Performances
& Events
Event Details
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Gity Razaz, Methuselah (In Chains of Time)
Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
September 28th and 30th, 2023
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.
Toulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni.
Event Details
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 Tianqian
Martin Hebel: Radiant Pillars
Giuseppe Gallo-Balma: Los Huesos de Yayael
Joseph Sowa: Summer Has Ten Thousand Stars
Mentor Composers: Melinda Wagner, Curtis Stewart, Texu Kim
Read more about Composers & their Works. CLICK HERE –>
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.
Event Details
October 6–8, 2023
Kimmel Center
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Anna Clyne, This Moment
The Philadelphia Orchestra
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.
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.
Event Details
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.
Presented by the Pittsburgh Symphony, this concert is free and open to the public.
Event Details
October 19–21, 2023
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
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.
Toulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni.
Event Details
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.
EVENT
6:00pm Cocktail Hour
7:00pm Awards Ceremony & Performances
7:30pm Dinner & Dessert
TICKETS
Online tickets will be available by August 2023. Until then, please RSVP to Chaele Davis at chaele@americancomposers.org
Visionary $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-deductible
Icon $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-deductible
Maverick $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-deductible
Muse $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-deductible
Explorer $600
- 1 VIP ticket to the dinner & performance
- Listing in Gala Journal
$350 of this purchase is tax-deductible
TRIBUTES
I 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” $500
½ page (B&W): 5” x 3 11/16” $300
¼ page (B&W): 2 3/8” wide x 3 11/16” $175
ABOUT THE HONOREES
NEA 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.
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.
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’
Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall
Vimbayi Kaziboni, conductor
Sidney Outlaw, baritone
Event Details
January 25, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee
Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
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.
Toulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni.
Event Details
February 7–8, 2024
“Pouliot & Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto& Shelley conducts Scheherazade”
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Gity Razaz, Methuselah (In Chains of Time)
National Arts Centre Orchestra
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.
Toulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni.
Event Details
February 22–23, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Sarah Gibson, to make this mountain taller
Knoxville Symphony Orchestra
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.
Toulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni.
Event Details
March 12, 2024, 7:30pm
Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall
Rei Hotoda, conductor
Chrystal E. Williams, mezzo-soprano
Felipe Hostins, accordion
Jerod Impichcha̱achaaha’ Tate, narrator and lead vocal
AMERICA IN WEIMAR: ON THE MARGINS
George 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.
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.
Event Details
March 20–22, 2024
EarShot Readings: Indiana University
Bloomington, IN
Mentor composers:
TBD
Conductor:
Jeffrey Meyer
Featured Artists and Works:
TBD
March 20–22, 2024
EarShot Readings: Indiana University
Event Details
March 22–24, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Angel Lam, TBD (World Premiere)
Kansas City Symphony
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
Toulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni
Event Details
April 6–7, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Angel Lam, TBD (World Premiere)
Quad City Symphony Orchestra
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.
Toulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni.
Event Details
April 15–16, 2024
EarShot Readings: Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra
Venue TBD
Palo Heights, IL
Ensemble:
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra
Mentor Composers:
Jessie Montgomery
James Stephenson
Conductor:
Stilian Kirov
Featured Artists and Works:
TBD
EarShot Readings: Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra
Venue TBD
Palo Heights, IL
Ensemble:
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
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.
Toulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni.
Event Details
May 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 2024
Perelman Arts Center
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
On October 3, 2011, Chinese-American Army Pvt. Danny Chen was found dead in a guard tower at his base in Afghanistan.
Event Details
June 5–7, 2024
EarShot Readings: ROCO
Venue TBD (during League of American Orchestras conference)
Houston, TX
Ensemble:
ROCO
Mentor Composers:
Valerie Coleman
Jennifer Higdon
Nina Shekhar
Conductor:
Mei-Ann Chen
Featured Artists and Works:
TBD
June 5–7, 2024
EarShot Readings: ROCO
Venue TBD (during League of American Orchestras conference)
Event Details
June 13–14, 2024
EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra
Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music
New York City, NY
Ensemble:
American Composers Orchestra
Mentor Composers:
TBD
Conductor:
TBD
Featured Artists and Works:
TBD
June 13–14, 2024
EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra
Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music
New York City, NY