Performances
& Events
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October 26, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Wang Lu, Surge
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops
Link: https://www.cincinnatisymphony.org/tickets-and-events/buy-tickets/cso/2425-cso-season/sibelius--saint-saens/
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
Surge was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
October 26, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Wang Lu, Surge
Surge was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
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October 28–29, 2024
EarShot Readings: National Arts Centre Orchestra
National Arts Centre | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
TBD, Conductor
Featured Artists and Works TBD
Mentor Composers:
Jimmy López Bellido
Ana Sokolović
Dinuk Wijeratne
October 28–29, 2024
EarShot Readings: National Arts Centre Orchestra
National Arts Centre | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
TBD, Conductor
Featured Artists and Works TBD
Mentor Composers:
Jimmy López Bellido
Ana Sokolović
Dinuk Wijeratne
October 28–29, 2024
EarShot Readings: National Arts Centre Orchestra
National Arts Centre | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
TBD, Conductor
Featured Artists and Works TBD
Mentor Composers:
Jimmy López Bellido
Ana Sokolović
Dinuk Wijeratne
October 28–29, 2024
EarShot Readings: National Arts Centre Orchestra
National Arts Centre | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
TBD, Conductor
Featured Artists and Works TBD
Mentor Composers:
Jimmy López Bellido
Ana Sokolović
Dinuk Wijeratne
October 30, 2024, 7:30 PM ET
Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall
Mei-Ann Chen, Conductor
Kebra-Seyoun Charles, Bass
Mak Grgik, Guitar
Inbal Segev, Cello
Curtis Stewart, Violin and Electronics
PROGRAM
Michael Abels: Borders
Kebra-Seyoun Charles: New Work (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory/World Premiere)
Curtis Stewart, Embrace (ACO Commission)
Paul Novak, Forest Migrations (ACO Commission/World Premiere)
Victoria Polevá, The Bell
“The New Virtuoso“ is a series of programs featuring works that defy genre expectations for a solo instrument, and in doing so carve out novel texture, affect and technique in Symphonic composition. This program features works that question the nature and effect of political, gender, and ecologic borders, and how we as humans move and migrate in reaction. With conductor Mei-Ann Chen on the podium, this concert features guitarist Mak Grgik, cellist Inbal Segev, and violinist Curtis Stewart. ACO will perform three commissions by Kebra-Seyoun Charles, Paul Novak, and Curtis Stewart, alongside works by Michael Abels and Victoria Polevá.
“The New Virtuoso“ is a series of programs featuring works that defy genre expectations for a solo instrument, and in doing so carve out novel texture, affect and technique in Symphonic composition. This program features works that question the nature and effect of political, gender, and ecologic borders, and how we as humans move and migrate in reaction. With conductor Mei-Ann Chen on the podium, this concert features guitarist Mak Grgik, cellist Inbal Segev, and violinist Curtis Stewart. ACO will perform three commissions by Kebra-Seyoun Charles, Paul Novak, and Curtis Stewart, alongside works by Michael Abels and Victoria Polevá.
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November 22, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Angel Lam, Let there be a paradise…
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
Let there be a paradise... was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
November 22, 2024
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.
December 6-7, 2024
American Composers Orchestra
Link: BAM | Journey LIVE
Austin Wintory, Composer & Conductor
Ode to Joy, Executive Producer
Journey LIVE
BAM teams up with composer/conductor Austin Wintory and the American Composers Orchestra to present an original, interactive live performance of his Grammy-nominated score for Journey, “the most beautiful game of its time" (IGN).
In an alchemical collision of mediums, live musicians respond to the real-time actions of on-stage gamers as they explore the gorgeous universe within the hit video game. Never the same each time it is played, JourneyLIVE is an interactive parable, marking an unprecedented formal exploration in which live musicians respond to the actions of video game players as they traverse miles of sprawling desert, rolling sand dunes, age-old ruins, caves, and howling winds.
December 6-7, 2024
American Composers Orchestra
LInk: BAM | Journey LIVE
Austin Wintory, Composer & Conductor
Ode to Joy, Executive Producer
December 6-7, 2024
American Composers Orchestra
Link: BAM | Journey LIVE
Austin Wintory, Composer & Conductor
Ode to Joy, Executive Producer
Journey LIVE
BAM teams up with composer/conductor Austin Wintory and the American Composers Orchestra to present an original, interactive live performance of his Grammy-nominated score for Journey, “the most beautiful game of its time" (IGN).
In an alchemical collision of mediums, live musicians respond to the real-time actions of on-stage gamers as they explore the gorgeous universe within the hit video game. Never the same each time it is played, JourneyLIVE is an interactive parable, marking an unprecedented formal exploration in which live musicians respond to the actions of video game players as they traverse miles of sprawling desert, rolling sand dunes, age-old ruins, caves, and howling winds.
December 6-7, 2024
American Composers Orchestra
LInk: BAM | Journey LIVE
Austin Wintory, Composer & Conductor
Ode to Joy, Executive Producer
December 13, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Angel Lam, Let there be a paradise…
Utah Symphony & Opera
Link: https://utahsymphony.org/event/id/33382/
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
Let there be a paradise... was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
December 13, 2024
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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December 13–14, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Meilina Tsui, TBD (World Premiere)
Artis––Naples, Naples Philharmonic
Link: https://artisnaples.org/subscriptions/masterworks
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
December 13–14, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Meilina Tsui, TBD (World Premiere)
Artis––Naples, Naples Philharmonic
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
December 13–14, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Meilina Tsui, TBD (World Premiere)
Artis––Naples, Naples Philharmonic
Link: https://artisnaples.org/subscriptions/masterworks
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
December 13–14, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Meilina Tsui, TBD (World Premiere)
Artis––Naples, Naples Philharmonic
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
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January 10–11, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Marina López, TBD (World Premiere)
Grand Rapids Symphony
Link: https://www.devosperformancehall.com/events/2025/gr-symphony-presents-sax-and-the-city
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.
January 10–11, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Marina López, TBD (World Premiere)
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
January 10–11, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Marina López, TBD (World Premiere)
Grand Rapids Symphony
Link: https://www.devosperformancehall.com/events/2025/gr-symphony-presents-sax-and-the-city
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.
January 10–11, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Marina López, TBD (World Premiere)
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
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February 1–2, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Chelsea Komschlies, TBD (World Premiere)
Tucson Symphony Orchestra
Link: https://www.tucsonsymphony.org/event/mahler-and-schumann/2025-02-01/1/
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
February 1–2, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Chelsea Komschlies, TBD (World Premiere)
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
February 1–2, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Chelsea Komschlies, TBD (World Premiere)
Tucson Symphony Orchestra
Link: https://www.tucsonsymphony.org/event/mahler-and-schumann/2025-02-01/1/
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
February 1–2, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Chelsea Komschlies, TBD (World Premiere)
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
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February 22–23, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Sarah Gibson, to make this mountain taller
Idaho State Civic Symphony
Link: https://iscsymphony.org/24-25-season/
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
to make this mountain taller was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
February 22–23, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Sarah Gibson, to make this mountain taller
to make the mountain taller was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
February 22, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Brittany J. Green, TBD (World Premiere)
Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra
Link: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36404/production/1198898?performanceId=11466141
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
February 22, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Brittany J. Green, TBD (World Premiere)
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
February 22–23, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Sarah Gibson, to make this mountain taller
Idaho State Civic Symphony
Link: https://iscsymphony.org/24-25-season/
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
to make this mountain taller was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
February 22–23, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Sarah Gibson, to make this mountain taller
to make this mountain taller was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
March 6, 2025, 7:30 PM ET
Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall
Tito Muñoz, Conductor
Clarice Assad, Vocals and Electronics
Edmar Castañeda, Harp
Harlem Samba, Percussion
PROGRAM
Clarice Assad: Evolution of AI (ACO Commission/World Premiere)
Edmar Castañeda: New Work (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory/World Premiere)
Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda: Going Home, arr. Curtis Stewart (World Premiere Arrangement)
Tania León, Ácana
Tomàs Peire Serrate: New Work (ACO Commission/World Premiere)
Latin American, Afro-Caribbean, and United States culture have been interconnected for centuries by the effects of colonization and the musics transported and transformed overseas as a result. This program features music from various parts of Latin America and its influence on jazz and “Classical” music in the United States. Conductor Tito Muñoz leads ACO in the performance of works by Clarice Assad, Edmar Castañeda, Alice Coltrane, Tania León, and Tomàs Peire Serrate. Guest artists Clarice Assad (vocals and electronics), Edmar Castañeda (harp), and percussion ensemble Harlem Samba join ACO onstage.
Latin American, Afro-Caribbean, and United States culture have been interconnected for centuries by the effects of colonization and the musics transported and transformed overseas as a result. This program features music from various parts of Latin America and its influence on jazz and “Classical” music in the United States. Conductor Tito Muñoz leads ACO in the performance of works by Clarice Assad, Edmar Castañeda, Alice Coltrane, Tania León, and Tomàs Peire Serrate. Guest artists Clarice Assad (vocals and electronics), Edmar Castañeda (harp), and percussion ensemble Harlem Samba join ACO onstage.
March 6-9, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee
Dallas Symphony
Link: Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 - Dallas Symphony Orchestra
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
Kiskadee was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
March 6-9, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee
Kiskadee was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
March 6-9, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee
Dallas Symphony
Link: Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 - Dallas Symphony Orchestra
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
Kiskadee was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
March 6-9, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee
Kiskadee was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
March 6-9, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee
Dallas Symphony
Link: Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 - Dallas Symphony Orchestra
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
Kiskadee was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
March 6-9, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee
Kiskadee was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
March 6-9, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee
Dallas Symphony
Link: Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 - Dallas Symphony Orchestra
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
Kiskadee was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
March 6-9, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee
Kiskadee was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
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March 25-27, 2025
EarShot Readings: Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music
Bloomington, IN
TBD, Conductor
Featured Artists and Works TBD
Mentor Composers TBD
March 25-27, 2025
EarShot Readings: Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music
Bloomington, IN
TBD, Conductor
Featured Artists and Works TBD
Mentor Composers TBD
April 6, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Angel Lam, Let there be a paradise…
Quad City Symphony Orchestra
Link: https://qcso.org/event/masterworks-vi-rhapsody-in-blue/
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
Let there be a paradise... was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
April 6, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Angel Lam, Let there be a paradise…
Let there be a paradise... was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
May 12-13, 2025
EarShot Readings: Lawrence University Symphony Orchestra
Appleton, WI
TBD, Conductor
Featured Artists and Works TBD
Mentor Composers:
Joanne Metcalf
Asha Srinivasan
Marcos Balter
May 12-13, 2025
EarShot Readings: Lawrence University Symphony Orchestra
Appleton, WI
TBD, Conductor
Featured Artists and Works TBD
Mentor Composers:
Joanne Metcalf
Asha Srinivasan
Marcos Balter
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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 TBA
Featured Artists and Works TBA
Mentor Composers TBA
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 TBA
Featured Artists and Works TBA
Mentor Composers TBA
June 6, 2025
EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra
Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music | New York City, NY
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 and Works TBD
Mentor Composers:
Joanne Metcalf
Asha Srinivasan
Marcos Balter
October 19, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Gity Razaz, Methuselah (In Chains of Time)
Akron Symphony Orchestra
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
In Chains of Time was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
October 19, 2024
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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Raise Up: 2024 Gala and Creative Catalyst Awards
Tuesday, 15 October, 2024
25 W. 40th St., New York City
6:00P Cocktail Hour
7:00P Dinner & Performances
RSVP by September 30th
Festive Attire
Co-chaired by Dr. Indira Etwaroo, Melin Tan-Geller, MD, and Lana Turner, ACO's 2024 Gala & Creative Catalyst Awards honor the contributions of visionary leaders who exemplify the organization’s core values of artistry, creativity, community and equity.
This year’s gala embraces a theme of “Raise Up!” as ACO celebrates a trio of musical visionaries: Regina Carter, MacArthur Fellow, Doris Duke Award recipient and multi-GRAMMY® Award-nominated violinist; Hollis King, Emeritus Creative Director and VP, Verve Group; and the BMI Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting creators of American music through awards, scholarships, grants and commissions.
Gala supporters will enjoy an evening of original music from leading artists while celebrating ACO’s work to expand the definition of American orchestral music to ensure an inclusive and vibrant future. Guests will start by enjoying cocktail hour on the roof terrace, in view of the iconic New York Public Library. Moving to the Garden for awards, performances and dinner, guests will enjoy a scrumptious meal, sparkling company and one-of-a-kind performances before closing the night with dancing under the stars, all while supporting ACO’s mission.
Proceeds from the gala will support ACO’s full suite of programs, including EarShot Readings, the invaluable mentorship program for emerging composers to hear their scores rehearsed and performed by top orchestras across the U.S., Canada and Mexico; EarShot CoLABoratory Fellowships, a platform for composers whose work is experimental and/or rooted in musical traditions underrepresented in the orchestral repertoire; and Sonic Spark Lab, programs geared to students from middle school to college-age, that offer musical training and composing instruction to more than 500 students in New York City and Detroit. In addition, ACO has professional audio and video recordings of all New York City-based engagements for its orchestra, including programs at Carnegie Hall and New York-based EarShot Readings.
In the spirit of supporting American composers through ACO's national EarShot composer advancement programs, orchestral performances and educational initiatives, the gala will “Raise Up!” to celebrate new music, new connections and new ideas catalyzed by communal presence.
Showcasing all that American orchestral music can truly be and do, performances include an original composition by Regina Carter, sound sculpting by Apache violinist Laura Ortman, Gospel-inspired music by bass virtuoso Kebra-Seyoun Charles, the infectious collective energy of Harlem Samba, the warm vocal stylings of Claudia Acuña and the smooth tunes of the Sam Bardfeld Band.
HONOREES
Supporting creators of American music through awards, scholarships, grants and commissions
MacArthur Fellow, Doris Duke Award recipient and multi-GRAMMY Award nominated violinist
Emeritus Creative Director and VP, Verve Group
PERFORMANCES & CREATIVE EXPERIENCES BY
GALA CO-CHAIRS
Indira Etwaroo
Melin Tan-Geller
Lana Turner
GALA HONORARY COMMITTEE
Ralph C. Bumbaca
NYC Market President, TD Bank
Amy Cassello
Artistic Director, BAM
Shirleena Celestine
Global Lead Inclusive Products & Services Apple Music, Podcast, Beats, Shazam, Video, and Sports
Katie Ferguson
Head of Classical, Platoon
Emil J. Kang
Program Director for Arts and Culture, Mellon Foundation
Samantha Levin
Co-Founder, Ode to Joy
Tito Muñoz
Conductor
Adina Sales
Co-Founder, Ode to Joy
GALA COMMITTEE
Alberta Arthurs
Derek Bermel* & Andrea Pinto Correia
Atif Bhanjee*
Thomas Brener*
Jane Cavalier*
Scott Dunn* and Robbie Moray
Indira Etwaroo
Lisa Evanson Washburn*
Michael Fehrman* & Andrea Luciano
Corey Field
Marilyn Go* & Richard Dolan
Todd Gordon & Susan Feder
David Geller & Melin Tan-Geller*
Augusta Gross* & Leslie Samuels
Benjamin Hildner*
Jonathan Holland*
Hollis King
Chris* & Libby Lando
Tess Mateo* & Gary Brewster
Annette McEvoy* & Harold Bronheim
Melissa Ngan*
Deborah Sherman*
Karen Slack*
Toyin Spellman-Diaz*
Judith R. Thoyer
Sameera* & Christian Troesch
Geoffroy van Raemdonck*
Melinda Wagner* & James Saporito
André J. Washington*
Frederick Wertheim* & Angelo Chan
Shinian Ye*
*indicates ACO Board Member
CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT RAISE UP!
GALA SUPPORT LEVELS
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)
- Logo placement or recognition on all print and digital marketing for the event
- Recognition as an official sponsor of The New Virtuoso: Borders, ACO’s October 30, 2024 concert at Carnegie Hall
- 8 VIP tickets to ACO’s The New Virtuoso: Borders concert at Carnegie Hall, plus invite to exclusive post-show reception
- One dedicated social media post highlighting your sponsorship of the event
$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)
- Logo placement or recognition on all print and digital marketing for the event
- Recognition as an official sponsor of The New Virtuoso: Borders, ACO’s October 30, 2024 concert at Carnegie Hall
- 4 VIP tickets to ACO’s The New Virtuoso: Borders concert at Carnegie Hall, plus invite to exclusive post-show reception
- One dedicated social media post highlighting your sponsorship of the event
$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
- Logo placement or recognition on all print and digital marketing for the event
- 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
For Artists and Nonprofit Colleagues $300
- 1 VIP ticket to the dinner & performance
- Listing in Gala Journal
Co-chaired by Dr. Indira Etwaroo, Melin Tan-Geller, MD, and Lana Turner, ACO's 2024 Gala & Creative Catalyst Awards honor the contributions of visionary leaders who exemplify the organization’s core values of artistry, creativity, community and equity.
Shoot Your (Ear)Shot: Stories and Guidance on Applying to EarShot Readings
Friday, 10/4, 4-5pm ET
Featured Speakers: Malachi Brown, Patricia Leonard, Loki Karuna
EarShot Readings are the first systemic program connecting composers with orchestras, providing the unique opportunity to rehearse and interact with large ensembles in a way that many composers never have. This webinar, featuring two previous EarShot Readings participants, will offer insights on the application process and outcomes of this program.
Shoot Your (Ear)Shot: Stories and Guidance on Applying to EarShot Readings
Friday, 10/4, 4-5pm ET
Featured Speakers: Malachi Brown, Patricia Leonard, Loki Karuna
EarShot Readings are the first systemic program connecting composers with orchestras, providing the unique opportunity to rehearse and interact with large ensembles in a way that many composers never have. This webinar, featuring two previous EarShot Readings participants, will offer insights on the application process and outcomes of this program.
September 27–28, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Brittany J. Green, TBD (World Premiere)
Jacksonville Symphony
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
September 27–28, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Brittany J. Green, TBD (World Premiere)
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
September 27–28, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Brittany J. Green, TBD (World Premiere)
Jacksonville Symphony
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
September 27–28, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Brittany J. Green, TBD (World Premiere)
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Part of our EarShot composer advancement program, CoLABoratory Residencies provide artists with a year of generative space with the orchestra to develop ideas that are too big and beautiful for a traditional reading or commissioning model.
With a chamber orchestra of 28 musicians, we are workshopping the following new works:
- Bass Concerto: Nightlife by Kebra-Seyoun Charles: combining multiple styles and genres, Charles takes forms like the French Baroque Overture and infuses them with modern genres like house music, jazz, and gospel. ACO will present the world premiere of Nightlife at Carnegie Hall on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
- New Work by Edmar Castañeda that merges jazz traditions with a diverse set of styles and genres featuring himself on the harp
Location:
The Dimenna Center for Classical Music
New York City, NY
Ensemble:
American Composers Orchestra
Ticket Reservations: https://secure.givelively.org/event/american-composers-orchestra/aco-colaboratory-workshop
August 28, 2024
ACO CoLABoratory Workshop
Part of our EarShot composer advancement program, CoLABoratory Residencies provide artists with a year of generative space with the orchestra to develop ideas that are too big and beautiful for a traditional reading or commissioning model.
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July 7, 2024
Aspen Music Festival and School “Festival Orchestra: Hadelich, Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2”
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Wang Lu, Surge
Link: https://www.aspenmusicfestival.com/events/calendar/aspen-festival-orchestra-2/
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
Surge was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
July 7, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Wang Lu, Surge
Surge was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Event Details
June 13–14, 2024
EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra
Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music
New York City, NY
LIVESTREAM (click video below)
Ensemble: American Composers Orchestra
Conductor: Delta David Gier
Mentor Composers: Marcos Balter, Curtis Stewart, and Niloufar Nourbakhsh.
Featured Artists and Works
Malachi Brown: Statements- a journal entry
Samuel Torres Frailejón
Sofía Scheps: Demografía acústica: % / Acoustic Demography: %
Anuj Bhutani: After the Freeze
Madeline Merwin: Dirty Ice
Eunsung Kim*: Kaleidoscope for Orchestra
Read more about artists & their works on ACO's blog.
*Participation by Eunsung Kim is made possible through an exchange program between ACO's EarShot and the Korean National Symphony Orchestra’s Composers’ Atelier program. One composer selected through Atelier is featured in ACO's EarShot Readings, while one composer selected through ACO's EarShot Readings will be featured in KNSO's Composers' Atelier program.
June 14, 2024 at 7:30pm - Public Read Through
EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra
Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music
New York City, NY
June 13–14, 2024EarShot Readings: American Composers OrchestraNeidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of MusicNew York City, NYEnsemble:American Composers OrchestraMentor Composers:TBDConductor:TBDFeatured Artists and Works:TBD
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Event Details
June 13, 2024
EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra
Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music
New York City, NY
Ensemble: American Composers Orchestra
Conductor: Delta David Gier
Mentor Composers: Marcos Balter, Curtis Stewart, and Niloufar Nourbakhsh.
Featured Artists and Works
Malachi Brown: Statements- a journal entry
Samuel Torres Frailejón
Sofía Scheps: Demografía acústica: % / Acoustic Demography: %)
Anuj Bhutani: After the Freeze
Madeline Merwin: Dirty Ice
Eunsung Kim*: Kaleidoscope for Orchestra
Read more about artists & their works on ACO's blog.
*Participation by Eunsung Kim is made possible through an exchange program between ACO's EarShot and the Korean National Symphony Orchestra’s Composers’ Atelier program. One composer selected through Atelier is featured in ACO's EarShot Readings, while one composer selected through ACO's EarShot Readings will be featured in KNSO's Composers' Atelier program.
June 13, 2024 at 10:30am - Open Rehearsal
EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra
Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music
New York City, NY
Through orchestral, choral, gospel and soul choral music, this one-night-only event is the signature celebration for The Kennedy Center’s Conflux partnership with the National Black Theatre (NBT) running May 26 - June 2, 2024. The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout will take us on a sonic quest produced by National Black Theatre & The Apollo. Taking place in the Opera House at The Kennedy Center, The Gathering will center the soul of Black folks and the heart of America's brilliant and bitter present. With Creative Concept and Direction by NBT’s Executive Artistic Director, Jonathan McCrory, and featuring the American Composers Orchestra and NEWorks Voices of Inspiration chorale, this night will feature the DC premiere of Seven Last Words of the Unarmed by Joel Thompson alongside Carlos Simon’s Amen! and Courtney Bryan’s Sanctum. In conjunction with these pieces, the night has been curated in the African tradition of call and response to include original works by genre-defying Black artists such as Abby Dobson, Toshi Reagon, Troy Anthony, and Nona Hendryx. The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout was originally performed at The Apollo in Harlem, New York 2022.
Event Details
May 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 2024
Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC)
An American Soldier
On October 3, 2011, Chinese-American Army Pvt. Danny Chen was found dead in a guard tower at his base in Afghanistan. Based on his story and the ensuing courts-martial of Chen’s fellow soldiers, this New York City premiere opera tells the powerful true story of a young soldier from Manhattan’s Chinatown who sought to serve his country, only to find his biggest threat was the very people who swore to protect him.
Told through the multidimensional music of Huang Ruo (M. Butterfly, Book of Mountains and Seas) with libretto by Tony and Grammy winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly, Soft Power), and directed by Obie Award winner Chay Yew (Cambodian Rock Band, Sweatshop Overlord), An American Soldier is a powerful and unforgettable experience.
Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra.
The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera.
Huang Ruo, composer
David Henry Hwang, librettist
Carolyn Kuan, conductor
Chay Yew, director
Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm
Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm
Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm
Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm
American Opera by composer Huang Ruo and librettist David Henry Hwang
Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra
The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera
Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm
Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm
Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm
Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm
Event Details
May 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 2024
Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC)
An American Soldier
On October 3, 2011, Chinese-American Army Pvt. Danny Chen was found dead in a guard tower at his base in Afghanistan. Based on his story and the ensuing courts-martial of Chen’s fellow soldiers, this New York City premiere opera tells the powerful true story of a young soldier from Manhattan’s Chinatown who sought to serve his country, only to find his biggest threat was the very people who swore to protect him.
Told through the multidimensional music of Huang Ruo (M. Butterfly, Book of Mountains and Seas) with libretto by Tony and Grammy winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly, Soft Power), and directed by Obie Award winner Chay Yew (Cambodian Rock Band, Sweatshop Overlord), An American Soldier is a powerful and unforgettable experience.
Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra.
The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera.
Huang Ruo, composer
David Henry Hwang, librettist
Carolyn Kuan, conductor
Chay Yew, director
Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm
Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm
Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm
Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm
American Opera by composer Huang Ruo and librettist David Henry Hwang
Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra
The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera
Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm
Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm
Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm
Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm
Event Details
May 16–19, 2024
Kennedy Center, “Randall Goosby plays Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto; Thomas Wilkins conducts Elgar’s Enigma Variations”
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Anna Clyne, This Moment
National Symphony Orchestra
Thirty orchestras will take part in the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program. The unprecedented national consortium ensures that new works by women composers, each commissioned by the League, will be infused in orchestra seasons to come, with multiple performances throughout the country. The consortium’s initial six lead orchestra-composer pairings were previously announced, with more than eighty orchestras applying for the additional twenty-four spots.
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers (formerly the Women Composers Readings and Commissions program) is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
This Moment was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Kennedy Center, “Randall Goosby plays Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto; Thomas Wilkins conducts Elgar’s Enigma Variations”
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Anna Clyne, This Moment
National Symphony Orchestra
Event Details
May 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 2024
Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC)
An American Soldier
On October 3, 2011, Chinese-American Army Pvt. Danny Chen was found dead in a guard tower at his base in Afghanistan. Based on his story and the ensuing courts-martial of Chen’s fellow soldiers, this New York City premiere opera tells the powerful true story of a young soldier from Manhattan’s Chinatown who sought to serve his country, only to find his biggest threat was the very people who swore to protect him.
Told through the multidimensional music of Huang Ruo (M. Butterfly, Book of Mountains and Seas) with libretto by Tony and Grammy winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly, Soft Power), and directed by Obie Award winner Chay Yew (Cambodian Rock Band, Sweatshop Overlord), An American Soldier is a powerful and unforgettable experience.
Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra.
The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera.
Huang Ruo, composer
David Henry Hwang, librettist
Carolyn Kuan, conductor
Chay Yew, director
Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm
Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm
Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm
Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm
American Opera by composer Huang Ruo and librettist David Henry Hwang
Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra
The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera
Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm
Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm
Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm
Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm
April 15–16, 2024EarShot Readings: Illinois Philharmonic OrchestraVenue TBDPalo Heights, ILEnsemble:Illinois Philharmonic OrchestraMentor Composers:Jessie MontgomeryJames StephensonConductor:Stilian KirovFeatured Artists and Works:TBD
April 6–7, 2024Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertAngel Lam, TBD (World Premiere)Quad City Symphony OrchestraToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.
March 22–24, 2024Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertAngel Lam, TBD (World Premiere)Kansas City SymphonyToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra
March 20–22, 2024EarShot Readings: Indiana UniversityBloomington, INMentor composers:TBDConductor:Jeffrey MeyerFeatured Artists and Works:TBD
March 12, 2024, 7:30pm Zankel Hall, Carnegie HallRei Hotoda, conductorChrystal E. Williams, mezzo-sopranoFelipe Hostins, accordionJerod Impichcha̱achaaha' Tate, narrator and lead vocalAMERICA IN WEIMAR: ON THE MARGINSGeorge Antheil: Jazz Symphony 7’Jerod Impichcha̱achaaha' : Lowak Shoppala' (Clans) (NY premiere) 10–15’John Glover (composer)/Kelley (librettist): Right Now (World Premiere) 15’Duke Ellington: “Solitude” and “Sophisticated Lady”, arr. Morton Gould 8’Tonia Ko: Breath, Untamed (World Premiere) 15’Kurt Weill/Ira Gershwin: “My Ship” from Lady in the Dark 5’AMERICA IN WEIMAR: ON THE MARGINS explores American influence on the Weimar period and—conversely—the legacy of Weimar's embrace of transgression, non-Teutonic identity, and utopian ideals, all of which continually resonate in today's American art and music.
February 22–23, 2024“Beethoven Violin Concerto”Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertSarah Gibson, to make this mountain tallerKnoxville Symphony OrchestraToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.
February 7–8, 2024“Pouliot & Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto& Shelley conducts Scheherazade”Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertGity Razaz, Methuselah (In Chains of Time)National Arts Centre OrchestraToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.
January 25, 2024“Birth of a Culture”Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertArlene Sierra, KiskadeeLouisiana Philharmonic OrchestraToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.
Event Details
November 9, 2023, 7:30pm
Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall
Vimbayi Kaziboni, conductor
Sidney Outlaw, baritone
Luke Dubois, video design
Augusta Read Thomas: Sun Dance—In memoriam Oliver Knussen (NY Premiere) 6’
George Lewis: New Work (World Premiere/ACO Commission) 15’
Jack Hughes: Three Ways of Getting There (World Premiere/ACO Underwood commission) 10-12’
Guillermo Klein: The Kingdom (CoLABoratory/World Premiere) 10’
Nina C. Young: Out of whose womb came the ice (World Premiere, Carnegie Hall/ACO Co-commission) 28’
ACO invites you to kick off the 2023-24 season with us at our 2023 Gala & Creative Catalyst Awards, a joyful celebration of the music and culture of the Americas honoring three visionary leaders - Paquito D'Rivera, Dr. Indira Etwaroo, and Edward Yim - who exemplify our core values of artistry, creativity, community, and equity.Meet rising stars of tomorrow over a caipirinha at the bar. Discover new sounds with NYC's most culturally curious. Make lifelong connections through the one-of-a-kind communal dining experience that is Brazilian churrasco. And, because it's a party after all, bring out your most creative festive attire!Save the date and join us for a night featuring music by composer & saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera, soprano Chrystal E. Williams, forró musician Felipe Hostins, composer Raquel Acevedo Klein, and sound artist Chris Kallmyer, among others, and a fabulous dinner.Founded in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Fogo de Chão's interactive tableside service features fire roasted meats, fish, and vegan/vegetarian entrees alongside Fogo's signature Market Table spread inspired by the farms of Southern Brazil where family and friends gather to share the finest and freshest from their harvests.We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of enthralling performances, sparkling company, and delicious food, while supporting the expansion of ACO's national EarShot composer advancement programs, orchestral performances, and educational initiatives.EVENT6:00pm Cocktail Hour7:00pm Awards Ceremony & Performances7:30pm Dinner & DessertTICKETSOnline tickets will be available by August 2023. Until then, please RSVP to Chaele Davis at chaele@americancomposers.orgVisionary $25,000
- 8 VIP tickets to the dinner & performance with priority table placement; includes placement of two guest artists at your table, if desired
- Inside Gala Journal Cover Ad (full color)
- Recognition as an official sponsor of The Quest: Epic Journeys, ACO’s November 9, 2023 concert at Carnegie Hall
- 8 VIP tickets to ACO’s The Quest: Epic Journeys concert at Carnegie Hall, plus invite to exclusive post-show reception
$23,000 of this purchase is tax-deductibleIcon $10,000
- 8 VIP tickets to the dinner & performance with preferred table placement; includes placement of two guest artists at your table, if desired
- Full-page Gala Journal Ad (B&W)
- Recognition as an official sponsor of The Quest: Epic Journeys, ACO’s November 9, 2023 concert at Carnegie Hall
- 4 VIP tickets to ACO’s The Quest: Epic Journeys concert at Carnegie Hall, plus invite to exclusive post-show reception
$8,000 of this purchase is tax-deductibleMaverick $5,000
- 4 VIP tickets to the dinner & performance, with select table placement, includes placement of one guest artist at your table, if desired
- Listing in Gala Journal
- Invitation to a special ACO insider event
$4,000 of this purchase is tax-deductibleMuse $1,000
- 1 VIP ticket to the dinner & performance with select seating
- Listing in Gala Journal
- Invitation to a special ACO insider event
$750 of this purchase is tax-deductibleExplorer $600
- 1 VIP ticket to the dinner & performance
- Listing in Gala Journal
$350 of this purchase is tax-deductibleTRIBUTESI cannot attend, but I’d like to place a tribute in the program book:Back Cover (color) 5” x 7 5/8” $1,500 Full page (B&W): 5” x 7 5/8” $500½ page (B&W): 5” x 3 11/16” $300¼ page (B&W): 2 3/8” wide x 3 11/16” $175ABOUT THE HONOREESNEA Jazz Master Paquito D'Rivera defies categorization. The winner of 14 combined Grammy and Latin Grammy awards with his celebrated musical career that reflects a dedication to jazz, bebop, and Latin music, including his impressive contributions to classical music. In his passion to bring Latin repertoire to greater prominence, D'Rivera has successfully created and championed all types of classical compositions, including chamber compositions and symphonies. His second National Symphony commission "The Journey" premiered in 2022 with Yo-Yo Ma as Soloist.Dr. Indira Etwaroo is an award-winning producer, director, scholar, and non-profit arts leader, and currently serves as the Director of the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple. Previously, she led RestorationART and The Billie Holiday Theatre through radical growth, including the launch of the first national strategic plan for Black theaters, The Black Seed.As Chief Content Officer and Senior Vice President of WQXR, Edward Yim is responsible for developing and implementing a strategic vision that helps WQXR reach a broader, more inclusive audience, drives digital innovation, bolsters the station’s role in New York City’s arts and culture ecosystem, and increases WQXR’s relevance and service to the city’s communities. Prior to joining WQXR, he served as President & CEO of the American Composers Orchestra.
October 19–21, 2023“Korngold’s Violin Concerto”Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertArlene Sierra, KiskadeeDetroit Symphony OrchestraToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.
Presented by the Pittsburgh Symphony, this concert is free and open to the public. This 90-minute concert features selections from Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Suite, and Gershwin’s An American in Paris. Also, a RAD Days first: the Pittsburgh premiere of “to make this mountain taller” by American composer Sarah Gibson. Online reservations are encouraged. This concert is family-friendly, recommended for ages six and older.Sarah Gibson's work is made possible through the Virginia B. Toulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.
October 6–8, 2023Kimmel Center"Trifinov Plays Brahms"Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertAnna Clyne, This MomentThe Philadelphia OrchestraToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.
CSO Assistant Conductors Samuel Lee and Daniel Wiley will conduct the CSO in a performance featuring composers of EarShot, the nation’s first ongoing, systematic program for creating relationships between orchestras and composers. EarShot is operated in partnership with the American Composers Forum, New Music USA, and the League of American Orchestras. The composers will be mentored by CSO Music Director Louis Langrée.
Featured Artists & Works:
Leyou Wang: Impressions from TianqianMartin Hebel: Radiant PillarsGiuseppe Gallo-Balma: Los Huesos de YayaelJoseph Sowa: Summer Has Ten Thousand StarsMentor Composers: Melinda Wagner, Curtis Stewart, Texu KimRead more about Composers & their Works. CLICK HERE –>
“The Four Seasons”Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertGity Razaz, Methuselah (In Chains of Time)Rochester Philharmonic OrchestraSeptember 28th and 30th, 2023Toulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.
Brooklyn’s own Tamar-kali joins forces with international opera and theatre director James Blaszko and the American Composers Orchestra to bring Freedom Is a Constant Struggle to Lincoln Center. A second-generation musician with roots in the coastal Sea Islands of South Carolina, Tamar-kali has designed an evening of orchestral performances and readings that highlight the African-American struggle to reap the benefits of liberty and justice defined as a part of American citizenry. The concert traces the African-American struggle to achieve freedom—from the call to abolish chattel slavery through the Civil War, from reconstruction and the early movement for racial equality to the ‘60s civil rights movement, all the way to our present-day fights for equity. The performance includes the world premiere of Tamar-kali’s Sea IslandSymphony: Red Rice, Cotton and Indigo, and spotlights pivotal works by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Frederick Douglass, Langston Hughes, Nina Simone, and Ida B. Wells, among other notable works. Featuring an orchestra, choir, guest vocalists, orators, and ring shouters, this will be an unforgettable, not-to-be missed evening of innovation, experimentation, and introspection.This is a FREE event with first-come first-served General Admission. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Guest Experience at 212-875-5456 or guestexperience@lincolncenter.org.
Brooklyn’s own Tamar-kali joins forces with international opera and theatre director James Blaszko and the American Composers Orchestra to bring Freedom Is a Constant Struggle to Lincoln Center. A second-generation musician with roots in the coastal Sea Islands of South Carolina, Tamar-kali has designed an evening of orchestral performances and readings that highlight the African-American struggle to reap the benefits of liberty and justice defined as a part of American citizenry. The concert traces the African-American struggle to achieve freedom—from the call to abolish chattel slavery through the Civil War, from reconstruction and the early movement for racial equality to the ‘60s civil rights movement, all the way to our present-day fights for equity. The performance includes the world premiere of Tamar-kali’s Sea Island Symphony: Red Rice, Cotton and Indigo, and spotlights pivotal works by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Frederick Douglass, Langston Hughes, Nina Simone, and Ida B. Wells, among other notable works. Featuring an orchestra, choir, guest vocalists, orators, and ring shouters, this will be an unforgettable, not-to-be missed evening of innovation, experimentation, and introspection.
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra hosts EarShot Readings on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 with four featured composers: Moni (Jasmine) Guo, Diallo Banks, Ricardo Ferro, and Iván Enrique Rodríguez. The composers will work throughout the day with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra musicians and DSO Assistant Conductor Maurice Cohn, and receive feedback from mentor composers Quinn Mason, a 27-year old Dallas-based composer and conductor; “expert in orchestration” (The New York Times) Jimmy López Bellido; and Xi Wang, a Dallas-based composer and faculty member at Southern Methodist University. At 2:00pm that afternoon, the DSO and Cohn perform all four works at Meyerson Symphony Hall, after which a recording will be provided to the participants and published online. The public is invited to a free concert at 2:00pm.
EarShot is the first ongoing, systematic program for developing relationships between composers and orchestras on the national level, developed by the American Composers Orchestra to ensure the vibrant future of new American orchestral music. Over the last 25 years, these readings have provided more than 250 composers with vital artistic and technical resources, as well as career-accelerating public exposure. Alumni of EarShot have won every composition award, including the Pulitzer, GRAMMY, Grawemeyer, American Academy of Arts & Letters, and Rome Prizes, to name a few. Composer-orchestra relationships extend beyond the EarShot Readings, and since 2009, 28 works have been commissioned by partner orchestras from EarShot participants and more than half of selected EarShot composers report receiving a commission directly resulting from their participation.
Reserved tickets are required for this free event. General admission seating.
Read more about Composers & their Works. CLICK HERE –>
Program:
Moni (Jasmine) Guo – Rays of the After-rain Evening Sun
Diallo Banks – Chute Libre
Ricardo Ferro – ‘17-North
Iván Enrique Rodríguez – Symphony No. 2: Naa Okùnkùn ti Òkúnta Dídán
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Maurice Cohn, conductor
Music from Copland House presents six world premieres of the new works it commissioned from the 2023 Fellows of its acclaimed annual Emerging Composers Institute: Henry Dorn, Seare Farhat, Oswald Huỳnh, Maya Miro Johnson, Grace Ann Lee, and Max Vinetz. CULTIVATE 2023, directed by Grammy-nominated composer-clarinetist Derek Bermel, is an intensive, creative workshop and mentoring program for gifted American composers of all backgrounds and identities, in the initial stages of their professional careers. Each year, six young composers are awarded fellowships to participate in this immersive, weeklong session, which takes place at Aaron Copland’s National Historic Landmark home in Westchester County, one hour north of New York City.
SONiC and Mannes/The New School co-present three new interactive works developed through ACO’s EarShot CoLABoratory composer residency program. Inspired by the African-American history of resilience, healing, and awakening post-trauma, Grammy-winner Marcus Gilmore’sPulse, developed with ACO through the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative with his mentor, world-renowned tabla player Zakir Hussain, is scored for drums, jazz ensemble, spoken word, and orchestra. Pulse will feature spoken word by Tracy K. Smith, the 22nd Poet Laureate of the United States and a Pulitzer Prize winner. Trevor New’s Cohere Touch connects artists across continents using the composer’s own augmented reality environment and performance on viola. Mendi + Keith Obadike’s DreamTrain is an immersive sound installation and performance that encourages audiences to dream collectively as a means of social transformation. The American Composers Orchestra will be led by David Bloom.Featuring American Composers OrchestraDavid Bloom, conductorPaloma McGregor, director/choreographerMarcus Gilmore TrioTrevor New, violistTracy K. Smith, poetProgramDreamTrain by Mendi + Keith Obadike, sound artistsCohere Touch by Trevor New, electro-acoustic violist and composerPulse byMarcus Gilmore, drummer and composer, Fellow in the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts InitiativePost-Concert Discussion and Q&A, moderated by Melissa Ngan, featuring Rolex Mentor and Protégé Artists Zakir Hussain & Marcus Gilmore, plus CoLABoratory Fellows Trevor New, Mendi + Keith Obadike
SONiC teams up with Luna Composition Lab and International Contemporary Ensemble to present a concert of brand new works by the 2022–23 Luna Lab Fellows. Founded in 2016 by composers Missy Mazzoli and Ellen Reid, Luna Composition Lab provides mentorship and performance opportunities to young composers ages 13–18 who are female, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming. Missy Mazzoli, Ellen Reid, and George Lewis curate this evening of world premieres as well as additional works by Luna Lab mentors.
Read more about Composers & their Works. CLICK HERE –>
Featured Artists2022–23 Luna Lab FellowsHannah ChenLucy ChenLili MasoudiGabrielle SmithElaina Rae StupplerIsabelle TsengLuna Lab MentorsWang LuNina ShekharInternational Contemporary EnsembleAlice Jones, fluteLeah Asher, violinMeaghan Burke, celloEmmalie Tello, clarinetErika Dohi, pianoProgramHannah Chen: Spiral (World Premiere)Lucy Chen: Seventeen (World Premiere)Wang Lu: From the Distant Plains IILili Masoudi: [to be determined] (World Premiere)Nina Shekhar: GLITCHGabrielle Smith: Stellar Evolution (World Premiere)Elaina Rae Stuppler: Waluga (World Premiere)Isabelle Tseng: Bumbershoot (World Premiere)
Curators: George Lewis, Missy Mazzoli, Ellen Reid