Performances
& Events
American Composers Orchestra
DiMenna Center for Classical Music (New York, NY)
Featured Artists and Works:
Kian Ravaei, New Work
Jordyn Davis, New Work
Horacio Fernández, New Work
CLICK TO REGISTER
Featured Artists and Works:
Kian Ravaei, New Work
Jordyn Davis, New Work
Horacio Fernández, New Work
CLICK TO REGISTER
Featured Artists and Works:
Andreia Pinto-Correia, New Work
Nathan Schram, New Work
American Composers Orchestra
DiMenna Center for Classical Music (New York, NY)
Featured Artists and Works:
Andreia Pinto-Correia, New Work
Nathan Schram, New Work
CLICK TO REGISTER
Featured Artists and Works:
Andreia Pinto-Correia, New Work
Nathan Schram, New Work
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Leanna Primiani, Visions
Eyes on the Horizon
ROCO
Miller Outdoor Theatre | Houston, TX
Delyana Lazarova, 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.
Visions was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Leanna Primiani, Visions
Eyes on the Horizon
ROCO
Miller Outdoor Theatre | Houston, TX
Delyana Lazarova, Conductor
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Leanna Primiani, Visions
Eyes on the Horizon
ROCO
The Church of St. John the Divine | Houston, TX
Delyana Lazarova, 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.
Visions was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Leanna Primiani, Visions
Eyes on the Horizon
ROCO
The Church of St. John the Divine | Houston, TX
Delyana Lazarova, Conductor
October 20, 2026, 10:00 AM
EarShot Readings: Nashville Symphony
Schermerhorn Symphony Center | Nashville, TN
Valery Saul, Conductor
Anthony Davis, Mentor Composer
Nina Shekar, Mentor Composer
Dave Ragland, Mentor Composer
Featured Artists and Works
Alexander Reams, All Aboard the Train of Destiny!!
Dean Boursiquot, Until Nightfall
Jackson Waters, Defending Greenwood, III: “June 1, 1921”
Michelle Lorimer, Suite for Grief, IV. “Acceptance
October 20, 2026, 10:00 AM
EarShot Readings: Nashville Symphony
Schermerhorn Symphony Center | Nashville, TN
October 21, 2026, 7:30 PM
EarShot Readings: Nashville Symphony
Schermerhorn Symphony Center | Nashville, TN
Valery Saul, Conductor
Anthony Davis, Mentor Composer
Nina Shekar, Mentor Composer
Dave Ragland, Mentor Composer
Featured Artists and Works
Alexander Reams, All Aboard the Train of Destiny!!
Dean Boursiquot, Until Nightfall
Jackson Waters, Defending Greenwood, III: “June 1, 1921”
Michelle Lorimer, Suite for Grief, IV. “Acceptance
October 21, 2026, 7:30 PM
EarShot Readings: Nashville Symphony
Schermerhorn Symphony Center | Nashville, TN
Join the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research for an intimate evening celebrating the American premiere of Tfiles, a clarinet concerto by composer Alex Weiser, to be performed at Carnegie Hall on October 27th by clarinetist Andrzej Ciepliński and the American Composers Orchestra led by conductor Kedrick Armstrong. The evening will feature a conversation between Weiser and Ciepliński — moderated by distinguished scholar Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett — exploring the work’s origins in Kadya Molodowsky’s poetic reflections on the idea of Jewish prayer, the partnership behind its realization, and the music’s journey from its world premiere at POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw to the stage of Carnegie Hall. The evening will also include a brief solo performance by Ciepliński, followed by a reception with food and the opportunity to meet the artists. Tfiles (Yiddish for “prayers”) recasts the clarinet concerto as a set of musical prayers. Praised after its Warsaw premiere as “full of noble simplicity and warmth” (Polityka), the concerto follows Molodowsky’s lead in reimagining the traditional collective Jewish ritual search for the divine as a personal, individual quest beyond the boundaries of traditional observance.
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Andrzej Ciepliński’s participation in this concert is generously supported by the Polish Cultural Institute New York, the American Friends of POLIN Museum (AFoPM) / Association of the Jewish Historical Institute (SZIH), and the Adam Mickiewicz Institute (IAM).
Presented by American Composers Orchestra, American Friends of POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, Association of the Jewish Historical Institute, Adam Mickiewicz Institute, Polish Cultural Institute New York, YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, and American Society for Jewish Music
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October 23, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Brittany J. Green, TESTIFY!
Made in America: Celebrate 250!
Amarillo Symphony
Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts | Amarillo, TX
George Jackson, 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.
TESTIFY! was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
October 23, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Brittany J. Green, TESTIFY!
Made in America: Celebrate 250!
Amarillo Symphony
Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts | Amarillo, TX
October 24, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Brittany J. Green, TESTIFY!
Made in America: Celebrate 250!
Amarillo Symphony
Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts | Amarillo, TX
George Jackson, 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.
TESTIFY! was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
October 24, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Brittany J. Green, TESTIFY!
Made in America: Celebrate 250!
Amarillo Symphony
Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts | Amarillo, TX
Please save the date for ACO's 2026 Gala & Creative Catalyst Awards on October 27, 2026 at Carnegie Hall, held immediately preceding our performance of Hello America: We Gather Here.
We are delighted to honor composer Thea Musgrave and TD Regional President Metro New York Ralph Bumbaca, and we hope you will join us for an inspiring evening celebrating music, leadership, and community.
The evening will begin at 5:30pm with pre-concert cocktails and dinner in the Weill Terrace Room, followed by our performance in Zankel Hall at 7:30pm. The celebration will conclude with a post-concert dessert reception in the Weill Terrace Room.
Invitations and RSVP details will be sent in mid-August. To secure your attendance early, please contact Syleste Alexander at syleste@americancomposers.org
Please save the date for ACO's 2026 Gala & Creative Catalyst Awards on October 27, 2026 at Carnegie Hall, held immediately preceding our performance of Hello America: We Gather Here.
Invitations and RSVP details will be sent in mid-August. To secure your attendance early, please contact Syleste Alexander at syleste@americancomposers.org
October 27, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Hello, America: We Gather Here
American Composers Orchestra
Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall | New York City, NY
Program
DANIEL BERNARD ROUMAIN America, To Us for Electric Violins and Orchestra (NY Premiere)
OSWALD HUỲNH New Work for Vietnamese Traditional Instruments and Orchestra (World Premiere)
ALEXANDER TIMOFEEV New Work (World Premiere)
MALI IRENE Deliverance for Orchestra and Community Music Making (World Premiere)
ALEX WEISER Tfiles for Clarinet and Orchestra (US Premiere)
THEA MUSGRAVE Song of the Enchanter
Andrzej Ciepliński’s participation inthis concert is generously supported by the Polish Cultural Institute New York,the American Friends of POLIN (AFoP) / Association of the Jewish HistoricalInstitute (SZIH), and the Adam Mickiewicz Institute (IAM).
Tracy Silverman, Electric Violin
Vân-Ánh Võ, Dan Bau
Andrzej Ciepliński, Clarinet
Kedrick Armstrong, Conductor
October 28, 2026 at 4:30 PM
CoLABoratory Workshop
American Composers Orchestra
DiMenna Center for Classical Music | New York, NY
Featured Artists and Works:
Malachi Brown, From Birth.
October 28, 2026 at 4:30 PM
CoLABoratory Workshop
American Composers Orchestra
DiMenna Center for Classical Music | New York, NY
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 a new repeat performances initiative that will support additional presentations of previously commissioned works by the 16 composers from the original 2014-2019 cohort of program participants. The repeat performances will occur throughout the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons and will feature a new roster of 16 participating orchestras.
Red Dirt | Silver Rain 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
Sounds in Color: Mussorgsky, Garrop, & Puts
Lexington Philharmonic
Singletary Center for the Arts | Lexington, KY
Mélisse Brunet, 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.
December 5, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Hilary Purrington, Words for Departure
Light in Winter
Mankato Symphony Orchestra
Good Counsel Chapel | Mankato, MN
Ernesto Estigarribia Mussi, conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras have established a new repeat performances initiative that will support additional presentations of previously commissioned works by the 16 composers from the original 2014-2019 cohort of program participants. The repeat performances will occur throughout the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons and will feature a new roster of 16 participating orchestras.
Words for Departure was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
December 5, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Hilary Purrington, Words for Departure
Light in Winter
Mankato Symphony Orchestra
Good Counsel Chapel | Mankato, MN
Ernesto Estigarribia Mussi, conductor
December 5, 2026 at 8:00pm
ACO performs as the orchestra for A Night of Inspiration, an uplifting, joyful evening of music, dance, and spoken word from diverse traditions, featuring an all-star lineup of artists under the direction of Ray Chew – acclaimed composer, producer, and music director of Dancing with the Stars, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Showtime at the Apollo, and more – with co-producer Vivian Scott Chew.
December 5, 2026 at 8:00pm
A Night of Inspiration
Ray Chew, Music Director
Led by Ray Chew, ACO performs selections from world-class artists with a special tribute to Richard Smallwood, in an uplifting evening co-produced by Vivian Scott Chew
February 13, 2027 at 7:00 PM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Niloufar Iravani, Reflections
Free Spirit
Valdosta Symphony Orchestra
Whitehead Auditorium | Valdosta, GA
Howard Hsu, conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras have established a new repeat performances initiative that will support additional presentations of previously commissioned works by the 16 composers from the original 2014-2019 cohort of program participants. The repeat performances will occur throughout the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons and will feature a new roster of 16 participating orchestras.
Reflections was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
February 13, 2027 at 7:00 PM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Niloufar Iravani, Reflections
Free Spirit
Valdosta Symphony Orchestra
Whitehead Auditorium | Valdosta, GA
Howard Hsu, conductor
March 14, 2027 at 3:00 PM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Moni Jasmine Guo, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)
Masterworks IV: Orchestra Unleashed
Bangor Symphony Orchestra
Collins Center for the Arts | Orono, ME
TBD, 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.
March 17, 2027 at 4:30 PM
CoLABoratory Workshop
American Composers Orchestra
DiMenna Center for Classical Music | New York, NY
Featured Artists and Works:
Marie A. Douglas, New Work
March 17, 2027 at 4:30 PM
CoLABoratory Workshop
American Composers Orchestra
DiMenna Center for Classical Music | New York, NY
Thursday, March 18, 2027 at 7:30 PM
New Virtuoso: Low End Theory
American Composers Orchestra
Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall | New York City, NY
Jordan Bak, Viola
Tommy Mesa, Cello
José Luis Gomez, Conductor
Program
STEPHEN HARTKE Da Pacem for Cello and Orchestra (NY Premiere)
MALACHI BROWN From Birth. (World Premiere)
HORACIO FERNÁNDEZ Tumbao (World Premiere)
MICHAEL FRAZIER los quetzales for Viola and Orchestra (NY Premiere)
LAURA ORTMAN Unsurrenderable Glisten of the Ices for Orchestra and Electronics (World Premiere)
Jordan Bak, Viola
Tommy Mesa, Cello
José Luis Gomez, Conductor
March 19, 2027 at 4:30 PM
CoLABoratory Workshop
American Composers Orchestra
DiMenna Center for Classical Music | New York, NY
March 19, 2027 at 4:30 PM
CoLABoratory Workshop
American Composers Orchestra
DiMenna Center for Classical Music | New York, NY
April 3, 2027 at 7:30 PM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Marina López, Moño
Crouching Tiger Concerto
Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
Robinson Center | Little Rock, AR
TBD, 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.
April 3, 2027 at 7:30 PM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Marina López, Moño
Crouching Tiger Concerto
Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
Robinson Center | Little Rock, AR
TBD, conductor
April 4, 2027 at 3:00 PM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Marina López, Moño
Crouching Tiger Concerto
Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
Robinson Center | Little Rock, AR
TBD, 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.
April 4, 2027 at 3:00 PM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Marina López, Moño
Crouching Tiger Concerto
Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
Robinson Center | Little Rock, AR
TBD, conductor
April 10, 2027 at 7:30 PM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Andrea Reinkemeyer, Water Sings Fire
Beethoven 7 + Jacqueline Tso Plays Butterfly Lovers’ Concerto
Greenville Symphony
Peace Concert Hall | Greenville, SC
Lee Mills, conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras have established a new repeat performances initiative that will support additional presentations of previously commissioned works by the 16 composers from the original 2014-2019 cohort of program participants. The repeat performances will occur throughout the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons and will feature a new roster of 16 participating orchestras.
Water Sings Fire was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
April 10, 2027 at 7:30 PM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Andrea Reinkemeyer, Water Sings Fire
Beethoven 7 + Jacqueline Tso Plays Butterfly Lovers’ Concerto
Greenville Symphony
Peace Concert Hall | Greenville, SC
Lee Mills, conductor
April 11, 2027 at 3:00 PM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Andrea Reinkemeyer, Water Sings Fire
Beethoven 7 + Jacqueline Tso Plays Butterfly Lovers’ Concerto
Greenville Symphony
Peace Concert Hall | Greenville, SC
Lee Mills, conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras have established a new repeat performances initiative that will support additional presentations of previously commissioned works by the 16 composers from the original 2014-2019 cohort of program participants. The repeat performances will occur throughout the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons and will feature a new roster of 16 participating orchestras.
Water Sings Fire was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
April 11, 2027 at 3:00 PM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Andrea Reinkemeyer, Water Sings Fire
Beethoven 7 + Jacqueline Tso Plays Butterfly Lovers’ Concerto
Greenville Symphony
Peace Concert Hall | Greenville, SC
Lee Mills, conductor
April 24, 2027 at Time TBD
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Stacy Garrop, CHROMA
Symphony in Color
Johnstown Symphony Orchestra
Venue TBD | Johnstown, PA
TBD, 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.
May 2, 2027 at 5:00 PM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Xi Wang, Lotus Prayer
Concert Title TBD
Westerville Symphony
Venue TBD | Westerville, OH
TBD, conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras have established a new repeat performances initiative that will support additional presentations of previously commissioned works by the 16 composers from the original 2014-2019 cohort of program participants. The repeat performances will occur throughout the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons and will feature a new roster of 16 participating orchestras.
Lotus Prayer was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
June 11, 2027 at 11:00 AM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Chen-Hui Jen, in eternal dusk
Season Finale: Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony with Gábor Takács-Nagy
Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Ordway Concert Hall | Saint Paul, MN
Gábor Takács-Nagy, conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras have established a new repeat performances initiative that will support additional presentations of previously commissioned works by the 16 composers from the original 2014-2019 cohort of program participants. The repeat performances will occur throughout the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons and will feature a new roster of 16 participating orchestras.
in eternal dusk was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
June 12, 2027 at 7:00 PM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Chen-Hui Jen, in eternal dusk
Season Finale: Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony with Gábor Takács-Nagy
Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Ordway Concert Hall | Saint Paul, MN
Gábor Takács-Nagy, conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras have established a new repeat performances initiative that will support additional presentations of previously commissioned works by the 16 composers from the original 2014-2019 cohort of program participants. The repeat performances will occur throughout the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons and will feature a new roster of 16 participating orchestras.
in eternal dusk was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
June 13, 2027 at 7:00 PM
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Chen-Hui Jen, in eternal dusk
Season Finale: Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony with Gábor Takács-Nagy
Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Ordway Concert Hall | Saint Paul, MN
Gábor Takács-Nagy, conductor
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras have established a new repeat performances initiative that will support additional presentations of previously commissioned works by the 16 composers from the original 2014-2019 cohort of program participants. The repeat performances will occur throughout the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons and will feature a new roster of 16 participating orchestras.
in eternal dusk 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
The ACO joins the Memphis Symphony Orchestra for their very first Earshot New Music Reading
The ACO partners with the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra for a two part New Music readings with esteemed American composers. Composers not only get the opportunity to hear their works performed by a live orchestra, but they will revise their works for a second reading after two months.
The ACO partners with the San Diego Symphony for their 2012 Earshot New Music Readings
The ACO partners with the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra for a second time in 2014 for the Earshot New Music Readings.
ACO partners with the Buffalo Philharmonic for their 2014-15 Earshot New Music Readings
ACO partners with the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra for their 2014-15 Earshot New Music Readings
The ACO partners with the New York Philharmonic for their 2014 Earshot New Music Readings featuring American Composers.
The ACO partners with the Pioneer Valley Symphony for their 2010 Earshot New Music Readings.
The ACO partners with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra for their first season of Earshot New Music Readings