Performances
& Events

March
2026
22
3:00 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Marina López, Moño

Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto + Sibelius Symphony No. 7

Monterey Symphony

Sunset Center | Carmel, CA


Program

MARINA LÓPEZ, 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

Marina López, Moño

Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto + Sibelius Symphony No. 7

Monterey Symphony

Sunset Center | Carmel, CA

Sunset Center
Carmel
,
California
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2026
23
3:30 pm

March 23, 2026
3:30 PM

Staff Moderator: Melissa Ngan
Featured Speakers: Dan Visconti , Jeff Scott

There is much more to securing a commission or building a successful consortium than simply writing a great piece of music. In this candid conversation, Melissa Ngan, President and CEO of American Composers Orchestra, will be joined by arts leader Dan Visconti of Visconti Arts and composer and performer Jeff Scott to explore the behind-the-scenes realities of commissioning. Together, they will unpack how artists, managers, and partner organizations collaborate to navigate contracts, fee negotiations, consortium structures, and the delicate balance of honoring the composer’s voice while meeting institutional priorities.

REGISTRATION LINK

March 23, 2026
3:30 PM

Staff Moderator: Melissa Ngan
Featured Speaker: Dan Visconti , Jeff Scott

REGISTRATION LINK

TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2026
27
7:30 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Moni 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


Program

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, The Consecration of the House Overture

MONI 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

Moni 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

Powell Hall
St. Louis
,
Missouri
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2026
28
7:30 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Moni 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


Program

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, The Consecration of the House Overture

MONI 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

Moni 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

Powell Hall
St. Louis
,
Missouri
TICKETS & MORE INFO
May
2026
16
2:00 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Karena Ingram, RAINN

Masterworks 7: Unbroken

Asheville Symphony

First Baptist Church of Asheville | Asheville, NC


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

First Baptist Church of Asheville
Asheville
,
North Carolina
TICKETS & MORE INFO
May
2026
16
8:00 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Karena Ingram, RAINN

Masterworks 7: Unbroken

Asheville Symphony

First Baptist Church of Asheville | Asheville, NC


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

First Baptist Church of Asheville
Asheville
,
North Carolina
TICKETS & MORE INFO
May
2026
30
2:00 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Brittany J. Green, TESTIFY!

Percussion & Rhythm with Andy Akiho

Oregon Symphony

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall | Portland, OR


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

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Portland
,
Oregon
TICKETS & MORE INFO
May
2026
31
2:00 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Brittany J. Green, TESTIFY!

Percussion & Rhythm with Andy Akiho

Oregon Symphony

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall | Portland, OR


Program

BRITTANY J. GREEN, TESTIFY!

ANDY AKIHO, Percussion Concerto

PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY, Symphony No. 4

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.

TESTIFY!
was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Brittany J. Green, TESTIFY!

Percussion & Rhythm with Andy Akiho

Oregon Symphony

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall | Portland, OR

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Portland
,
Oregon
TICKETS & MORE INFO
June
2026
11
10:30 am

Jeffery Meyer, conductor

Featured Artists and Works:

Seare Farhat, shadows rising soundless as night

Gregory Kline, West of the Sun

Ty Bloomfield, FRAGRANCES OF SOMETHING SWEET

Coral Douglas, TERROR MANAGEMENT THEORY 

Kimberly Osberg, NIGHT LIGHTS 

Benjamin T Martin, Unfurling Dances

Mentor Composers:

TBD

The DiMenna Center for Classical Music
New York City
,
New York
TICKETS & MORE INFO
June
2026
11
1:30 pm

American Composers Orchestra

June 11, 2026

1:30 PM

DiMenna Center for Classical Music | New York, NY

Featured Artists and Works:

Malachi Brown

REGISTRATION LINK

American Composers Orchestra

June 11, 2026

1:30 PM

REGISTRATION LINK

The DiMenna Center for Classical Music
New York City
,
New York
TICKETS & MORE INFO
June
2026
12
7:30 pm

Jeffery Meyer, conductor

Featured Artists and Works:

Seare Farhat, shadows rising soundless as night

Gregory Kline, West of the Sun

Ty Bloomfield, FRAGRANCES OF SOMETHING SWEET

Coral Douglas, TERROR MANAGEMENT THEORY 

Kimberly Osberg, NIGHT LIGHTS 

Benjamin T Martin, Unfurling Dances

Mentor Composers:

TBD

The DiMenna Center for Classical Music
New York City
,
New York
TICKETS & MORE INFO
November
2026
7
7:30 pm

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.

Bing Concert Hall
Stanford
,
California
TICKETS & MORE INFO
October
2025
22
7:30 pm

Eastman School of Music | Rochester, NY

Link: https://events.rochester.edu/event/eastman-school-symphony-orchestra-6358?n=138

Michael Frazier, composer 

Jordan Bak, viola

Eastman School of Music | Rochester, NY

Link: https://events.rochester.edu/event/eastman-school-symphony-orchestra-6358?n=138

Michael Frazier, composer 

Jordan Bak, viola

Eastman School of Music
TICKETS & MORE INFO
October
2025
17
7:30 pm

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.

Tennessee Theatre
TICKETS & MORE INFO
October
2025
16
7:30 pm

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.

Tennessee Theatre
TICKETS & MORE INFO
October
2025
16
6:00 pm

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

Matthew Keesan*

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

George and Andrea Miller

Cate Moye

Steinway and Sons

Judith R. and Michael E. Thoyer

EXPLORER

Patricia Barksdale

Astrid and John Baumgardner

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

Wende Persons

Dennis Powers

Norman Ryan

Deborah Steinglass and Al Giammarinaro

Melinda Wagner* and Jim Saporito

Jess Ting*

Dionne Warwick

Lisa Evanson Washburn*

André Washington*

Brian Waters*

Philip Webb  

Richard Weinert*

Shinian Ye* and Cathy Huang  

SUPPORTERS

Mashey Bernstein

Anthony and Kathleen Calabrese

Jane Cavalier*

Valentine Chmerkovsky

NancyBell Coe

Ruth Eliel

Corey Field

Marc Giosi

Eric Hutcherson

Will Kerlick, Center Staging

Ron Lipuma

Tim Mar, Concert Artists Guild

Patricio Molina

Dominique Pasols

Azi Schwartz

Kenny Seymour

Sean Statser, Kettles & Co.

JoAnn Tominaga

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

6 PM Cocktail Hour  

7 PM- 9PM Dinner & Performances

‍RSVP by 9/30

Proceeds benefit ACO EarShot composer advancement programs, orchestral performances, and educational initiatives.

48 Wall Street New York, NY 10005
TICKETS & MORE INFO
October
2025
11
7:30 pm

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.

Parker Arts, Culture, and Events Center
TICKETS & MORE INFO
October
2025
11
7:30 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Chelsea Komschlies, Mycelialore


Symphonic Landscapes

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.

Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center
TICKETS & MORE INFO
October
2025
9
7:00 pm

Kyle Dickson, conductor

Featured Artists and Works:

Marisol Gentile, Paisaje Onírico

Jens Ibsen, Lunar Phrasing

Benjamin Krause, Silent City 

Matthew Lam, Witchcraft

Mentor Composers:

Jimmy López Bellido

TICKETS & MORE INFO
October
2025
2
8:00 pm

Jeffery Meyer, conductor

Featured Artists and Works:

Corey Chang, Dragon Gate

Laura Pacheco, Voices of the Earth and Sea

Emre Sener, Bekçi

Mentor Composers:

David Dzubay

Gabriel Jenks

Curtis Stuart

Melinda Wagner

Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
TICKETS & MORE INFO
September
2025
22
4:00 pm

September 22, 2025

4:00 PM ET

Staff Moderator: LaRob K. Rafael 

Featured Speakers: Shawn Johnson & Jasmine (Moni) Guo

EarShot Readings are the first systemic program connecting composers with orchestras, providing the unique opportunity to rehearse and interact with large ensembles in a way that many composers never have. This webinar, featuring two previous EarShot Readings participants, will offer insights on the application process and outcomes of this program.

REGISTRATION LINK

Shawn Johnson, a Virginia Beach native, studied Music Theory and Composition at Old Dominion University and East Carolina University. He studied Composition with composers such as Adolphus Hailstork, Andrey Kasparov, and Edward Jacobs. Johnson grew up listening to popular styles such as R&B, Hip-Hop, Rock, and Jazz, among others. He works to infuse key elements from those styles into his music. In addition, he works to have a keen understanding of the concepts related to popular music. He wrote his Master’s Thesis on the music of the Pulitzer Prize Winning Artist, Kendrick Lamar. 

Moni (Jasmine) Guo (b. 1993) is a classical pianist, a contemporary concert composer and film composer from Taiyuan, Shanxi, China. She has appeared as both a performer and composer in Asia, Europe, South America, Canada, and the United States. As a composer, Jasmine is highly interested in using her music to encourage and comfort people around the world; moreover, she also hopes to use her music as a bridge between Western and Eastern culture.

September 22, 2025

4:00 PM ET

Staff Moderator: LaRob K. Rafael 

Featured Speakers: Shawn Johnson & Jasmine (Moni) Guo

This webinar offers insight on the application process and outcomes of ACO's EarShot Readings.

REGISTRATION LINK

TICKETS & MORE INFO
August
2025
28
4:00 pm

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

TICKETS & MORE INFO
August
2025
26
10:30 am

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

The DiMenna Center for Classical Music
TICKETS & MORE INFO
August
2025
16
7:30 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Marina López, Moño 


Art Deco at 100 (Summermusik Festival)

Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra

School for Creative and Performing Arts | Cincinnati, OH

Link: https://summermusik.org/events-main/artdeco/ 


Program

ELLINGTON/STRAYHORN, arr. Fred Barton,  Take the “A” Train 

JOHN ALDEN CARPENTER, Krazy Kat 

MARINA LÓPEZ, Moño

MAURICE RAVEL, Piano Concerto in G Major

OTTORINO RESPIGHI, Gli Ucelli (The Birds)

GEORGE GERSHWIN, arr. Ferde Grofe, Rhapsody in Blue


Eckart Preu, Conductor

Terrence Wilson, piano

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.

Moño was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

School for Creative and Performing Arts
TICKETS & MORE INFO
August
2025
13
6:30 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Chelsea Komschlies, Mycelialore

Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony

Grant Park Orchestra

Jake Pritzker Pavilion | Chicago, IL

Link: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/events/saint-saens-organ-symphony/  

Program

CHELSEA KOMSCHLIES, Mycelialore

FRANZ LISZT, Piano Concerto No. 1

CAMILLE SAINT-SAENS, Symphony No. 3, “Organ”

Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor 

Clayton Stephenson, piano

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2025–26 season, composers have their works performed by nineteen orchestras across the U.S.

Mycelialore was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Jake Pritzker Pavilion
TICKETS & MORE INFO
June
2025
6
7:30 pm

June 6, 2025

EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra

Friday, June 6, 2025 at 7:30 PM – Public Reading

Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music

Live Stream available here.

Rei Hotoda, conductor

Vijay Iyer, mentor composer

Curtis Stewart, mentor composer

Melinda Wagner, mentor composer

LAVELL BLACKWELL, Toccata for Orchestra

ARJAN SINGH DOGRA, Live Salmon

GRACE ANN LEE, In Crystallized Time

STEVEN R. GERBER, Spirituals for String Orchestra, 6. Call and Response (“Go Down, Moses”)

SHAWN JOHNSON, The Cardinal Takes Flight

CHENG JIN KOH, Midnight Visions

MARIE DOUGLAS, The People Could Fly

Live Salmon is presented in partnership with the BMI Foundation

Spirituals for String Orchestra is made possible by the Steven R. Gerber Trust

EarShot is a program of American Composers Orchestra completed in partnership with American Composers Forum, the League of American Orchestras, and New Music USA. The program is made possible with lead support from Altman Foundation, Elizabeth and Justus Schlichting, Mellon Foundation, Sphinx Venture Fund, TD Charitable Foundation, Fromm Foundation, Ford Good Neighbor Committee, Jerome Foundation, BMI Foundation, and The New York Community Trust Van Lier Fellowships; additional support is provided by the Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Arthur F. & Alice E. Adams Charitable Fund, Alice M. Ditson Fund of Columbia University, G. Schirmer/Wise Music Foundation, and the League of American Orchestras with support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Public funds are provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

June 6, 2025

EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra

Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music | New York City, NY

Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music
TICKETS & MORE INFO
June
2025
5
1:30 pm

EarShot CoLABoratory Workshop: Shelley Washington

Thursday, June 5, 2025 @ 1:30-2:30pm | Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music

In her first work for full orchestra, Shelley Washington builds on a previous work, Seething, for cello and kick drum, commissioned and performed by Amanda Gookin. She will explore the question: What would it mean to treat each musician as a virtuoso within the context of a larger group of musicians?

June 5, 2025

Featured Artist & Work

Shelley Washington

Manhattan School of Music
TICKETS & MORE INFO
June
2025
5
10:30 am

June 5, 2025

EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra

Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 10:30 AM – Open Rehearsal

Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music

Rei Hotoda, conductor

Vijay Iyer, mentor composer

Curtis Stewart, mentor composer

Melinda Wagner, mentor composer

LAVELL BLACKWELL, Toccata for Orchestra

ARJAN SINGH DOGRA, Live Salmon

GRACE ANN LEE, In Crystallized Time

STEVEN R. GERBER, Spirituals for String Orchestra, 6. Call and Response (“Go Down, Moses”)

SHAWN JOHNSON, The Cardinal Takes Flight

CHENG JIN KOH, Midnight Visions

MARIE DOUGLAS, The People Could Fly

Live Salmon is presented in partnership with the BMI Foundation

Spirituals for String Orchestra is made possible by the Steven R. Gerber Trust

EarShot is a program of American Composers Orchestra completed in partnership with American Composers Forum, the League of American Orchestras, and New Music USA. The program is made possible with lead support from Altman Foundation, Elizabeth and Justus Schlichting, Mellon Foundation, Sphinx Venture Fund, TD Charitable Foundation, Fromm Foundation, Ford Good Neighbor Committee, Jerome Foundation, BMI Foundation, and The New York Community Trust Van Lier Fellowships; additional support is provided by the Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Arthur F. & Alice E. Adams Charitable Fund, Alice M. Ditson Fund of Columbia University, G. Schirmer/Wise Music Foundation, and the League of American Orchestras with support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Public funds are provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

June 5, 2025

EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra

Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music | New York City, NY

Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music
TICKETS & MORE INFO
June
2025
1
7:30 pm

June 1, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Gity Razaz, Methuselah (In Chains of Time)

Berkeley Symphony

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season,  10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

In Chains of Time was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

June 1, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Gity Razaz, Methuselah (In Chains of Time)

In Chains of Time was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Berkeley Symphony
TICKETS & MORE INFO
May
2025
17
7:30 pm

May 17, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Karena Ingram, TBD (World Premiere)

Memphis Symphony Orchestra

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season,  10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

May 17, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Karena Ingram, TBD (World Premiere)

This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Memphis Symphony Orchestra
TICKETS & MORE INFO
May
2025
12
7:00 pm

May 12-13, 2025

EarShot Readings: Lawrence University Symphony Orchestra

Appleton, WI

Michael Clayville, Conductor

Via EarShot, Lawrence University will workshop scores that fall outside of typical performance and notation standards including graphic scores, scores that engage improvisation, and scores with other components that are non-typical to Western musical notation. Selected works include those for open instrumentation (scores that can be read by any configuration of instruments), compositions that integrate "shape note" notation, and works that require light improvisation. Selected composers - Alicia Castillo, Matthew Mason, Lila Meretzky, and Logan Rutledge - will receive individualized feedback from mentor composers Marcos Balter, Joanne Metcalf, and Asha Srinivasan.

Artists will return to Lawrence University in January 2026 to participate in EarShot Readings where they will develop these compositions for the Lawrence University New Music Ensemble.

May 12-13, 2025

EarShot Readings: Lawrence University Symphony Orchestra

Appleton, WI

Michael Clayville, Conductor

Via EarShot, Lawrence University will workshop scores that fall outside of typical performance and notation standards including graphic scores, scores that engage improvisation, and scores with other components that are non-typical to Western musical notation. Selected works include those for open instrumentation (scores that can be read by any configuration of instruments), compositions that integrate "shape note" notation, and works that require light improvisation. Selected composers - Alicia Castillo, Matthew Mason, Lila Meretzky, and Logan Rutledge - will receive individualized feedback from mentor composers Marcos Balter, Joanne Metcalf, and Asha Srinivasan.

Artists will return to Lawrence University in January 2026 to participate in EarShot Readings where they will develop these compositions for the Lawrence University New Music Ensemble.

TICKETS & MORE INFO
May
2025
8
10:30 am

May 8, 2025, 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM

CoLABoratory Workshop

American Composers Orchestra

Benzaquen Hall at DiMenna Center

New York City, New York

Quintet: Violin, viola, cello, bass, percussion + electronics

Featured Artists and Works

Horacio Fernandez, New Work (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)

Kian Ravaei, New Work (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)

CoLABoratory Workshop

Featured Artists and Works

Horacio Fernandez, New Work (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)

Kian Ravaei, New Work (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)

The DiMenna Center for Classical Music
TICKETS & MORE INFO
April
2025
6
2:00 pm

April 6, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Angel Lam, Let there be a paradise…

Quad City Symphony Orchestra

Link: https://qcso.org/event/masterworks-vi-rhapsody-in-blue/

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season,  10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

Let there be a paradise... was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

April 6, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Angel Lam, Let there be a paradise…

Let there be a paradise... was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

TICKETS & MORE INFO
April
2025
2
4:00 pm

“Signing the Dotted Line”

Licensing and Publishing

April 2, 2025

4:00 PM ET

Staff Moderator: Melissa Ngan

Featured Speaker: Deirdre Chadwick

Understanding media rights, broadcast regulations, and payments is a vital part of making a living as a composer. BMI’s Deirdre Chadwick will lead a dialogue built to demystify some of the fine print that composers face as their careers reach larger scale.  

REGISTRATION LINK (FREE)

“Signing the Dotted Line”

Licensing and Publishing

Staff Moderator: Melissa Ngan

Featured Speaker: Deirdre Chadwick

Understanding media rights, broadcast regulations, and payments is a vital part of making a living as a composer. BMI’s Deirdre Chadwick will lead a dialogue built to demystify some of the fine print that composers face as their careers reach larger scale.

TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2025
28
4:30 pm

March 26-28, 2025

EarShot Readings: Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music

Bloomington, IN

Conductor: Jeffery Meyer

Featured Artists and Works:

Natalia Camargo Duarte

Emre Sener

Gabriel Novak

Wenxin Li

Alexey Logunov

Corey Chang

Laura Pacheco

Xinyuan Deng

Mentor Composers:

Augusta Read Thomas

David Dzubay

Han Lash

Curtis Stewart

March 26-28, 2025

EarShot Readings: Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music

Bloomington, IN

Conductor: Jeffery Meyer

Mentor Composers: Augusta Read Thomas, David Dzubay, Han Lash, Curtis Stewart

TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2025
22
3:00 pm

EarShot CoLABoratory Special Event

March 22, 2025

Harlem Samba | Philly Salsa featuring Edmar Castañeda & Curtis Stewart

Esperanza Arts Center | Philadelphia, PA

This event is hosted and curated by Grammy-nominated artists Edmar Castañeda and Curtis Stewart. Harlem Samba/Philly Salsa spotlights two Latino dance and music traditions that blossomed to two separate cities in the 20th century: Samba in New York City and Salsa in Philadelphia, and celebrates the cultural legacy of the Brazilian and Puerto Rican residents responsible for cultivating and sustaining these traditions. Featuring performances by Harlem Samba and Siempre Salsa Philly.

This program is part of American Composers Orchestra’s CoLABoratory Fellowship program at Carnegie Hall – an exploration of how Latin American, Afro-Caribbean, and United States cultures have been interconnected for centuries by the effects of colonization and how these musics have been transformed and transported across the Atlantic in the process.

Presented in partnership with AMERICAN COMPOSERS ORCHESTRA

EarShot CoLABoratory Special Event

March 22, 2025

Harlem Samba/Philly Salsa featuring Edmar Castañeda & Curtis Stewart

Esperanza Arts Center | Philadelphia, PA

This event is hosted and curated by Grammy-nominated artists Edmar Castañeda and Curtis Stewart. Harlem Samba/Philly Salsa spotlights two Latino dance and music traditions that blossomed to two separate cities in the 20th century: Samba in New York City and Salsa in Philadelphia, and celebrates the cultural legacy of the Brazilian and Puerto Rican residents responsible for cultivating and sustaining these traditions. Featuring performances by Harlem Samba and Siempre Salsa Philly.


This program is part of American Composers Orchestra’s CoLABoratory Fellowship program at Carnegie Hall – an exploration of how Latin American, Afro-Caribbean, and United States cultures have been interconnected for centuries by the effects of colonization and how these musics have been transformed and transported across the Atlantic in the process.

Presented in partnership with AMERICAN COMPOSERS ORCHESTRA

Esperanza Arts Center
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2025
14
4:00 pm

“Away from the Writing Desk and Into the World”

Creating Relationships with Orchestras 

March 14, 2025

4:00 PM ET

Staff Moderator: Loki Karuna

Featured Speakers: Allison Loggins-Hull

For most composers, developing and maintaining relationships with orchestras is a key factor toward first and repeat performances. Composer/flutist Allison Loggins-Hull will discuss the “how-tos” of making initial and repeat connections with orchestra administration and staff, sharing her experiences and guidance along the way.

REGISTRATION LINK (FREE)

“Away from the Writing Desk and Into the World”

Creating Relationships with Orchestras 

Staff Moderator: Loki Karuna

Featured Speakers: Allison Loggins-Hull

For most composers, developing and maintaining relationships with orchestras is a key factor toward first and repeat performances. Composer/flutist Allison Loggins-Hull will discuss the “how-tos” of making initial and repeat connections with orchestra administration and staff, sharing her experiences and guidance along the way.

TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2025
12
4:00 pm

“Helping Hands”

Traversing Artist Management

March 12, 2025

4:00 PM ET

Staff Moderator: Melissa Ngan

Featured Speaker: Dan Visconti

Professional representation has helped countless artists reach the next levels of their careers, but the process of identifying and securing management can be a heavy lift for those who are unfamiliar with how to do so. This session will highlight both the ways in which representation can help orchestral composers continue their professional trajectories, and how composers can gain the attention of management agencies. 

REGISTRATION LINK (FREE)

“Helping Hands”

Traversing Artist Management

Staff Moderator: Melissa Ngan

Featured Speaker: Dan Visconti

Professional representation has helped countless artists reach the next levels of their careers, but the process of identifying and securing management can be a heavy lift for those who are unfamiliar with how to do so. This session will highlight both the ways in which representation can help orchestral composers continue their professional trajectories, and how composers can gain the attention of management agencies. 

TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2025
9
3:00 pm

March 6-9, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee

Dallas Symphony

Link: Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 - Dallas Symphony Orchestra

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

Kiskadee was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

March 6-9, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee

Kiskadee was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Dallas Symphony
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2025
8
7:30 pm

March 6-9, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee

Dallas Symphony

Link: Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 - Dallas Symphony Orchestra

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

Kiskadee was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

March 6-9, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee

Kiskadee was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Dallas Symphony
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2025
7
7:30 pm

March 6-9, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee

Dallas Symphony

Link: Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 - Dallas Symphony Orchestra

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

Kiskadee was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

March 6-9, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee

Kiskadee was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Dallas Symphony
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2025
7
3:30 pm

March 7, 2025, 3:30 PM

CoLABoratory Workshop

American Composers Orchestra

DiMenna Center

New York City, New York

Full orchestra

Featured Artists and Works

Mazz Swift, New Work (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)

March 7, 2025, 3:30 PM

CoLABoratory Workshop

Full orchestra

Featured Artists and Works

Mazz Swift, New Work (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)

DiMenna Center
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2025
6
7:30 pm

March 6-9, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee

Dallas Symphony

Link: Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 - Dallas Symphony Orchestra

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

Kiskadee was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

March 6-9, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Arlene Sierra, Kiskadee

Kiskadee was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Dallas Symphony
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2025
6
7:30 pm

March 6, 2025, 7:30 PM ET

Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall

Tito Muñoz, Conductor

Clarice Assad, Vocals and Electronics

Edmar Castañeda, Harp

Harlem Samba, Percussion

PROGRAM

Clarice Assad: The Evolution of AI (ACO Commission/World Premiere)

Edmar Castañeda: Bordones (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory/World Premiere)

Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda, Curtis Stewart, and Harlem Samba – Fantasy and Interludes on Going Home (inspired by Alice Coltrane’s Lord of Lords) (World Premiere Arrangement)

Tania León, Ácana

Tomàs Peire Serrate: Wayfarer (ACO Commission/World Premiere)

Latin American, Afro-Caribbean, and United States culture have been interconnected for centuries by the effects of colonization and the musics transported and transformed overseas as a result. This program features music from various parts of Latin America and its influence on jazz and “Classical” music in the United States. Conductor Tito Muñoz leads ACO in the performance of works by Clarice Assad, Edmar Castañeda, Alice Coltrane, Tania León, and Tomàs Peire Serrate. Guest artists Clarice Assad (vocals and electronics), Edmar Castañeda (harp), and percussion ensemble Harlem Samba join ACO onstage.

Mil Mundos Books is a bilingual bookstore and community center located in Brooklyn, NY whose curation celebrates Black, Latinx, and Indigenous heritage. Founder and Co-Director of Mil Mundos, Maria Herron worked to create a suggested reading list that compliments ACO's Hello, America: Transatlantic program.

Tania Leon's Stride: A Polyrhythmic Life - Alejandro L. Madrid

Rites, Rights & Rhythms: A Genealogy of Musical Meaning in Colombia's Black Pacific - Michael Birenbaum Quintero

Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America - Juan Gonzalez

An African American and Latinx History of the United States - Paul Ortiz

Monument Eternal: The Music of Alice Coltrane - Franya J. Berkman

Latin American, Afro-Caribbean, and United States culture have been interconnected for centuries by the effects of colonization and the musics transported and transformed overseas as a result. This program features music from various parts of Latin America and its influence on jazz and “Classical” music in the United States. Conductor Tito Muñoz leads ACO in the performance of works by Clarice Assad, Edmar Castañeda, Alice Coltrane, Tania León, and Tomàs Peire Serrate. Guest artists Clarice Assad (vocals and electronics), Edmar Castañeda (harp), and percussion ensemble Harlem Samba join ACO onstage.

Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2025
5
10:00 am

March 5, 2025, 10:00 AM

CoLABoratory Workshop

American Composers Orchestra

DiMenna Center

New York City, New York

Full orchestra

Featured Artists and Works

Mazz Swift, New Work (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)

March 5, 2025, 10:00 AM

CoLABoratory Workshop

Full orchestra

Featured Artists and Works

Mazz Swift, New Work (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)

DiMenna Center
TICKETS & MORE INFO
February
2025
24
4:00 pm

“Onstage Do’s and Do’s”

Rehearsal Techniques and Procedures 

February 24, 2025

4:00 PM ET

Staff Moderator: Loki Karuna

Featured Speakers: Leanna Primiani and John Devlin

Receiving a performance by an orchestra isn’t the end of the road for a composer, but the beginning of an ongoing relationship. This webinar will offer rehearsal techniques to composers, and will speak to how they should engage conductors, orchestras, and its musicians throughout the rehearsal process.

REGISTRATION LINK (FREE)

“Onstage Do’s and Do’s”

Rehearsal Techniques and Procedures 

Staff Moderator: Loki Karuna

Featured Speakers: Leanna Primiani and John Devlin

Receiving a performance by an orchestra isn’t the end of the road for a composer, but the beginning of an ongoing relationship. This webinar will offer rehearsal techniques to composers, and will speak to how they should engage conductors, orchestras, and its musicians throughout the rehearsal process.

TICKETS & MORE INFO
February
2025
22
7:30 pm

February 22, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Brittany J. Green, TESTIFY!

Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra

Link: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36404/production/1198898?performanceId=11466141

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season,  10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

February 22, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Brittany J. Green, TESTIFY!

This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Seabrook Auditorium
TICKETS & MORE INFO
February
2025
18
4:00 pm

“Put Me On”

Commissions and Consortia Workshop 

February 18, 2025

4:00 PM ET

Staff Moderator: Melissa Ngan

Featured Speaker: Vanessa Reed and Juan Pablo Contreras

There's a lot more to getting a commission and building a consortium than writing a great piece of music. In this webinar, the leaders of the American Composers Orchestra and New Music USA will dialogue with one of today's most successful composers about the ins and outs of navigating contracts, fee negotiations, and more! 

REGISTRATION LINK (FREE)

“Put Me On”

Commissions and Consortia Workshop 

Staff Moderator: Melissa Ngan

Featured Speaker: Vanessa Reed and Juan Pablo Contreras

There's a lot more to getting a commission and building a consortium than writing a great piece of music. In this webinar, the leaders of the American Composers Orchestra and New Music USA will dialogue with one of today's most successful composers about the ins and outs of navigating contracts, fee negotiations, and more! 

REGISTRATION LINK (FREE)

TICKETS & MORE INFO