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.
An all world premiere program featuring Orchestra Underground, ACO’s smaller, flexible, entrepreneurial orchestra that embraces electronics, multimedia, unusual instruments, new collaborations and new influences.
Based on the 2007 novel Fellow Travelers by Thomas MallonFellow Travelers was developed through “Opera Fusion: New Works,” a joint venture between Cincinnati Opera and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, made possible by a grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; a residency at the MacDowell Colony, Peterborough, NH; and a residency at the Copland House, Cortlandt Manor, NY, as a recipient of the Copland House Residency Award.Used by arrangement with European American Music Distributors Company, sole U.S. and Canadian agent for Schott Helicon Music Corporation, New York, publisher and copyright owner.New York PremiereFELLOW TRAVELERSCOMPOSER Gregory SpearsLIBRETTIST Greg PierceDIRECTED BY Kevin NewburyCONDUCTED BY George ManahanEXECUTIVE PRODUCER G. Sterling ZinsmeyerSCENIC DESIGNER: Victoria "Vita" TzykunLIGHTING DESIGNER: Thomas C. HaseCOSTUME DESIGNER: Paul CareyHAIR AND MAKEUP DESIGNER: Anne Ford-CoatesGENERAL MANAGER: Amanda CooperPRODUCTION MANAGER: Carly LevinCINCINNATI OPERA PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Glenn PlottSTAGE MANAGER: Constance Dubinski GrubbsFEATURING:Aaron Blake as TIMOTHY LAUGHLINJoseph Lattanzi as HAWKINS FULLERDevon Guthrie as MARY JOHNSONVernon Hartman as SENATOR POTTER & BARTENDERMarcus DeLoach as ESTONIAN FRANK, INTERROGATOR, & SENATOR McCARTHYChristian Pursell as POTTER'S ASSISTANT, BOOKSELLER, & PRIESTPaul Scholten as TOMMY McINTYREAlexandra Schoeny as MISS LIGHTFOOTCecilia Violetta López as LUCYWITH American Composers OrchestraA Cincinnati Opera ProductionDeveloped and Co-Commissioned by G. Sterling Zinsmeyer and Cincinnati OperaCo-presented with John Jay College of Criminal Justice and American Composers OrchestraAdditional Billing & Special ThanksASSOCIATE DIRECTOR:Marcus ShieldsASSISTANT CONDUCTOR:Braden ToanASSOCIATE COSTUME DESIGNER:Madeleine PritnerASSOCIATE LIGHTING DESIGNER:Joe BeumerCOSTUME COORDINATOR/WARDROBE HEAD:Victoria BekHAIR AND MAKEUP ASSISTANT:Ali PohankaASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS:Skye Cone & Hayley HuntSUPERTITLE OPERATOR:Heather O'DonovanREHEARSAL PIANISTS:David Sytkowski &Andrew SunAMERICAN COMPOSERS ORCHESTRA:Eva Gruesser - The Roger Sessions Chair,Robert Chausow, Sander Strenger,Michael Roth, Deborah Wong,Martin Agee, violinVeronica Salas & Sandra Robbins, violaGene Moye - The Virgil Thomson Chair& Jeanne Leblanc, celloGail Kruvand, bassLaura Conwesser, fluteMelanie Feld, oboeSteve Hartman, clarinetMike Seltzer, Dave Taylor, tromboneSteven Beck - The Thorne Family Chair, pianoJonathan Taylor, Personnel ManagerSPECIAL THANKS:The Fellow Travelers Company would like to extend their gratitude to Cincinnati Opera, for all their support and work in creating the world premiere, and subsequently this remount, in particular Patricia K. Beggs, Evans Miragus, Glenn Plott and Marcus Kuchle. Thank you to the Lynch theater staff, and all the amazing staff and interns for thePROTOTYPE Festival.This work would not exist without the incisive novel by Thomas Mallon, to whom we owe our un-ending appreciation. And this NYC Premiere would not have been possible without the support of our angel individual donors:Lead Supporters:Gale Family FoundationTed SnowdonSupporters:Susan BienkowskiChristine & Michael GarnerSherwin GoldmanJohn KanderDoug NevinThe Newburgh Institute for the Arts and IdeasJohn Pcsolar and Alan SandmanCarey Ramos & Coco BentleyThe Jill and William SteinbergFamily FoundationOpera In Europe LLCWyncote FoundationThe Andrew D. Zacks FoundationFELLOW TRAVELERS, SYNOPSISThe story takes place from September 1953 to May 1957 in Washington, D.C. Eisenhower is president. Senator Joseph McCarthy is stoking fears that the U.S. federal government is full of communists, Soviet spies, and homosexuals.ACT ONESCENE 1, PARK IN DUPONT CIRCLEA fledgling reporter, Timothy Laughlin, sits on a park bench reviewing his notes from McCarthy's wedding when he is approached by State Department employee Hawkins Fuller.SCENE 2, SENATOR CHARLES POTTER'S OFFICETimothy is hired as a speech writer for Senator Charles Potter, upon Hawkins’ recommendation. In Potter’s office, Timothy meets Tommy McIntyre who gives him unsolicited advice.SCENE 3, HAWKINS’S OFFICETimothy stops by Hawkins’ office to drop off a thank-you gift. He meets Hawkins’ assistant and best friend Mary and his secretary Miss Lightfoot, who mocks Timothy after he leaves.SCENE 4, TIMOTHY'S APARTMENTTimothy is at home cooking soup and writing his sister a letter when Hawkins unexpectedly stops by to tell him about the delights of Bermuda, among other things.SCENE 5, St. Peter's ChurchIn the afterglow of last night's encounter with Hawkins, Timothy is torn between his deep Catholicism and his blossoming passion.SCENE 6, The Hotel WashingtonAt a Christmas party, Timothy is approached by an Army general about enlisting; Mary warns Hawkins about his reckless behavior; McIntyre tells Potter about McCarthy’s latest troubles; Miss Lightfoot overhears an intimate exchange between Hawkins and Timothy.SCENE 7, Interrogation Room M304An interrogator puts Hawkins through a series of humiliating tests in an attempt to determine whether or not he is a homosexual.SCENE 8, TIMOTHY’S APARTMENTTimothy and Hawkins discuss the interrogation, McCarthy, and Hawkins’ secret amusements in New York City.ACT TWOSCENE 9, MCCARTHY’S OFFICESenator Potter warns McCarthy that the "Adams Chronology" (which details how Roy Cohn and McCarthy pressured the Army to give David Schine special treatment) will be his downfall unless he gives up Cohn.SCENE 10, MARY'S KITCHEN/TIMOTHY'S APARTMENTMary invites Timothy over to warn him of Hawkins' fickle nature when it comes to his love interests. She tells Timothy she is pregnant from a one-night stand. In Timothy's apartment, Hawkins rejoices that he's been cleared of allegations of homosexuality. Timothy is shocked by how Hawkins wants to celebrate.SCENE 11, ROOF OF THE OLD POST OFFICETimothy, in agony over his fraught relationship, tells Hawkins he’s decided to enlist in the Army.SCENE 12, HAWKINS’ OFFICEMary tells Hawkins she quits, as she can no longer work in an atmosphere of panic and persecution.SCENE 13, TIMOTHY IN FRANCE/ HAWKINS IN CHEVY CHASETimothy writes letters to Hawkins and Mary from France, where he’s been stationed. Hawkins is now married to a woman named Lucy but would clearly like to rekindle things with Timothy upon his return.SCENE 14, Brick HouseIn the brick house that Hawkins has rented for his afternoon flings with Timothy, Hawkins expresses that he cannot be the partner Timothy wants.SCENE 15, MARY'S KITCHEN/BRICK HOUSE/ROOM M304Mary is packing up her things when Hawkins stops by, confessing that he has given Timothy's name to those in charge of investigating alleged homosexuals. He asks Mary to tell Timothy about this betrayal in hopes that it will make Timothy hate him enough to fall out of love with him.SCENE 16, PARK IN DUPONT CIRCLEHis dreams dashed, Timothy decides to leave Washington D.C. and Hawkins Fuller for good.
The American Composers Orchestra was delighted to contribute to this Wall to Wall series.
SONiC: Sounds of a New Century is a festival devoted to new music written in the 21st century by composers age 40 and under. Entitled “21st Firsts,” this is an exceptional program even by ACO standards, with five world premieres.
ACO Concert at Carnegie Hall
[PULL FROM THE PROGRAM]
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 American Composers Orchestra hosts the 2016 Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute Readings.
Welcome to American Composers Orchestra’s 40th Birthday Concert and Gala! For 40 years, ACO has dedicated itself to the creation, performance, and celebration of American music. Not only does ACO honor our legacy, but we take pride in finding and nurturing the next generation of creative artists through work with emerging composers both here in New York at the Underwood New Music Readings and nationally through EarShot. Working with emerging composers - both in our pre-professional platforms and through our education programs in our city’s public schools - gives us an opportunity to help define what it means to be American in 2017, embracing gender, ethnic, national and stylistic diversity and realizing the notion of “American” in the most inclusive way possible. Tonight’s program encapsulates how ACO defines its mission. With music by our recently passed and beloved founder Francis Thorne and by composer - and founder of National Sawdust - Paola Prestini, we pay tribute to two of our special honorees who have made the community of contemporary American music so strong. Ellington and the American songbook are represented and tip our hat to founder Francis Thorne’s love for this music. With Leonard Bernstein’s sonata orchestrated for large ensemble, we note the exciting season of Bernstein@100, celebrations taking place all over the world. And of course, it would not be an ACO concert without an exciting, new voice like Elizabeth Ogonek’s. In addition to Francis and Paola, ACO honors the Leonard Bernstein family - Alexander, Nina and Jamie Bernstein. Through their work in music education and by keeping alive the flame of their father’s genius, this trio of fantastic siblings have contributed enormously to the musical life of our city, our country, and the world. Ellen and James S. Marcus are among the most active cultural philanthropists in the country, and ACO has been blessed to be among the beneficiaries of their passion for the arts. Finally, along with the presence of Dennis Russell Davies on the podium tonight, we celebrate our founders by honoring not only Francis Thorne but also the extraordinary musician Paul Lustig Dunkel, ACO's long time Associate Conductor, an original member and co-founder with Dennis and Francis. Thank you to all for what they do to make our work possible. Please join us for other concerts this coming season which include a collaboration with the PROTOTYPE festival in January when we co-present the NY Premiere of Fellow Travelers by composer Gregory Spears and librettist Greg Pierce; our annual appearances at Zankel Hall where we will celebrate Philip Glass’ 80th birthday and play music by two younger composers who have benefited from his mentorship as well as featuring jazz and world music champions writing for orchestra; and of course, our annual Underwood New Music Readings where we discover where the next generation will take us. ACO extends a heartfelt thank you to its dedicated board, staff and musicians; to our cherished patrons for tonight’s event for their generous support; to our honorees; and most importantly, to you, our audience. We are a community of active listeners, supporters, creators and performers who share a passion for American orchestral music. The renewing and inspiring circle of energy created by all parts of this community is what makes our work exciting, adventurous and joyful. ACO is hard at work on a new strategic plan that will help us face the future with determination, rigor and amazing music. Stay tuned for the next 40 years and have a great time tonight! With gratitude and warmest wishes, Derek Bermel/Artistic Director George Manahan/Music Director Frederick Wertheim, Chairman Ed Yim/President