Performances
& Events
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Chelsea Komschlies, Mycelialore
Grant Park Orchestra
Jake Pritzker Pavilion | Chicago, IL
Link: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/events/saint-saens-organ-symphony/
Program
CHELSEA KOMSCHLIES, Mycelialore
FRANZ LISZT, Piano Concerto No. 1
CAMILLE SAINT-SAENS, Symphony No. 3, “Organ”
Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
Clayton Stephenson, piano
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Mycelialore was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Marina López, Moño
Art Deco at 100 (Summermusik Festival)
Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra
School for Creative and Performing Arts | Cincinnati, OH
Link: https://summermusik.org/events-main/artdeco/
Program
ELLINGTON/STRAYHORN, arr. Fred Barton, Take the “A” Train
JOHN ALDEN CARPENTER, Krazy Kat
MARINA LÓPEZ, Moño
MAURICE RAVEL, Piano Concerto in G Major
OTTORINO RESPIGHI, Gli Ucelli (The Birds)
GEORGE GERSHWIN, arr. Ferde Grofe, Rhapsody in Blue
Eckart Preu, Conductor
Terrence Wilson, piano
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Moño was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Join us on Tuesday, August 26th from 10:30am-1:00pm at the DiMenna Center for ACO's upcoming CoLABoratory workshop featuring music by Mazz Swift and Shelley Washington. Each of these artists has been commissioned by ACO to write a new work for orchestra that pushes the boundary of the orchestral genre.
Composer and saxophonist Shelley Washington writes music that draws from every sound she’s ever heard, tacking together snippets of jazz, rock, American folk, etc. sewed together with heavy grooves and big harmonies that “expertly mine the deep wells of private emotion,” (Opera News). Shelley is creating a new work for ACO and cellist Amanda Gookin building on her previous work, Seething, for kick drum and cello; details are available here.
Mazz Swift is a violinist, singer, composer, and conductor, weaving improvisation, classic African American musics, electronica, and mindfulness into their work. Mazz's new work draws on Butch Morris's Conduction method, engaging collective improvisation as a pathway for liberation. Details are available here.
Shelley Washington – Haymaker
Mazz Swift – Memory FIVE: Freedom Initiate
Compose Yourself! is an advanced music composition program offering both in-school and out-of-school classes for high school–aged musicians eager to deepen their understanding of the art of composing. This culminating event showcases original works created by student composers throughout the program, highlighting their creativity, growth, and unique musical voices.
Mise-En-Place
45 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10026
In Harlem at the corner of 112th St
Closest trains - C, 2, 3
Jeffery Meyer, conductor
Featured Artists and Works:
Corey Chang, New Work TBD
Gabriel Novak, New Work TBD
Laura Pacheco, New Work TBD
Emre Sener, New Work TBD
Mentor Composers:
David Dzubay
Gabriel Jenks
Melinda Wagner
Featured Artists and Works:
Marisol Gentile, New Work
Jens Ibsen, New Work
Benjamin Krause, New Work
Matthew Lam, New Work
Mentor Composers:
James Lee III
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Chelsea Komschlies, Mycelialore
Lima Symphony Orchestra
Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center | Lima, OH
Link: https://www.limasymphony.com/2025-2026-season
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Mycelialore was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Meilina Tsui, Floridian Symphony
Resurrection: Mahler’s Resurrection & The Music of The Lion King
Symphony of the Rockies
Parker Arts Culture & Events Center | Parker, CO
Link: https://www.symphonyrockies.org/events/resurrection-mahler
Program
GUSTAV MAHLER, Symphony No. 2
HANS ZIMMER, The Lion King Orchestra Suite
MEILINA TSUI, Floridan Symphony
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Floridian Symphony was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
In every era of uncertainty, artists and visionaries have been the true searchlights — illuminating new paths forward when the world needs them most. Join us for a celebration honoring two luminary couples who exemplify our core values of artistry, creativity, community, and equity.
Immerse yourself in a genre-bending experience rooted in Prohibition Era rebellion and Gatsby-esque opulence. This gathering of artists and their champions is a celebration of artistic disruption and all the good trouble that may come!
This musical evening will honor the past, inspire the present, and light the way for the future, while supporting our American composers through ACO's national EarShot composer advancement programs, orchestral performances, and educational initiatives.
HONOREES
Ray & Vivian Chew
Elizabeth & Justus Schlichting
GALA CHAIRS
Diana Elton
Melin Tan-Geller
HONORARY COMMITTEE
Raven Chacon
George Lewis
Meredith Monk
Huang Ruo
Shanta Thake
Joan Tower
GALA COMMITTEE
ICON
Augusta Gross* and Leslie Samuels
Justus and Elizabeth Schlichting
Melin Tan-Geller* and David Geller
Marilyn Go* and Richard Dolan, Schlam, Stone, & Dolan LLP
MAVERICK
Ray and Vivian Chew
Diana Elton
Ilya Karaulov*
Rick Wertheim and Angelo Chan
MUSE
Alberta Arthurs
Tess Mateo* and Gary Brewster
Steinway and Sons
Judith R. and Michael E. Thoyer
EXPLORER
Lillian Z. Bender Fund
Scott Dunn* and Robbie Moray
Marisa Eisemann
Susan Feder and Todd Gordon
Michael Fehrman* and Andrea Luciano
Jonathan Bailey Holland*
Annette McEvoy* and Harold Bronheim
Yimin Ngan and Patricia Saich
Deborah Steinglass and Al Giammarinaro
Melinda Wagner* and Jim Saporito
Lisa Evanson Washburn*
André Washington*
Philip Webb
Richard Weinert*
SUPPORTERS
Jane Cavalier*
NancyBell Coe
Ruth Eliel
Corey Field
Sean Statser, Kettles & Co.
Theodore Wiprud
* Indicates ACO Board Member
List as of 8/11
SPONSORSHIP & TICKETS
Purchase your tickets before the event.
Visionary $25,000
- 8 Premiere 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 New Virtuoso: For Art’s Sake ACO’s October 29, 2025 concert at Carnegie Hall
- 8 VIP tickets to ACO’s The New Virtuoso: For Art’s Sake 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 New Virtuoso: For Art’s Sake, ACO’s October 29, 2025 concert at Carnegie Hall
- 4 VIP tickets to ACO’s The New Virtuoso: For Art’s Sake 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 $1,500
- 1 VIP ticket to the dinner & performance with select seating
- Listing in Gala Journal
- Invitation to a special ACO insider event
$1,250 of this purchase is tax-deductible
Explorer $1000
- 1 VIP ticket to the dinner & performance
- Listing in Gala Journal
$750 of this purchase is tax-deductible
Non-Profit/Artist Ticket $300
- 1 VIP ticket to the dinner & performance
- Listing in Gala Journal
$50 of this purchase is tax-deductible
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Meilina Tsui, Floridian Symphony
Elgar Cello Concerto
Knoxville Symphony Orchestra
Tennessee Theatre | Knoxville, TN
Link: https://knoxvillesymphony.com/concert/elgar-cello-concerto/
Program
MEILINA TSUI, Floridian Symphony
EDWARD ELGAR, Cello Concerto
IGOR STRAVINSKY, Petrushka
Aram Demirjian, conductor
Zlatomir Fung, cello
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Floridian Symphony was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Meilina Tsui, Floridian Symphony
Elgar Cello Concerto
Knoxville Symphony Orchestra
Tennessee Theatre | Knoxville, TN
Link: https://knoxvillesymphony.com/concert/elgar-cello-concerto/
Program
MEILINA TSUI, Floridian Symphony
EDWARD ELGAR, Cello Concerto
IGOR STRAVINSKY, Petrushka
Aram Demirjian, conductor
Zlatomir Fung, cello
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Floridian Symphony was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Karena Ingram, RAINN
An American In Paris
Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
Orpheum Theater | New Orleans, LA
Link: https://lpomusic.com/events/os03-paris-oct23
Program
JAMES LEE III, Concerto in A
DUKE ELLINGTON, New World A-Comin’
LEONARD BERNSTEIN, On the Town: Three Dance Episodes
KARENA INGRAM, RAINN
GEORGE GERSHWIN, American In Paris
Matthew Kraemer, conductor
Jeffrey Biegel, piano
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
RAINN was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Chelsea Komschlies, Mycelialore
VSO at the Flynn: Pastoral Symphony
Vermont Symphony Orchestra
Flynn Center | Burlington, VT
Link: https://www.vso.org/vso-event/pastoral-symphony/
Program
WILLIAM GRANT STILL, Wood Notes
CHELSEA KOMSCHLIES, Mycelialore
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral”
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Mycelialore was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 7:30 PM
American Composers Orchestra
Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall | New York City, NY
Link TBA
The New Virtuoso: For Art’s Sake features works that utilize newly created instruments and sonic media to explore symphonic texture. Spanning the use of sculptures that move and sonically react to their environments; graphic scores; gestural conduction; a survey of contemporary techniques for traditional instruments; the fashioning of instruments based on composers’ unique cultural backgrounds, these artists’ sense of design propels them into new compositional spaces.
Lucy Gibbon, Soprano
Mélisse Brunet, Conductor
Daniel Rozin, Responsive Sculptures
The New Virtuoso: For Art's Sake
RAVEN CHACON, Inscription (NY Premiere, ACO Co-commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)
TAMAR MUSKAL, Square Off for Voice and Mirror with Responsive Sculptures (World Premiere, ACO Commission)
ELIJAH DANIEL SMITH, The Fall of Ideals (World Premiere, ACO Commission)
MAZZ SWIFT, Memory FIVE: Freedom Initiate (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory, World Premiere)
AARON ISRAEL LEVIN, Multiverse verse chorus bridge verse chorus chorus (ACO Commission, World Premiere)
The New Virtuoso: For Art’s Sake features works that utilize newly created instruments and sonic media to explore symphonic texture. Spanning the use of sculptures that move and sonically react to their environments; graphic scores; gestural conduction; a survey of contemporary techniques for traditional instruments; the fashioning of instruments based on composers’ unique cultural backgrounds, these artists’ sense of design propels them into new compositional spaces.
Link: https://secure.givelively.org/event/american-composers-orchestra/colaboratory-workshop-joe-philips
Featured Artists and Works
Joe C. Philips Jr., We Hold These Truths to Be Self-Evident
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Marina López, Moño
Viva La Música: A Celebration Of Latin American Soundscapes
South Bend Symphony Orchestra
Morris Performing Arts Center | South Bend, IN
Link: https://southbendsymphony.org/events/viva-la-musica-a-celebration-of-latin-american-soundscapes/
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Moño was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Marina López, Moño
Beethoven and Blue Jeans
Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
Robinson Center | Little Rock, AR
Link
Program
MARINA LOPEZ, Moño
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, Piano Concerto No. 4
SILVESTRE REVUELTAS (arr. Hindemith), Suite from La noche de los Mayas
ARTURO MARQUEZ, Danzón No. 2
Orion Weiss, piano
Geoffrey Robson, conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Moño was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Karena Ingram, RAINN
Inner Landscapes: Depths of Expression
Orchestra Nova Northwest
Mt. Hood Community College | Gresham, OR (Nov 15 at 7:30 PM)
Link: https://novanw.org/events/inner-landscapes-depths-of-expression/
Program
KARENA INGRAM, RAINN
LŪCIJA GARŪTA, Piano Concerto in F-sharp Minor
ANTONIN DVORAK, Symphony No. 8 in G Major
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
RAINN was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Marina López, Moño
Beethoven and Blue Jeans
Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
Robinson Center | Little Rock, AR
Link
Program
MARINA LOPEZ, Moño
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, Piano Concerto No. 4
SILVESTRE REVUELTAS (arr. Hindemith), Suite from La noche de los Mayas
ARTURO MARQUEZ, Danzón No. 2
Orion Weiss, piano
Geoffrey Robson, conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Moño was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Karena Ingram, RAINN
Inner Landscapes: Depths of Expression
Orchestra Nova Northwest
Mt. Hood Community College | Gresham, OR (Nov 16 at 3:00 PM)
Link: https://novanw.org/events/inner-landscapes-depths-of-expression/
Program
KARENA INGRAM, RAINN
LŪCIJA GARŪTA, Piano Concerto in F-sharp Minor
ANTONIN DVORAK, Symphony No. 8 in G Major
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
RAINN was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Ottawa, Ontario
Link TBA
TBD, conductor
Featured Artists and Works:
TBD
Mentor Composers:
TBD
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Moni Jasmine Guo, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)
Luisi Conducts Mozart
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center | Dallas, TX
Link: https://www.dallassymphony.org/productions/luisi-conducts-mozart/
Program
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, Leonore Overture No. 3
JON CZINER, Clarinet Concerto (World Premiere)
MONI JASMINE GUO, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART, Symphony No. 40 in G minor
Fabio Luisi, conductor
Gregory Raden, clarinet
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn) was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Moni Jasmine Guo, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)
Luisi Conducts Mozart
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center | Dallas, TX
Link: https://www.dallassymphony.org/productions/luisi-conducts-mozart/
Program
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, Leonore Overture No. 3
JON CZINER, Clarinet Concerto (World Premiere)
MONI JASMINE GUO, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART, Symphony No. 40 in G minor
Fabio Luisi, conductor
Gregory Raden, clarinet
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn) was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Moni Jasmine Guo, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)
Luisi Conducts Mozart
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center | Dallas, TX
Link: https://www.dallassymphony.org/productions/luisi-conducts-mozart/
Program
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, Leonore Overture No. 3
JON CZINER, Clarinet Concerto (World Premiere)
MONI JASMINE GUO, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART, Symphony No. 40 in G minor
Fabio Luisi, conductor
Gregory Raden, clarinet
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn) was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Moni Jasmine Guo, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)
Heartsong: Mendelssohn, Guo, & Rachmaninoff
Lexington Philharmonic
Singletary Center for the Arts | Lexington, KY
Link: https://lexphil.org/heartsong
Program
MONI JASMINE GUO, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)
FELIX MENDELSSOHN, Violin Concerto
SERGEI RACHMANINOFF, Symphony No. 2
Mélisse Brunet, conductor
Tai Murray, violin
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn) was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Wang Jie, The Winter that United Us
Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes
Clemens Center | Elmira, NY
Link: https://www.osfl.org/2025-2026-osfl-season.html/#orchestraseries
WANG JIE, The Winter that United Us
TRADITIONAL, Angels We Have Heard on High, Joy to the World, Sleigh Ride
ANVER FINBERG, Dances in Freygish
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
The Winter that United Us was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Andreia Pinto Correia, Ciprés
Prokofiev’s First Violin Concerto
Princeton Symphony Orchestra
Richardson Auditorium | Princeton, NJ
Link: https://www.princetonsymphony.org/performances/prokofievs-first-violin-concerto/2026-01-10
Program
ANDREIA PINTO CORREIA, Ciprés
SERGEI PROKOFIEV, Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major, Op. 19
DIMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH, Symphony No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 10
Rossen Milanov, conductor
Bella Hristova, violin
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Ciprés was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Andreia Pinto Correia, Ciprés
Prokofiev’s First Violin Concerto
Princeton Symphony Orchestra
Richardson Auditorium | Princeton, NJ
Link: https://www.princetonsymphony.org/performances/prokofievs-first-violin-concerto/2026-01-10
Program
ANDREIA PINTO CORREIA, Ciprés
SERGEI PROKOFIEV, Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major, Op. 19
DIMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH, Symphony No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 10
Rossen Milanov, conductor
Bella Hristova, violin
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Ciprés was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
EarShot Readings: Lawrence University
Lawrence University | Appleton, WI
Link TBA
Mark Dupere, conductor
Featured Artists and Works:
Alicia Castillo, Billow
Matthew Mason, Downhill from Breathing
Lila Meretzky, To crave and to have
Logan Rutledge, Grad Workers Union
Mentor Composers:
Marcos Balter
Joanne Metcalf (TBC)
Asha Srinivasan
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Angel Lam, New Work
Masterworks IV: The Rite of Spring
Quad City Symphony Orchestra
Alder Theater | Davenport, IA
Link: https://qcso.org/event/masterworks-iv-the-rite-of-spring/
Program
MODEST MUSSORGSKY, Dawn on the Moskva River
ANGEL LAM, New Work [World Premiere]
IGOR STRAVINSKY, The Rite of Spring
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Angel Lam’s New Work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Angel Lam, New Work
Masterworks IV: The Rite of Spring
Quad City Symphony Orchestra
Alder Theater | Davenport, IA
Link: https://qcso.org/event/masterworks-iv-the-rite-of-spring/
Program
MODEST MUSSORGSKY, Dawn on the Moskva River
ANGEL LAM, New Work [World Premiere]
IGOR STRAVINSKY, The Rite of Spring
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Angel Lam’s New Work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Julia Aldolphe, Unearth, Release
Experience the Intrigue
Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra
Lied Center for Performing Arts | Lincoln, NE
Link: https://lincolnsymphony.com/experience-intrigue/
Program
JEAN SIBELIUS, Finlandia
JULIA ALDOLPHE, Unearth, Release
NIKOLAI RIMSKY-KORSAKOV, Scheherazade
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Unearth, Release was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Angel Lam, Please let there be a paradise…
Masterworks III - Regeneration
Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra
Capitol Theater | Madison, WI
Link: https://www.overture.org/tickets-events/2025-26-season/wisconsin-chamber-orchestra-regeneration/
Program
ANGEL LAM, Please let there be a paradise…
DAN CAVANAGH, Concerto for Jazz Trio
MICHAEL BELL, Regeneration: A Pentalogy
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Please let there be a paradise… was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Meilina Tsui, Floridian Symphony
MasterWorks V: Alpine Symphony
Canton Symphony Orchestra
Zimmermann Symphony Center | Canton, OH
Link: https://cantonsymphony.org/masterworks-an-alpine-symphony/
Program
JEAN SIBELIUS, Karelia Overture
MEILINA TSUI, Floridian Symphony
RICHARD STRAUSS, An Alpine Symphony
Jeri Lynne Johnson, conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Floridian Symphony was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Moni Jasmine Guo, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)
Symphony Series: Brahms & Dvořák
Richmond Symphony
Carpenter Theatre | Richmond, VA
Link: https://www.richmondsymphony.com/event/brahms-dvorak-2/2026-03-07/#
Program
MONI JASMINE GUO, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)
ANTONIN DVORAK, Cello Concerto
JOHANNES BRAHMS, Symphony No. 4
Valentina Peleggi, conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn) was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Cindy Cox, Dreaming a world’s edge
ORIGINS
North Corner Chamber Orchestra
Rainier Arts Center | Seattle, WA
Link: https://www.nocco.org/upcoming-events/2025/3/7-th4ya
Program
CINDY COX, Dreaming a world's edge
FELIX MENDELSSOHN, Symphony No. 1
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Dreaming a world’s edge was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Cindy Cox, Dreaming a world’s edge
ORIGINS
North Corner Chamber Orchestra
Rainier Arts Center | Seattle, WA
Link: https://www.nocco.org/upcoming-events/2025/3/7-th4ya
Program
CINDY COX, Dreaming a world's edge
FELIX MENDELSSOHN, Symphony No. 1
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Dreaming a world’s edge was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
American Composers Orchestra
Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall | New York City, NY
Link TBA
Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we focus on artists’ musical open letters to America, which reflect narratives around the summer homes of turn-of-the-century Black folk; dreams; unspoken emotions; rituals of celebration; and the connection between the historic and current patriotism of Black American women.
Karen Slack, soprano
Amanda Goookin, cello
Cynthia Yeh, percussion
Carolyn Kuan, conductor
Hello, America: Letters to Us, from Us
JOSEPH PHILIPS, We hold these truths (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)
BRITTANY GREEN, Letters to America (ACO Co-commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)
KITE, Wičhínčala Šakówin (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)
SHELLEY WASHINGTON, Haymaker (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)
JESSIE MONTGOMERY, Procession (arrangement)
Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we focus on artists’ musical open letters to America, which reflect narratives around the summer homes of turn-of-the-century Black folk; dreams; unspoken emotions; rituals of celebration; and the connection between the historic and current patriotism of Black American women.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Stacy Garrop, Goddess Triptych
Beethoven Symphony No. 9
Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
Orpheum Theater | New Orleans, LA
Link: https://lpomusic.com/events/os08-beet-mar12
Program
LOUISE FARRENC, Overture No. 1, in e minor
STACY GARROP, Goddess Triptych
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, Symphony No. 9, Op. 125
Matthew Kraemer, conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Goddess Triptych was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Marina López, Moño
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto + Sibelius Symphony No. 7
Monterey Symphony
Sunset Center | Carmel, CA
Link: https://www.montereysymphony.org/events/tchaikovsky-violin-concerto-and-sibelius-symphony-no-7/
Program
MARINA LOPEZ, Moño
JEAN SIBELIUS, Symphony No. 7
PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY, Violin Concerto
Jayce Ogren, Music Director and Conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Moño was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Stacy Garrop, CHROMA
Gardens of Spain
Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra
The Schrott Center for the Arts | Indianapolis, IN
Link: https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/gardens-of-spain/
AARON COPLAND, Three Latin American Sketches
MANUEL DE FALLA, Nights in the Gardens of Spain
LOUIS GOTTSCHALK, Symphony No. 2 (Montevideo)
STACY GARROP, CHROMA
Matthew Kraemer, conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras have established a third national consortium, featuring three new commissions of full-length, 25- to 30-minute concert works. World premieres and repeat performances of the new works by a consortium of nine orchestras will occur during the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.
CHROMA was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Marina López, Moño
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto + Sibelius Symphony No. 7
Monterey Symphony
Sunset Center | Carmel, CA
Link: https://www.montereysymphony.org/events/tchaikovsky-violin-concerto-and-sibelius-symphony-no-7/
Program
MARINA LOPEZ, Moño
JEAN SIBELIUS, Symphony No. 7
PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY, Violin Concerto
Jayce Ogren, Music Director and Conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Moño was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Jasmine Guo, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)
Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto: Radiant Vision
Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra
Powell Hall | St. Louis, MO
Link: https://shop.slso.org/8647/8696
Program
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, The Consecration of the House Overture
JASMINE GUO, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)
KEVIN PUTS, Concerto for Orchestra
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor”
Stéphane Denève, conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn) was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Jasmine Guo, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)
Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto: Radiant Vision
Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra
Powell Hall | St. Louis, MO
Link: https://shop.slso.org/8647/8696
Program
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, The Consecration of the House Overture
JASMINE GUO, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)
KEVIN PUTS, Concerto for Orchestra
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor”
Stéphane Denève, conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn) was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Karena Ingram, RAINN
Masterworks 7: Unbroken
Asheville Symphony
First Baptist Church of Asheville | Asheville, NC
Link: https://ashevillesymphony.org/event/masterworks-7-unbroken/
Program
KARENA INGRAM, RAINN
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART, Piano Concerto No. 12
DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH, Symphony No. 10
Darko Butorac, conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
RAINN was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Karena Ingram, RAINN
Masterworks 7: Unbroken
Asheville Symphony
First Baptist Church of Asheville | Asheville, NC
Link: https://ashevillesymphony.org/event/masterworks-7-unbroken/
Program
KARENA INGRAM, RAINN
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART, Piano Concerto No. 12
DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH, Symphony No. 10
Darko Butorac, conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
RAINN was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Brittany J. Green, TESTIFY!
Percussion & Rhythm with Andy Akiho
Oregon Symphony
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall | Portland, OR
Link: https://www.orsymphony.org/productions/2526/percussion-and-rhythm-with-andy-akiho
Program
BRITTANY J. GREEN, TESTIFY!
ANDY AKIHO, Percussion Concerto
PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY, Symphony No. 4
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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, ten composers have their works performed by fifteen orchestras across the U.S.
TESTIFY! was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Brittany J. Green, TESTIFY!
Percussion & Rhythm with Andy Akiho
Oregon Symphony
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall | Portland, OR
Link: https://www.orsymphony.org/productions/2526/percussion-and-rhythm-with-andy-akiho
Program
BRITTANY J. GREEN, TESTIFY!
ANDY AKIHO, Percussion Concerto
PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY, Symphony No. 4
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
TESTIFY! was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Melody Eötvös, Red Dirt | Silver Rain
Stanford Philharmonia
Bing Concert Hall | Stanford, CA
Paul Phillips, conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras 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 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.
Red Dirt | Silver Rain was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
The ACO and the Buffalo Philharmonic present the 2013 Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute (JCOI) Earshot New Music Readings featuring the some of the country's most talented emerging American Jazz composers.
The ACO and the Buffalo Philharmonic present the 2013 Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute (JCOI) Earshot New Music Readings featuring the some of the country's most talented emerging American Jazz composers.
22nd Annual Underwood New Music Readings and CommissionApril 8-10, 2013Up to six composers in the early stages of their careers will be selected to participate. One will be awarded a $15,000 commission to write a new work to be performed by ACO. There are no age restrictions; however, applicants should be at the early stages of their professional careers. Each composer may submit only one composition for consideration. Only works that will not have been performed or read by a professional orchestra nor received a public performance prior to the reading date are eligible. Do not submit recordings. Only works completed after January 1, 2008, will be considered. Compositions should be up to 15 minutes in length. Shorter works, or a portion or movement from longer works, will also be considered. Maximum instrumentation is: Winds 3*3*3*3*; Brass 4.3*3*1; Timpani + 4 Percussion, Harp, Keyboard; and Strings 10.8.6.6.4. (Standard orchestral doublings are permitted.) Works requiring soloists will not be considered. If selected, composers must provide professional, legible orchestral parts and scores prepared according to guidelines established by the Major Orchestral Librarians Association (MOLA) by March 1, 2013. MOLA guidelines can be found at:http://www.mola-inc.org/MOLAGuidelinesText.htm The quality of the score submitted is the primary evaluation criteria. It is therefore in the applicant’s best interest that the score be clear and accurate. Works employing electronics, MIDI, digital technology, and/or sound reinforcement in combination with the above instrumental forces will NOT be considered, neither will incomplete, illegible, or late applications. Composers who have applied previously for an UNMR are eligible to apply. However you must submit a new, complete application, including score and all required background information. Please contact the American Composers Orchestra with any questions concerning eligibility.At the Readings, composers will meet with ACO artistic staff and orchestra members—including conductor and music director George Manahan, artistic director Robert Beaser and mentor composer Christopher Theofanidis. The Readings are professionally recorded, and each composer is given a high-quality audio recording to be used for study purposes. Composers also participate in a series of professional development workshops covering such topics as promotion, score preparation, copyright and commissioning agreements, and other career essentials. Participants’ travel expenses are provided.
21st Annual Underwood New Music Readings and Commission June 1-3, 2012Up to six composers in the early stages of their careers will be selected to participate. One will be awarded a $15,000 commission to write a new work to be performed by ACO.The readings are the core of ACO’s ongoing professional training programs for emerging American composers.At the Readings, composers will meet with ACO artistic staff and orchestra members—including conductor and music director George Manahan, artistic director Robert Beaser and mentor composers Derek Bermel, Steven Stucky, and Melinda Wagner—and receive critical commentary and feedback. The Readings are professionally recorded, and each composer is given a high-quality audio recording to be used for study purposes. Composers also participate in a series of professional development workshops covering such topics as promotion, score preparation, copyright and commissioning agreements, and other career essentials. Participants’ travel expenses are provided.
21st Annual Underwood New Music Readings and Commission
The ACO partners with the San Diego Symphony for their 2012 Earshot New Music Readings
The ACO partners with the San Diego Symphony for their 2012 Earshot New Music Readings
The ACO partners with the Buffalo Philharmonic for their 2011 Earshot New Music Readings.
The ACO partners with the Buffalo Philharmonic for their 2011 Earshot New Music Readings.
19th Annual Underwood New Music Readings featuring new music by American composers.
The ACO partners with the Pioneer Valley Symphony for their 2010 Earshot New Music Readings.
The ACO partners with the Pioneer Valley Symphony for their 2010 Earshot New Music Readings.
The ACO partners with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra for their first season of Earshot New Music Readings
The ACO partners with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra for their first season of Earshot New Music Readings
The ACO joins the Memphis Symphony Orchestra for their very first Earshot New Music Reading in 2009
The ACO joins the Memphis Symphony Orchestra for their very first Earshot New Music Reading
The Underwood New Music Readings present an opportunity to selected young composers to have there works read and recorded by a professional orchestra. The event is open to the public and ACO reaches out to schools and other music organizations inviting them to attend the readings.
The American Composers Orchestra presents the 17th Annual Underwood New Music Readings, featuring readings by emerging American Composers.
The American Composers Orchestra presents the 17th Annual Underwood New Music Readings.
American Composers Orchestra announces its 16th annual Underwood New Music Reading Sessions to be held at the Skirball Center for Performing Arts in New York City on May 8 & 9, 2007. Up to eight composers in the early stages of their careers will be selected to participate. One will be awarded a $15,000 commission to write a new work to be performed by ACO.Writing for the symphony orchestra remains one of the supreme challenges for the aspiring composer. The subtleties of instrumental balance, timbre, effective part preparation, and communication with conductor and musicians are critical skills. But openings for composers to gain hands-on experience working with a professional orchestra are few. ACO's New Music Reading Sessions are designed to give emerging composers the opportunity to work with an orchestra singular in its commitment to the development of the American composer and to hear their work performed by some of the country's most outstanding contemporary music instrumentalists.Led by ACO Artistic Director Robert Beaser, the Readings are the core of ACO's ongoing professional training programs for emerging American composers.At the Readings, composers will meet with ACO artistic staff, orchestra members, and composer advisors and receive critical commentary and feedback. Members of ACO's composer advisory panel and guest composers participate in preliminary reviews of scores, post-Reading evaluations and selection of the composer to receive the commission award. The Reading are professionally recorded, and each composer a high-quality audio recording to be used for study purposes.ACO's related programs include an annual composer fellowship that allows a composer to work with ACO's artistic and administrative staffs over the course of a season; and Orchestra Tech, a multi-year project to explore the past, present and future applications of electronics and digital technologies in orchestral music. Through Orchestra Tech, works employing electronics and digital technology are now encouraged for the Readings.Lead support for the New Music Readings comes from Mr. Paul Underwood, the Fromm Foundation and The Helen F. Whitaker Fund. ACO's emerging composers programs are made possible with the support of Jerome Foundation, and with public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
American Composers Orchestra announces its 16th annual Underwood New Music Reading Sessions
American Composers Orchestra announces its 15th annual Underwood New Music Readings Sessions and Commission. Up to eight composers in the early stages of their careers will be selected to participate. One will be awarded a $15,000 commission to write a new work to be performed by ACO at Carnegie Hall. The Readings are led by Artistic Director Robert Beaser and, and will be held on May 18 & 19, 2006 in New York City. Composers Paul Moravec and Stephen Paulus will serve as composer-mentors.
American Composers Orchestra announces its 15th annual Underwood New Music Readings Sessions and Commission.
American Composers Orchestra announces its 14th annual Underwood New Music Readings Sessions and Commission. Up to eight composers in the early stages of their careers will be selected to participate. One will be awarded a $15,000 commission to write a new work to be performed by ACO at Carnegie Hall. The Readings are led by Artistic Director Robert Beaser and Music Director Steven Sloane, and will be held on May 5-6, 2005 at Columbia University. The application deadline is November 10, 2004. The submission form, guidelines, and additional information is available at www.americancomposers.org/nmr or by calling ACO at 212 977 8495 x202/readings@americancomposers.org.
American Composers Orchestra announces its 14th annual Underwood New Music Readings Sessions and CommissionAmerican Composers Orchestra announces its 14th annual Underwood New Music Readings Sessions and Commission.