Performances
& Events

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 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.

Bing Concert Hall
Stanford
,
California
TICKETS & MORE INFO
November
2026
21
7:30 pm

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.

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

Singletary Center for the Arts
Lexington
,
Kentucky
TICKETS & MORE INFO
December
2026
5
7:30 pm

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.

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

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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

Good Counsel Chapel
Mankato
,
Minnesota
TICKETS & MORE INFO
December
2026
5
8:00 pm

December 5, 2026 at 8:00pm

A Night of Inspiration
Ray Chew, Music Director
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On Saturday, December 5 at 8:00 p.m. in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall presents A Night of Inspiration, an uplifting evening of music, dance, and spoken work from diverse traditions. Under the direction of acclaimed producer, composer, and music director Ray Chew, and co-produced with his wife and business partner, Vivian Scott Chew, the uplifting performance returns to the Hall for the sixth time. The performance features an all-star lineup including Regina Belle, Jekalyn Carr, James Hall, Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers, Donald Lawrence, Jonathan McReynolds, Wess Morgan, Azi Schwartz, Avery Sunshine, Darrel Walls, and more. The night will also include presenting the second annual Agape Award to Pastor Shirley Caesar and a special tribute to the renowned gospel artist Maestro Richard Smallwood. Joining Night of Inspiration for the first year will be the American Composers Orchestra (ACO).

Photo credit: Jennifer Taylor

December 5, 2026 at 8:00pm

A Night of Inspiration

Ray Chew, Music Director

Photo credit: Jennifer Taylor

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

Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall
New York
,
New York
TICKETS & MORE INFO
February
2027
13
7:00 pm

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

Whitehead Auditorium
Valdosta
,
Georgia
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2027
14
3:00 pm

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.

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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.

Collins Center for the Arts
Orono
,
Maine
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2027
17
4:30 pm

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

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Mary Flagler Cary Hall, DiMenna Center for Classical Music
New York
,
New York
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2027
18
7:30 pm

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 

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Program

STEPHEN HARTKE Da Pacem for Cello and Orchestra (NY Premiere)

MALACHI BROWN From Birth. (World Premiere)

HORACIO FERNÁNDEZ Sinfonía Tumbada (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 

Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall
New York
,
New York
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2027
19
4:30 pm

March 19, 2027 at 4:30 PM

CoLABoratory Workshop

American Composers Orchestra

DiMenna Center for Classical Music | New York, NY

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March 19, 2027 at 4:30 PM

CoLABoratory Workshop

American Composers Orchestra

DiMenna Center for Classical Music | New York, NY

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Mary Flagler Cary Hall, DiMenna Center for Classical Music
,
TICKETS & MORE INFO
April
2027
3
7:30 pm

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

Robinson Center
Little Rock
,
Arkansas
TICKETS & MORE INFO
April
2027
4
3:00 pm

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

Robinson Center
Little Rock
,
Arkansas
TICKETS & MORE INFO
April
2027
10
7:30 pm

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

Peace Concert Hall
Greenville
,
South Carolina
TICKETS & MORE INFO
April
2027
11
7:30 pm

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

Peace Concert Hall
Greenville
,
South Carolina
TICKETS & MORE INFO
April
2027
24
7:30 pm

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.

April 24, 2027 at Time TBD

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Stacy Garrop, CHROMA

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Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center
Johnston
,
Pennsylvania
TICKETS & MORE INFO
May
2027
2
5:00 pm

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
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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.

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

Westerville
,
Ohio
TICKETS & MORE INFO
June
2027
11
11:00 am

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
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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.

Ordway Concert Hall
Saint Paul
,
Minnesota
TICKETS & MORE INFO
June
2027
12
7:00 pm

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.

Ordway Concert Hall
Saint Paul
,
Minnesota
TICKETS & MORE INFO
June
2027
13
2:00 pm

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.

Ordway Concert Hall
Saint Paul
,
Minnesota
TICKETS & MORE INFO
June
2027
17
10:30 am
Mary Flagler Cary Hall, DiMenna Center for Classical Music
New York
,
New York
TICKETS & MORE INFO
June
2027
18
7:30 pm
Mary Flagler Cary Hall, DiMenna Center for Classical Music
New York
,
New York
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.

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REGISTRATION LINK

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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. 

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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.

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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 

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Art Deco at 100 (Summermusik Festival)

Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra

School for Creative and Performing Arts | Cincinnati, OH

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

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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

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Eckart Preu, Conductor

Terrence Wilson, piano
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‍
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
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Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony

Grant Park Orchestra
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Jake Pritzker Pavilion | Chicago, IL

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

CHELSEA KOMSCHLIES, Mycelialore

FRANZ LISZT, Piano Concerto No. 1

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

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Live Stream available here.

‍

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Rei Hotoda, conductor

Vijay Iyer, mentor composer

Curtis Stewart, mentor composer

Melinda Wagner, mentor composer

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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

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Live Salmon is presented in partnership with the BMI Foundation

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

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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.

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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?

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June 5, 2025

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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May 12-13, 2025

EarShot Readings: Lawrence University Symphony Orchestra

Appleton, WI

Michael Clayville, Conductor

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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.

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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

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

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Featured Artists and Works

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

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

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CoLABoratory Workshop

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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.

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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.  

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REGISTRATION LINK (FREE)

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“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.

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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

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Featured Artists and Works:

Natalia Camargo Duarte

Emre Sener

Gabriel Novak

Wenxin Li

Alexey Logunov

Corey Chang

Laura Pacheco

Xinyuan Deng

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Mentor Composers:

Augusta Read Thomas

David Dzubay

Han Lash

Curtis Stewart

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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

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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)

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“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.

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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. 

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REGISTRATION LINK (FREE)

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“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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Full orchestra

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Featured Artists and Works

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

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March 7, 2025, 3:30 PM

CoLABoratory Workshop

Full orchestra

Featured Artists and Works

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

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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.

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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

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Tito Muñoz, Conductor

Clarice Assad, Vocals and Electronics

Edmar Castañeda, Harp

Harlem Samba, Percussion

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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Full orchestra

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Featured Artists and Works

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

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March 5, 2025, 10:00 AM

CoLABoratory Workshop

Full orchestra

Featured Artists and Works

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

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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.

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REGISTRATION LINK (FREE)

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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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! 

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REGISTRATION LINK (FREE)

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“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! 

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REGISTRATION LINK (FREE)

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TICKETS & MORE INFO
February
2025
4
4:00 pm

‍“Beyond Bars”

Creating ‘Non-Traditional’ Scores and Parts

February 4, 2025

4:00 PM ET

Staff Moderator: Loki Karuna

Featured Speaker: inti figgis-vizueta

While creating and providing standard orchestral scores and parts to orchestras is a key component of being a broadly-performed composer, more ensembles are exploring the world of graphic and improvised scores. ACO Director of Artist Equity Loki Karuna will dialogue with composer inti figgis-vizueta on how to successfully traverse this growing corner of new music. 

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REGISTRATION LINK (FREE)

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‍“Beyond Bars”

Creating ‘Non-Traditional’ Scores and Parts

Staff Moderator: Loki Karuna

Featured Speaker: inti figgis-vizueta

While creating and providing standard orchestral scores and parts to orchestras is a key component of being a broadly-performed composer, more ensembles are exploring the world of graphic and improvised scores. ACO Director of Artist Equity Loki Karuna will dialogue with composer inti figgis-vizueta on how to successfully traverse this growing corner of new music. 

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TICKETS & MORE INFO
February
2025
2
2:00 pm

February 1–2, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Chelsea Komschlies, Mycelialore (World Premiere)

Tucson Symphony Orchestra

Link: https://www.tucsonsymphony.org/event/mahler-and-schumann/2025-02-01/1/

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.

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

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February 1–2, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Chelsea Komschlies, Mycelialore (World Premiere)‍

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

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Catalina Foothills High School
TICKETS & MORE INFO
February
2025
1
2:00 pm

February 1–2, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Chelsea Komschlies, Mycelialore (World Premiere)

Tucson Symphony Orchestra

Link: https://www.tucsonsymphony.org/event/mahler-and-schumann/2025-02-01/1/

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 1–2, 2025

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Chelsea Komschlies, Mycelialore (World Premiere)
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This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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Catalina Foothills High School
TICKETS & MORE INFO
January
2025
28
4:00 pm

Composing the Future

Composers and Music Education

January 28, 2025

4:00 PM ET

Staff Moderator: JL Marlor

Featured Speaker: Leila Pertl

New music isn't just for adults- a growing population of K-12 students is also taking a deep dive into creative collaborations with contemporary composers! Leila Pertl, Instructor of Music Education at Lawrence University & Music Education Curator for the Mile of Music, will join ACO Education Coordinator JL Marlor to offer insights on what a successful collaboration between composers and schools looks like. This, the first of a series, will focus on middle and high school ensembles. Join them on Wednesday, January 28th, at 4pm ET on Zoom. Registration is free at the link below.

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REGISTRATION LINK (Free)

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Composing the Future

Composers and Music Education

Staff Moderator: JL Marlor

Featured Speaker: Leila Pertl

REGISTRATION LINK (Free)

TICKETS & MORE INFO
January
2025
20
10:30 am

EarShot CoLABoratory Workshop

January 20, 2025

10:30a-1:00p

Ripley Grier Studios (939 8th Ave # 2B)

CoLABoratory Fellow Mali Irene leads this improvisatory workshop exploring music as ritual and recognizing the "audience" as fellow music creators in the space. Attendees will be invited to participate in call and response, graphic score reading, sound creating, and deep listening. Attendance is free but registration is required. Capacity is limited.

REGISTER HERE (FREE)

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About the Work

For her ACO-commissioned CoLABoratory work, Mali Irene will draw upon two existing compositions: Rite to Freedom, carried by the Praise House Project, and Becoming (Be Suite), which is an electronic dance work for cello, improvised voice, and visual art. 

Rite to Freedom is musically informed by Lined-Hymn singing and the Ring Shout. Becoming (Be Suite) depicts styles of African chanting, spirituals, blues, jazz, and scat singing, and expresses the timeline and evolution of Black music from Africa to modern-day popular music. In Mali’s own words, “I will draw these musical themes of Black sacred music to incorporate into this new orchestral work.”

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EarShot CoLABoratory Workshop

January 20, 2025

10:30a-1:00p

Ripley Grier Studios (939 8th Ave # 2B)

CoLABoratory Fellow Mali Irene leads this improvisatory workshop exploring music as ritual and recognizing the "audience" as fellow music creators in the space. Attendees will be invited to participate in call and response, graphic score reading, sound creating, and deep listening. Attendance is free but registration is required. Capacity is limited.

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Ripley Grier Studios (939 8th Ave # 2B)
TICKETS & MORE INFO
January
2025
15
4:00 pm

“Tricks of the Trade”

Orchestration Workshop

January 15, 2025

4:00 PM ET

Staff Moderator: Loki Karuna

Featured Speaker: Curtis Stewart

Curtis Stewart has made a name for himself taking works from the past and re-envisioning them for contemporary relevance. In this session, Curtis will take musical works from the “canon” and use them as a guide to highlight key aspects of orchestration, part writing, and more.

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REGISTRATION LINK (FREE)

‍

“Tricks of the Trade”

Orchestration Workshop

Staff Moderator: Loki Karuna

Featured Speaker: Curtis Stewart

Curtis Stewart has made a name for himself taking works from the past and re-envisioning them for contemporary relevance. In this session, Curtis will take musical works from the “canon” and use them as a guide to highlight key aspects of orchestration, part writing, and more.

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TICKETS & MORE INFO
December
2024
14
7:30 pm

December 13–14, 2024

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Meilina Tsui, Floridian Symphony (World Premiere)

Artis––Naples, Naples Philharmonic

Link: https://artisnaples.org/subscriptions/masterworks

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

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December 13–14, 2024

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Meilina Tsui, Floridian Symphony (World Premiere)

Artis––Naples, Naples Philharmonic

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

Artis––Naples, Naples Philharmonic
TICKETS & MORE INFO