Performances
& Events
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
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Jeffery Meyer, conductor
Featured Artists and Works:
Corey Chang, Dragon Gate
Gabriel Novak, Sundrinker
Laura Pacheco, Voices of the Earth and Sea
Emre Sener, Bekçi
Mentor Composers:
David Dzubay
Gabriel Jenks
Melinda Wagner
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Featured Artists and Works:
Marisol Gentile, Paisaje Onírico
Jens Ibsen, Lunar Phrasing
Benjamin Krause, Silent City
Matthew Lam, Witchcraft
Mentor Composers:
James Lee III
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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.
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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
In formation
Raven Chacon
Philip Glass
George Lewis
Meredith Monk
Huang Ruo
Shanta Thake
Joan Tower
GALA COMMITTEE
In formation
ICON
Thomas Brener* and Inbal Segev
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*
Frederick Wertheim and Angelo Chan
MUSE
Alberta Arthurs
Tess Mateo* and Gary Brewster
Steinway and Sons
Judith R. and Michael E. Thoyer
EXPLORER
Atif Bhanjee
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*
Brian Waters
Philip Webb
Richard Weinert*
Shinian Ye* and Cathy Huang
SUPPORTERS
Mashey Bernstein
Jane Cavalier*
NancyBell Coe
Ruth Eliel
Corey Field
Ron Lipuma
Sean Statser, Kettles & Co.
Theodore Wiprud
* Indicates ACO Board Member
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.
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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.
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Featured Artists and Works
Donna Weng Friedman
Stefania de Kenessey
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Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 7:30 PM
American Composers Orchestra
Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall | New York City, NY
Link TBA
The New Virtuoso: For Art’s Sake features works that utilize newly created instruments and sonic media to explore symphonic texture. Spanning the use of sculptures that move and sonically react to their environments; graphic scores; gestural conduction; a survey of contemporary techniques for traditional instruments; the fashioning of instruments based on composers’ unique cultural backgrounds, these artists’ sense of design propels them into new compositional spaces.
Lucy Gibbon, Soprano
Mélisse Brunet, Conductor
Daniel Rozin, Responsive Sculptures
The New Virtuoso: For Art's Sake
RAVEN CHACON, Inscription (NY Premiere, ACO Co-commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)
TAMAR MUSKAL, Square Off for Voice and Mirror with Responsive Sculptures (World Premiere, ACO Commission)
ELIJAH DANIEL SMITH, 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.
Featured Artists and Works
Joseph C. Phillips Jr., We Hold These Truths to Be Self-Evident
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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.
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Ottawa, Ontario
Link TBA
TBD, conductor
Featured Artists and Works:
TBD
Mentor Composers:
TBD
Ottawa, Ontario
Link TBA
TBD, conductor
Featured Artists and Works:
TBD
Mentor Composers:
TBD
Ottawa, Ontario
Link TBA
TBD, conductor
Featured Artists and Works:
TBD
Mentor Composers:
TBD
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Brittany J. Green, TESTIFY!
Jubilee & Joy: Green & Beethoven
Singletary Center for the Arts | Lexington, KY
Link: https://lexphil.org/jubilee-and-joy
Program
BRITTANY J. GREEN, TESTIFY!
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, Symphony No. 9
Mélisse Brunet, conductor
The Lexington Singers (Dejah Watts, soprano; Hannah Shae, mezzo-soprano; Matthew Pearce, tenor; Sunghoon Han, bass)
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
Brittany J. Green, TESTIFY!
Jubilee & Joy: Green & Beethoven
Singletary Center for the Arts | Lexington, KY
Link: https://lexphil.org/jubilee-and-joy
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.
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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.
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American Composers Orchestra
Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall | New York City, NY
Link TBA
Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we focus on artists’ musical open letters to America, which reflect narratives around the summer homes of turn-of-the-century Black folk; dreams; unspoken emotions; rituals of celebration; and the connection between the historic and current patriotism of Black American women.
Karen Slack, soprano
Amanda Goookin, cello
Cynthia Yeh, percussion
Carolyn Kuan, conductor
Hello, America: Letters to Us, from Us
JOSEPH PHILIPS, We hold these truths (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)
BRITTANY GREEN, Letters to America (ACO Co-commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)
KITE, Wičhínčala Šakówin (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)
SHELLEY WASHINGTON, Haymaker (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)
JESSIE MONTGOMERY, Procession (arrangement)
Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we focus on artists’ musical open letters to America, which reflect narratives around the summer homes of turn-of-the-century Black folk; dreams; unspoken emotions; rituals of celebration; and the connection between the historic and current patriotism of Black American women.
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Featured Artists and Works
TBD
Featured Artists and Works
TBD
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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.
TBD, Conductor
Featured Artists and Works:
TBD
Mentor Composers:
TBD
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Featured Artists and Works:
Malachi Brown
TBD, Conductor
Featured Artists and Works:
TBD
Mentor Composers:
TBD
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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.
Everyone loves a drum solo! An evening of new music by percussionist composers with beats originating from Latin America moving to electronic sounds through Brazilian Berimbau to steel pans. With music by Tyshawn Sorey, Payton Macdonald, Susie Ibarra, Greg Beyer and Andy Akiho with Mariel Roberts.
Music by Mario Diaz de León, Du Yun, Steve Lehman, Phyllis Chen, Nathan Davis and Marcos Balter.
Friday, October 16, 2015, 8 pm - The Winter Garden at Brookfield PlaceACO: New York Stories (New Sounds Live - an all world premiere concert)George Manahan, Music Director & ConductorJACK QuartetDM Stith, vocalsThe Crossing, Donald Nally, directorANGELICA NEGRON: Me He Perdido (I've Gotten Lost) (World Premiere. ACO Commission)ANDY AKIHO: Tarnished Mirrors (World Premiere. ACO/Underwood Commission)ALEX MINCEK: Continuo, Concerto for JACK Quartet (World Premiere. ACO/NYSCA Commission)JUDD GREENSTEIN: My City (World Premiere. ACO Co-Commission)
Installation performances: October 17, 2015, 2 pm - Shapeshifter LabMachine Music: Acoustic & Robotic Instruments[Installation setup: October 15-16]Quince Contemporary Vocal EnsembleALBERT BEHAR (composer and instrument maker): Sound Orb (World Premiere) – tactile speaker system (pre concert and during intermission)RUBY FULTON (composer): Cycle Loops – piano, electronics, bikeFJOLA EVANS (composer) and Merche Blasco (instrument maker): Whirlpool - Three singers and 4 thereminsLEVY LORENZO (composer and instrument maker): Inside Voice - iLophone and 3 singersMOLLY HERRON (composer) and Andy Cavatorta (instrument maker): Stellar Atmospheres (World Premiere)– three singers, viol consort & dervishes
SONiC’s late-night series kicks off with multimedia collaborations between composers, filmmakers, video and digital artists. With music by Paola Prestini ("radiant…amorously evocative" The New York Times), Christopher Cerrone ("a rising star" The New Yorker) and Bora Yoon ("…operatic and intense, genre-scrambling and iconoclastic" Noise Art Magazine).
A marathon of musical discoveries hosted by the fearless JACK Quartet—alone and in collaboration with some far-flung instrumentalists, vocalists and ensembles.Sunday, October 18, 2015 - Merkin Concert Hall, 3-9 pmJACK Out of the Box: A Marathon EventJACK Quartetwith special guests:So PercussionFace the Music: This Side Up QuartetDuo CortonaandRachel Calloway, mezzo-sopranoCaroline Shaw, vocalsDerek Bermel, clarinetKen Thomson, bass clarinetJason Treuting, percussion
The GRAMMY-winning vocal ensemble continually mines the expressive potential of the human voice, with new musical gems discovered by composers from Brooklyn and beyond. Performed at the city’s newest venue for musical experimentation and discovery.
SONiC’s installment from across the pond, Netherlands’ most innovative musical collective brings a program of Dutch, English and American compositional “finds.”
Thursday, October 22, 2015, at 8 pm - Merkin Concert HallAlarm Will SoundAlan Pierson, conductorCourtney Orlando, a Nubian PrinceCaleb Burhans, a Nubian PrinceMichael Harley, the Engineer
Violinist/composer Curtis Stewart premieres new music with pianist and Kaufman Music Center Artist-in-Residence Aaron Diehl, Harlem Quartet, Mazz Swift, and a chamber orchestra of musicians from The Next Festival of Emerging Artists and Kaufman Music Center’s Special Music School, conducted by Peter Askim. Featuring the world premiere of Curtis’s ACO-commissioned work Embrace, the program brings new creative voices to the fore, in part through reinterpreting works from the past. A New Sounds Live co-presentation hosted by John Schaefer.
Music that is guaranteed to move you. World premiere collaborations between emerging composers and choreographers with music by Peter Evans and Sam Pluta, Dana Jessen and Paula Matthusen, and Tyshawn Sorey. New dance by Jacob Slominski, Biba Bell and Abigail Levine.
The New York debut of wild Up—one of the left coast’s hottest young musical collectives. With a program that is a study of west coast experimentalism, pulse music, noise, punk rock, Los Angeles, and tumbleweeds.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015, 10 pm (doors open 9:30) - DROMSONiC AfterHoursHybridity: Composers Exploring Jazz & Concert MusicOff The CliffEco-Music Big BandMelissa Elledge, accordion: Improv/Arrangements (rep TBD)Off The CliffClarice Assad - bandleaderPersonnel:Clarice Assad - piano, voiceSissy Castrogiovanni - VoiceLara Bello - VoiceKeita Ogawa - Percussion Sergio Krakowsky - Percussion Petros Klampanis - Double bass Matthew Rohde - GuitarAdam Niewood - SaxophoneSue Terry - Clarinet
Composer/singer Kamala Sankaram showcases an ongoing creative project in which the audience becomes integral participants in the music-making process. Celebrating ACO’s commitment to creativity, Sankaram has been developing an app to enable anyone to participate regardless of prior music experience or score reading ability. Come join this ever-evolving game-like work at this lunchtime concert co-presented by Kaufman Music Center. ---Join composer and vocalist Kamala Sankaram for a free, public communal sing-in featuring new works by Sankaram in Merkin Hall. All levels are welcome! Sankaram showcases an ongoing creative project in which the audience becomes integral participants in the music-making process. Sankaram began developing this project as a Kaufman Music Center 2021-22 Artist-In-Residence with the aim of enabling anyone to participate, regardless of prior music experience or score reading ability. Come join this ever-evolving game-like work, and make music with your fellow New Yorkers!
The Next Festival of Emerging Artists celebrates its 10th Anniversary with a program of World Premieres for string orchestra based on the theme of Interactivity, including by Guest Artist and soloist guitarist/composer Yvette Young, 2022 Pulitzer Finalist Leilehua Lanzilotti, composer/violinist (and Festival alum) Che Buford, saxophonist/composer Matthew Evan Taylor, and Peter Askim (The Next Festival’s Artistic Director).
Composer-performers Angélica Negrón and Miguel Zenón curate an afternoon of works performed by a sensational and wide-ranging array of New York musicians highlighting the rich musical traditions of Puerto Rico leading up to the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade. Featured performers and composers include Ahmed Alom, Raquel Acevedo Klein, Angélica Negrón, Victor Pablo, Darian Thomas, and Miguel Zenón.
Bergamot Quartet and special guest Dan Trueman will present a program that pays homage to the intricate array of textures and pitches available on our non-fretted instruments, featuring works that explore “the spaces between the notes”, and backboned by fiddle traditions from around the world.
Jazz at Lincoln Center and SONiC co-present a program curated by two of the most innovative artists bridging the boundaries between Latin Jazz and classical music—Clarice Assad and Yosvany Terry—at Dizzy’s Club.Jazz at Lincoln Center and SONiC co-present a program curated by two of the most innovative artists bridging the boundaries between Latin Jazz and classical music – Clarice Assad and Yosvany Terry – at Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center on Monday, June 5, 2023. At 7:30pm, Grammy Award–nominated composer, pianist, and vocalist Clarice Assad curates a one-hour set featuring Brazilian guitarist João Luiz Rezende, pianists Mariel Mayz and Carolina Calvache, and more.Curated by: Clarice Assad
ACO teams up with the Public Theater for a night of SONiC explorations curated by two of ACO’s recently commissioned composers Paula Matthusen and inti figgis-vizueta. Two events on the same evening: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 7pm, and 9:30pm. The 9:30pm event is curated by Paula Matthusen.
SONIC welcomes a program of Caribbean music entitled Nexus, produced by Puentes Caribeños, an organization dedicated to promoting Caribbean art music since 2013. Featuring Jamaican pianist Paul Shaw, Puerto Rican flutist Nora Lee Garcia with pianist/composers Mariano Morales and Raymond Torres-Santos, and Bahamian ensemble C Force – with Christine Gangelhoff, flute; Christian Justilien, euphonium; and Paul Jones, piano – this performance presents works connected to the Caribbean, including four world premieres.Curated by: Puentes CaribeñosCoordinated by: Christine Gangelhoff
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.
Yosvany Terry and Atlantic ConnectionsJazz at Lincoln Center and SONiC co-present a program curated by two of the most innovative artists bridging the boundaries between Latin Jazz and classical music—Clarice Assad and Yosvany Terry—at Dizzy’s Club.Atlantic Connections, created by Yosvany Terry and Alicia Hall Moran, is a song cycle inspired by a selection of poets from the African Diaspora, including Maya Angelou, Salgado Maranhão (Brasil), and Silvie Kande (Senegal). The work of these poets served as a launching point for Terry and Hall to explore themes of land, home, motherhood, love, loss, distance, displacement, and water as some of the elements that spiritually connect the peoples of the African Diaspora. Atlantic Connections was originally commissioned by the Harvard University Committee on the Arts.
ACO teams up with the Public Theater for a night of SONiC explorations curated by two of ACO’s recently commissioned composers Paula Matthusen and inti figgis-vizueta. Two events on the same evening: Wednesday, June 7 at 7pm and 9:30pm. The 7pm event curated by inti figgis-vizueta features The Rhythm Method, an ensemble of four composer-performers.
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, Marcus Gilmore’s Pulse, developed with ACO through The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative with mentor Zakir Hussain, is scored for drums, jazz ensemble, spoken word, and orchestra. Trevor New’s Cohere Touch connects artists across continents using the composer’s own augmented reality environment. Mendi and Keith Obadike’s Dream Train is an immersive sound installation and performance that encourages audiences to dream collectively as a means of social transformation.
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.