About

Now encompassing all of the American Composers Orchestra’s composer advancement initiatives, EarShot is the first ongoing, systematic program for developing relationships between composers and orchestras on the national level. Through EarShot Readings, CoLABoratory fellowships, consortium commissions, and professional development, EarShot ensures a vibrant musical future by investing in creativity today.

CoLABoratory Fellowships advance the work of composers whose work is experimental and/or rooted in musical traditions underrepresented in the orchestral repertoire. CoLABoratory addresses systemic barriers within orchestral commissioning, providing a gateway to the field and a generative environment for composers from any and all musical backgrounds to create definition-expanding works for orchestra. Instead of providing a written score, composers submit an idea that is developed in partnership with the orchestra through an artist-led process. Fellowships include:

  • Collaborative sessions with performers to workshop musical ideas and foster co-learning over 12 months;
  • Readings and public performances of the resulting work;
  • Opportunities for the composer to engage in artistic curation, educational programming and community-focused program design;
  • and Recruitment of partner orchestras to drive future performances and consortium commissions

CoLABoratory Fellows 2022 - 2023

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Seven Sides of Fire

A new work for chamber orchestra (35 players) and the Attacca Quartet to be premiered by ACO on October 20, 2022 at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall.

Yvette Janine Jackson

Hello, Tomorrow!

Taking its title from the George Lefferts’ story, Jackson’s work is written for orchestra and electronics, and will premiere on October 20, 2022 at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall.

Trevor New

Cohere Touch

A new work for orchestra and augmented reality system “The Hub,” a custom-built, server-based system that can support in-person and virtual interactivity. To premiere in June 2023 with ACO (exact date TBD).

Mendi + Keith Obadike

Dream Train

A meditative piece inspired by the mythology of the train in African American music and visual art featuring ACO musicians and 3 actors. To premiere in June 11, 2023 with ACO.

Marcus Gilmore

Pulse

Gilmore’s first large-scale composition. Written for drums, chamber ensemble and spoken word, it is inspired by the African-American history of resilience, as well as the necessity for healing and awakening post trauma.