection of composers.”The six invited composers––selected from the alumnae of ACO's Underwood, EarShot, and Jazz Composer Orchestra Institute programs––will travel to Philadelphia to work collaboratively with the Orchestra. The composers are Melody Eötvös (2014 Underwood New Music Readings), Hilary Purrington (2017 Underwood New Music Readings), Chen-Hui Jen (2012 EarShot Readings San Diego Symphony), Robin Holcomb (2016 Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute Readings Naples Philharmonic), Xi Wang (2010 Underwood New Music Readings); and Nina C. Young (2013 Underwood New Music Readings).ACO president Ed Yim added, “Many of the six invited composers were originally identified through the Women Composers Readings and Commissions program, made possible by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Embedded in our Underwood New Music Readings and in EarShot, the program is a systematic approach for identifying emerging female orchestral composers. We are delighted to be collaborating with the great Philadelphia Orchestra and support its desire to strengthen and diversify its programming with these six vibrant artists.”American Composers Orchestra is both a performing orchestra and a catalyst for the creation and programming of new orchestral music by American composers through several platforms. For nearly 30 years, ACO’s own Underwood New Music Readings have presented new works and given emerging composers feedback from mentor composers, musicians, and conductors. Based on the model of the Underwood readings, ACO also enables orchestras around the country to identify and collaborate with emerging composers through EarShot, a joint program with the League of American Orchestras, New Music USA, and the American Composers Forum. The Women Composers Reading and Commission Program (a partnership with the League of American Orchestras) and the Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute offer additional opportunities. Cumulatively, these programs offer composers an array of opportunities to be heard on a national stage.
The Philadelphia Orchestra Earshot New Music Readings
In ACO’s 40-year history, 26 of those years have included a New Music Reading program, first known as the Whitaker New Music Readings and subsequently as the Underwood New Music Readings. They have become one of this country’s most coveted opportunities for emerging composers. This year, six of the nation’s most promising composers in the early stages of their professional careers have been selected from over 200 submissions received from around the country.Writing for symphony orchestra remains one of the supreme challenges for the aspiring composer. Learning the subtleties of instrumental balance and timbre, effective part preparation, and how to effectively communicate with the conductor and musicians are critical skills, but openings for composers to gain hands-on experience working with a professional orchestra are few. The Underwood New Music Readings give emerging composers the opportunity to work with an orchestra singular in its commitment to the development of the American composer, and to hear their work performed by the country’s premier contemporary music ensembles.This year’s participants are composers with diverse backgrounds and stylistic approaches. Each meets with the conductor, key orchestra members, a publishing consultant and mentor composers in preparation for two sessions with the orchestra. Following the sessions with the orchestra, the composers will meet with ACO staff, orchestra members, the conductor and mentor composers to receive critical commentary and feedback. The Readings are professionally recorded to assist each composer in analysis and professional development. Additionally, ACO provides a Career Development Workshop with sessions and panel discussions on publishing, copyright law and promotional strategies with industry leaders. After the conclusion of the Readings, one composer will be awarded a $15,000 commission to write a new work to be performed by ACO in a future season. The audience is invited to vote for an audience choice award. The winner will also be asked to write a new piece for ACOTo date, the New Music Readings have offered a vital resource to the industry by providing essential career development opportunities to over 150 composers, including such award-winning composers as Derek Bermel, Daniel Bernard Roumain, Sebastian Currier, Pierre Jalbert, Randall Woolf, Jennifer Higdon, and Augusta Read Thomas. Since participating in ACO’s readings, these composers have held important residencies and had scores of works commissioned, premiered, and performed by many of the country’s most prominent symphony orchestras.
In ACO’s 40-year history, 26 of those years have included a New Music Reading program, first known as the Whitaker New Music Readings and subsequently as the Underwood New Music Readings. They have become one of this country’s most coveted opportunities for emerging composers.
EarShot (the National Orchestral Composition Discovery Network) announces ten emerging composers chosen from a national candidate pool to participate in New Music Readings presented by Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Charlotte Symphony, and Jacksonville Symphony. The New Music Readings are the culmination of a series of private readings, feedback sessions, and work with mentor composers. EarShot is a partnership between American Composers Orchestra, League of American Orchestras, American Composers Forum, and New Music USA. The selected composers and compositions for Fort Wayne Philharmonic (February 7, 2018) are Nathan Kelly – Redwood, Sohwa Lee – Palindrome, and Robert Rankin –Nijinsky Dances; for Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (March 1, 2018) are Niloufar Iravani – Fantasy, Jihyun Kim – At Dawn, and Felipe Nieto – Artesania Sonora; and for Jacksonville Symphony (April 20, 2018) are Nicholas Bentz – E.W. Korngold Goes to Kikkatsu, Will Healy – Kolmanskop, Ursula Kwong-Brown – Night & Day, and Meng Wang – Blooming in the Long Dark Winter’s Night.EarShot enables connections between orchestras and emerging composers. Drawing from a national network of advisors and advocates, EarShot works with orchestras around the country to identify and support promising composers in the early stages of their careers. Orchestras have relied on EarShot to advise them on commissions, competitions, and program design in addition to identifying composers consistent with the orchestra’s artistic vision. EarShot residencies include established composer mentorship, orchestra readings, and musician and conductor feedback sessions, and are customized to the orchestra’s aesthetic and/or demographic interests and community and education activities.
EarShot (the National Orchestral Composition Discovery Network) announces ten emerging composers chosen from a national candidate pool to participate in New Music Readings presented by Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Charlotte Symphony, and Jacksonville Symphony.
On Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 10am, EarShot (the National Orchestral Composition Discovery Network) and the Charlotte Symphony present the readings of new works by three emerging composers, at Davidson College’s Duke Family Performance Hall (207 Faculty Drive) led by Charlotte Symphony Assistant Conductor Christopher James Lees. The New Music Readings will be the culmination of a series of private readings, feedback sessions, and work with mentor composers Trevor Weston, Wang Jie, and Robert Beaser. The selected composers, chosen from an international candidate pool, are Niloufar Iravani (Fantasy), Jihyun Kim (At Dawn), and Felipe Nieto (Artesania Sonora). On this co-presentation and partnership, Charlotte Symphony President and CEO Mary A. Deissler remarks, “Living composers, and the work they create, are integral to a vibrant culture. The CSO is committed to presenting programs and artists that reflect the diversity of our community.”EarShot enables connections between orchestras and emerging composers. Drawing from a national network of advisors and advocates, EarShot works with orchestras around the country to identify and support promising composers in the early stages of their careers. Orchestras have relied on EarShot to advise them on commissions, competitions, and program design in addition to identifying composers consistent with the orchestra’s artistic vision. EarShot residencies 2 include established composer mentorship, orchestra readings, and musician and conductor feedback sessions, and are customized to the orchestra’s aesthetic and/or demographic interests and community and education activities. EarShot is a partnership between American Composers Orchestra, League of American Orchestras, American Composers Forum, and New Music USA.
On Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 10am, EarShot (the National Orchestral Composition Discovery Network) and the Charlotte Symphony present the readings of new works by three emerging composers, at Davidson College’s Duke Family Performance Hall (207 Faculty Drive) led by Charlotte Symphony Assistant Conductor Christopher James Lees.
Join the Fort Wayne Philharmonic as it teams up with three living composers at a free general-admission performance. Hear exciting new pieces being workshopped at the Philharmonic by the nation's brightest and most talented emerging composers in the early stages of promising careers: The participants and their compositions are Nathan Kelly ("Redwood"), Ms. Sohwa Lee ("Palindrome"), and Robert Rankin ("Nijinsky Dances").EarShot is a nationwide network of new music readings and composer-development programs. It is the nation’s first ongoing, systematic program for identifying emerging orchestral composers; it provides professional-level working experience with orchestras from every region of the country and increases awareness of these composers and access to their music throughout the industry.The performance will be the culmination of four days of workshops and rehearsals. It will be professionally recorded and each composer will be given a high-quality audio recording to be used for archival, study and portfolio purposes.No ticket is required for admission to the performance.This event is a partnership of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, American Composers Orchestra, League of American Orchestras, American Composers Forum, and New Music USA.
Join the Fort Wayne Philharmonic as it teams up with three living composers at a free general-admission performance.
In ACO’s 40 year history, 26 of those years have included a New Music Reading program, first known as The Whitaker New Music Readings and subsequently as The Underwood New Music Readings. They have become one of this country’s most coveted opportunities for emerging composers. This year, six of the nation’s most promising composers in the early stages of their professional careers have been selected from over 200 submissions received from around the country.Writing for symphony orchestra remains one of the supreme challenges for the aspiring composer. Learning the subtleties of instrumental balance and timbre, effective part preparation, and how to effectively communicate with the conductor and musicians are critical skills, but openings for composers to gain hands-on experience working with a professional orchestra are few. The Underwood New Music Readings give emerging composers the opportunity to work with an orchestra singular in its commitment to the development of the American composer, and to hear their work performed by some of the country’s most outstanding contemporary music instrumentalists.This year’s participants are composers with diverse backgrounds and stylistic approaches. Each meets with the conductor, key orchestra members, a publishing consultant and mentor composers in preparation for two sessions with the orchestra. Following the sessions with the orchestra, the composers will meet with ACO staff, orchestra members, the conductor and mentor composers to receive critical commentary and feedback. The Readings are professionally recorded to assist each composer in analysis and professional development. Additionally, ACO provides a Career Development Workshop with sessions and panel discussions on publishing, copyright law and promotional strategies with industry leaders. After the conclusion of the Readings, one composer will be awarded a $15,000 commission to write a new work to be performed by ACO in a future season. The audience is also invited to vote for an audience choice award.To date, the New Music Readings have offered a vital resource to the industry by providing essential career development opportunities to over 150 composers, including such award- winning composers as Derek Bermel, Daniel Bernard Roumain, Sebastian Currier, Pierre Jalbert, Randall Woolf, Jennifer Higdon, and Augusta Read Thomas. Since participating in ACO’s readings, these composers have held important residencies and had scores of works commissioned, premiered, and performed by many of the country’s most prominent symphony orchestras.
In ACO’s 40 year history, 26 of those years have included a New Music Reading program, first known as The Whitaker New Music Readings and subsequently as The Underwood New Music Readings. They have become one of this country’s most coveted opportunities for emerging composers.
The American Composers Orchestra, partnered with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, meets for the 2016-17 season's Earshot New Music Readings.
The American Composers Orchestra, partnered with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, meets for the 2016-17 season's Earshot New Music Readings.
ACO partners with the Buffalo Philharmonic for their 2016-17 Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute Earshot New Music Readings.
ACO partners with the Buffalo Symphony Orchestra for their 2016-17 Earshot New Music Readings