Performances
& Events

December
2025
13
3:00 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Wang Jie, The Winter that United Us

Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes

Clemens Center | Elmira, NY


WANG JIE, The Winter that United Us

TRADITIONAL, Angels We Have Heard on High, Joy to the World, Sleigh Ride 

ANVER FINBERG, Dances in Freygish

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

The Winter that United Us was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Clemens Center
Elmira
,
New York
TICKETS & MORE INFO
January
2026
10
7:30 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Andreia Pinto Correia, Ciprés

Prokofiev’s First Violin Concerto

Princeton Symphony Orchestra

Richardson Auditorium | Princeton, NJ


Program

ANDREIA PINTO CORREIA, Ciprés

SERGEI PROKOFIEV, Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major, Op. 19

DIMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH, Symphony No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 10

Rossen Milanov, conductor 

Bella Hristova, violin

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

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

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Andreia Pinto Correia, Ciprés

Prokofiev’s First Violin Concerto

Princeton Symphony Orchestra

Richardson Auditorium | Princeton, NJ

Richardson Auditorium
Princeton
,
New Jersey
TICKETS & MORE INFO
January
2026
11
4:00 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Andreia Pinto Correia, Ciprés

Prokofiev’s First Violin Concerto

Princeton Symphony Orchestra

Richardson Auditorium | Princeton, NJ


Program

ANDREIA PINTO CORREIA, Ciprés

SERGEI PROKOFIEV, Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major, Op. 19

DIMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH, Symphony No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 10

Rossen Milanov, conductor 

Bella Hristova, violin

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

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

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Andreia Pinto Correia, Ciprés

Prokofiev’s First Violin Concerto

Princeton Symphony Orchestra

Richardson Auditorium | Princeton, NJ

Richardson Auditorium
Princeton
,
New Jersey
TICKETS & MORE INFO
January
2026
12
10:30 am

Mélisse Brunet, conductor

Featured Artists and Works:

Joseph Sowa, Summer Has Ten Thousand Stars

Chelsea Komschlies, The Sunken Cathedral

Marina López, Moño

Sepehr Pirasteh, will the mountains sing for me

Iván Enrique Rodríguez, Sinfonía No. 2: Naa Okùnkùn ti Òkúnta Dídán

Patricia Leonard, "John Adams Theme" from My Dearest Friend

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

Mélisse Brunet, conductor

Featured Artists and Works:

Joseph Sowa, Summer Has Ten Thousand Stars

Chelsea Komschlies, The Sunken Cathedral

Marina López, Moño

Sepehr Pirasteh, will the mountains sing for me

Iván Enrique Rodríguez, Sinfonía No. 2: Naa Okùnkùn ti Òkúnta Dídán

Patricia Leonard, "John Adams Theme" from My Dearest Friend

The DiMenna Center for Classical Music
New York
,
New York
TICKETS & MORE INFO
January
2026
29
7:00 pm

EarShot Readings: Lawrence University 

Monday, January 26–Thursday, January 29, 2026

Lawrence University | Appleton, WI

Link TBA

Mark Dupere, conductor

Featured Artists and Works:

Alicia Castillo, Billow

Matthew Mason, Downhill from Breathing

Lila Meretzky, To crave and to have

Logan Rutledge, Through My Child Eyes

Mentor Composers:

Marcos Balter

Theresa Martin

Asha Srinivasan

Appleton
,
Wisconsin
TICKETS & MORE INFO
February
2026
7
7:30 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Angel Lam, New Work

Masterworks IV: The Rite of Spring

Quad City Symphony Orchestra

Alder Theater | Davenport, IA


Program

MODEST MUSSORGSKY, Dawn on the Moskva River

ANGEL LAM, New Work [World Premiere]

IGOR STRAVINSKY, The Rite of Spring

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

Angel Lam’s New Work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Angel Lam, New Work

Masterworks IV: The Rite of Spring

Quad City Symphony Orchestra

Alder Theater | Davenport, IA

Adler Theatre
Davenport
,
Iowa
TICKETS & MORE INFO
February
2026
8
2:00 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Angel Lam, New Work

Masterworks IV: The Rite of Spring

Quad City Symphony Orchestra

Alder Theater | Davenport, IA


Program

MODEST MUSSORGSKY, Dawn on the Moskva River

ANGEL LAM, New Work [World Premiere]

IGOR STRAVINSKY, The Rite of Spring

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

Angel Lam’s New Work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Angel Lam, New Work

Masterworks IV: The Rite of Spring

Quad City Symphony Orchestra

Alder Theater | Davenport, IA

Adler Theatre
Davenport
,
Iowa
TICKETS & MORE INFO
February
2026
13
7:30 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Julia Aldolphe, Unearth, Release

Experience the Intrigue

Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra

Lied Center for Performing Arts | Lincoln, NE


Program

JEAN SIBELIUS, Finlandia

JULIA ALDOLPHE, Unearth, Release

NIKOLAI RIMSKY-KORSAKOV, Scheherazade

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

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

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Julia Aldolphe, Unearth, Release

Experience the Intrigue

Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra

Lied Center for Performing Arts | Lincoln, NE

TICKETS & MORE INFO
February
2026
21
7:30 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Brittany J. Green, TESTIFY!

Jubilee & Joy: Green & Beethoven
Lexington Philharmonic

Singletary Center for the Arts | Lexington, KY

Program
BRITTANY J. GREEN, TESTIFY!
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, Symphony No. 9

Mélisse Brunet, conductor
The Lexington Singers (Dejah Watts, soprano; Hannah Shae, mezzo-soprano; Matthew Pearce, tenor; Sunghoon Han, bass)

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

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

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Brittany J. Green, TESTIFY!

Jubilee & Joy: Green & Beethoven
Lexington Philharmonic

Singletary Center for the Arts | Lexington, KY

Singletary Center for the Arts
Lexington
,
Kentucky
TICKETS & MORE INFO
February
2026
27
7:30 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Angel Lam, Please let there be a paradise…

Masterworks III - Regeneration

Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra

Capitol Theater | Madison, WI


Program

ANGEL LAM, Please let there be a paradise… 

DAN CAVANAGH, Concerto for Jazz Trio  

MICHAEL BELL, Regeneration: A Pentalogy

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

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

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Angel Lam, Please let there be a paradise…

Masterworks III - Regeneration

Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra

Capitol Theater | Madison, WI

Capitol Theater
Madison
,
Wisconsin
TICKETS & MORE INFO
February
2026
28
7:30 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Meilina Tsui, Floridian Symphony

MasterWorks V: Alpine Symphony

Canton Symphony Orchestra

Zimmermann Symphony Center | Canton, OH


Program

JEAN SIBELIUS, Karelia Overture

MEILINA TSUI, Floridian Symphony

RICHARD STRAUSS, An Alpine Symphony

Jeri Lynne Johnson, conductor

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

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

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Meilina Tsui, Floridian Symphony

MasterWorks V: Alpine Symphony

Canton Symphony Orchestra

Zimmermann Symphony Center | Canton, OH

Zimmermann Symphony Center
Canton
,
Ohio
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2026
7
7:30 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Moni Jasmine Guo, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)

Symphony Series: Brahms & Dvořák

Richmond Symphony

Carpenter Theatre | Richmond, VA


Program

MONI JASMINE GUO, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)

ANTONIN DVORAK, Cello Concerto

JOHANNES BRAHMS, Symphony No. 4

Valentina Peleggi, conductor

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

the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn) was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Moni Jasmine Guo, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)

Symphony Series: Brahms & Dvořák

Richmond Symphony

Carpenter Theatre | Richmond, VA

Carpenter Theatre
Richmond
,
Virginia
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2026
7
7:30 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Cindy Cox, Dreaming a world’s edge

ORIGINS

North Corner Chamber Orchestra

Rainier Arts Center | Seattle, WA


Program

CINDY COX, Dreaming a world's edge

FELIX MENDELSSOHN, Symphony No. 1

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

Dreaming a world’s edge was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Cindy Cox, Dreaming a world’s edge

ORIGINS

North Corner Chamber Orchestra

Rainier Arts Center | Seattle, WA

Rainier Arts Center
Seattle
,
Washington
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2026
8
2:00 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Cindy Cox, Dreaming a world’s edge

ORIGINS

North Corner Chamber Orchestra

Rainier Arts Center | Seattle, WA


Program

CINDY COX, Dreaming a world's edge

FELIX MENDELSSOHN, Symphony No. 1

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

Dreaming a world’s edge was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Cindy Cox, Dreaming a world’s edge

ORIGINS

North Corner Chamber Orchestra

Rainier Arts Center | Seattle, WA

Rainier Arts Center
Seattle
,
Washington
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2026
10
10:00 am

American Composers Orchestra

The DiMenna Center for Classical Music | New York City, NY

Link: TBD

Featured Artists and Works

Mali Irene

American Composers Orchestra

The DiMenna Center for Classical Music | New York City, NY

Link: TBD

The DiMenna Center for Classical Music
New York City
,
New York
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2026
11
7:30 pm

American Composers Orchestra

Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall | New York City, NY

Link TBA

Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we focus on artists’ musical open letters to America, which reflect narratives around the summer homes of turn-of-the-century Black folk; dreams; unspoken emotions; rituals of celebration; and the connection between the historic and current patriotism of Black American women.


Karen Slack, soprano

Amanda Goookin, cello

Cynthia Yeh, percussion

Carolyn Kuan, conductor



Hello, America: Letters to Us, from Us

JOSEPH PHILIPS, We hold these truths (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)

BRITTANY GREEN, Letters to America (ACO Co-commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)

KITE, Wičhínčala Šakówin (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)

SHELLEY WASHINGTON, Haymaker (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)

JESSIE MONTGOMERY, Procession (arrangement)

Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we focus on artists’ musical open letters to America, which reflect narratives around the summer homes of turn-of-the-century Black folk; dreams; unspoken emotions; rituals of celebration; and the connection between the historic and current patriotism of Black American women.

Carnegie Hall
New York
,
New York
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2026
12
4:30 pm

Featured Artists and Works

Horacio Fernandez, NEW WORK

Featured Artists and Works

Horacio Fernandez, NEW WORK

Boulevard Carroll Studios
New York City
,
New York
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2026
12
7:30 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Stacy Garrop, Goddess Triptych

Beethoven Symphony No. 9

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Orpheum Theater | New Orleans, LA


Program

LOUISE FARRENC, Overture No. 1, in e minor

STACY GARROP, Goddess Triptych

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, Symphony No. 9, Op. 125

Matthew Kraemer, conductor

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

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

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Stacy Garrop, Goddess Triptych

Beethoven Symphony No. 9

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Orpheum Theater | New Orleans, LA

Orpheum Theater
New Orleans
,
Louisiana
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2026
21
7:30 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
21
7:30 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Stacy Garrop, CHROMA

Gardens of Spain

Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra

The Schrott Center for the Arts | Indianapolis, IN


AARON COPLAND, Three Latin American Sketches

MANUEL DE FALLA, Nights in the Gardens of Spain

LOUIS GOTTSCHALK, Symphony No. 2 (Montevideo)

STACY GARROP, CHROMA

Matthew Kraemer, conductor

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program: American Composers Orchestra and League of American Orchestras have established a third national consortium, featuring three new commissions of full-length, 25- to 30-minute concert works. World premieres and repeat performances of the new works by a consortium of nine orchestras will occur during the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.

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

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Stacy Garrop, CHROMA

Gardens of Spain

Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra

The Schrott Center for the Arts | Indianapolis, IN

The Schrott Center for the Arts
Indianapolis
,
Indiana
TICKETS & MORE INFO
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
27
7:30 pm

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Jasmine Guo, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)

Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto: Radiant Vision

Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra

Powell Hall | St. Louis, MO


Program

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, The Consecration of the House Overture

JASMINE GUO, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)

KEVIN PUTS, Concerto for Orchestra

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor”

Stéphane Denève, conductor

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

the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn) was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Jasmine Guo, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)

Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto: Radiant Vision

Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra

Powell Hall | St. Louis, MO

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

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Jasmine Guo, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)

Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto: Radiant Vision

Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra

Powell Hall | St. Louis, MO


Program

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, The Consecration of the House Overture

JASMINE GUO, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)

KEVIN PUTS, Concerto for Orchestra

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor”

Stéphane Denève, conductor

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

the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn) was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Jasmine Guo, the sound of where i came from (乡音 Xiāng Yīn)

Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto: Radiant Vision

Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra

Powell Hall | St. Louis, MO

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

TBD, Conductor

Featured Artists and Works:

TBD

Mentor Composers:

TBD

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

Featured Artists and Works:

Malachi Brown

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

TBD, Conductor

Featured Artists and Works:

TBD

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
July
2024
7
4:00 pm

July 7, 2024

Aspen Music Festival and School “Festival Orchestra: Hadelich, Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2”

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Wang Lu, Surge

Link: https://www.aspenmusicfestival.com/events/calendar/aspen-festival-orchestra-2/ 

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.

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

July 7, 2024

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Wang Lu, Surge

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

Aspen Music Festival and School, Klein Music Tent
TICKETS & MORE INFO
June
2024
14
7:30 pm

Event Details

June 13–14, 2024

EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra

Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music

New York City, NY

LIVESTREAM (click video below)

Ensemble: American Composers Orchestra

Conductor: Delta David Gier

Mentor Composers:  Marcos Balter, Curtis Stewart, and Niloufar Nourbakhsh.

Featured Artists and Works

Malachi Brown: Statements- a journal entry

Samuel Torres Frailejón

Sofía Scheps: Demografía acústica: % / Acoustic Demography: %

Anuj Bhutani: After the Freeze

Madeline Merwin: Dirty Ice

Eunsung Kim*: Kaleidoscope for Orchestra


Read more about artists & their works on ACO's blog.

*Participation by Eunsung Kim is made possible through an exchange program between ACO's EarShot and the Korean National Symphony Orchestra’s Composers’ Atelier program. One composer selected through Atelier is featured in ACO's EarShot Readings, while one composer selected through ACO's EarShot Readings will be featured in KNSO's Composers' Atelier program.

June 14, 2024 at 7:30pm - Public Read Through

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
2024
13
7:00 pm

June 13–14, 2024EarShot Readings: American Composers OrchestraNeidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of MusicNew York City, NYEnsemble:American Composers OrchestraMentor Composers:TBDConductor:TBDFeatured Artists and Works:TBD

Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music
TICKETS & MORE INFO
June
2024
13
10:30 am

Event Details

June 13, 2024

EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra

Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music

New York City, NY

Ensemble: American Composers Orchestra

Conductor: Delta David Gier

Mentor Composers:  Marcos Balter, Curtis Stewart, and Niloufar Nourbakhsh.

Featured Artists and Works

Malachi Brown: Statements- a journal entry

Samuel Torres Frailejón

Sofía Scheps: Demografía acústica: % / Acoustic Demography: %)

Anuj Bhutani: After the Freeze

Madeline Merwin: Dirty Ice

Eunsung Kim*: Kaleidoscope for Orchestra

Read more about artists & their works on ACO's blog.

*Participation by Eunsung Kim is made possible through an exchange program between ACO's EarShot and the Korean National Symphony Orchestra’s Composers’ Atelier program. One composer selected through Atelier is featured in ACO's EarShot Readings, while one composer selected through ACO's EarShot Readings will be featured in KNSO's Composers' Atelier program.

June 13, 2024 at 10:30am - Open Rehearsal

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
2024
1
7:30 pm

Through orchestral, choral, gospel and soul choral music, this one-night-only event is the signature celebration for The Kennedy Center’s Conflux partnership with the National Black Theatre (NBT) running May 26 - June 2, 2024.  The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout will take us on a sonic quest produced by National Black Theatre & The Apollo. Taking place in the Opera House at The Kennedy Center, The Gathering will center the soul of Black folks and the heart of America's brilliant and bitter present. With Creative Concept and Direction by NBT’s Executive Artistic Director, Jonathan McCrory, and featuring the American Composers Orchestra and NEWorks Voices of Inspiration chorale, this night will feature the DC premiere of Seven Last Words of the Unarmed by Joel Thompson alongside Carlos Simon’s Amen! and Courtney Bryan’s Sanctum. In conjunction with these pieces, the night has been curated in the African tradition of call and response to include original works by genre-defying Black artists such as Abby Dobson, Toshi Reagon, Troy Anthony, and Nona Hendryx. The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout was originally performed at The Apollo in Harlem, New York 2022.

The Kennedy Center
TICKETS & MORE INFO
May
2024
19
3:00 pm

Event Details

May 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 2024

Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC)

An American Soldier  

On October 3, 2011, Chinese-American Army Pvt. Danny Chen was found dead in a guard tower at his base in Afghanistan. Based on his story and the ensuing courts-martial of Chen’s fellow soldiers, this New York City premiere opera tells the powerful true story of a young soldier from Manhattan’s Chinatown who sought to serve his country, only to find his biggest threat was the very people who swore to protect him.

Told through the multidimensional music of Huang Ruo (M. Butterfly, Book of Mountains and Seas) with libretto by Tony and Grammy winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly, Soft Power), and directed by Obie Award winner Chay Yew (Cambodian Rock Band, Sweatshop Overlord), An American Soldier is a powerful and unforgettable experience.

Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra.

The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera.

Huang Ruo, composer

David Henry Hwang, librettist

Carolyn Kuan, conductor

Chay Yew, director

Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm

Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm

Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm

Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm

American Opera by composer Huang Ruo and librettist David Henry Hwang

Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra

The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera

Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm

Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm

Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm

Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm

Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC)
TICKETS & MORE INFO
May
2024
18
7:00 pm

Event Details

May 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 2024

Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC)

An American Soldier  

On October 3, 2011, Chinese-American Army Pvt. Danny Chen was found dead in a guard tower at his base in Afghanistan. Based on his story and the ensuing courts-martial of Chen’s fellow soldiers, this New York City premiere opera tells the powerful true story of a young soldier from Manhattan’s Chinatown who sought to serve his country, only to find his biggest threat was the very people who swore to protect him.

Told through the multidimensional music of Huang Ruo (M. Butterfly, Book of Mountains and Seas) with libretto by Tony and Grammy winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly, Soft Power), and directed by Obie Award winner Chay Yew (Cambodian Rock Band, Sweatshop Overlord), An American Soldier is a powerful and unforgettable experience.

Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra.

The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera.

Huang Ruo, composer

David Henry Hwang, librettist

Carolyn Kuan, conductor

Chay Yew, director

Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm

Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm

Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm

Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm

American Opera by composer Huang Ruo and librettist David Henry Hwang

Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra

The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera

Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm

Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm

Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm

Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm

Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC)
TICKETS & MORE INFO
May
2024
16
7:00 pm

Event Details

May 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 2024

Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC)

An American Soldier  

On October 3, 2011, Chinese-American Army Pvt. Danny Chen was found dead in a guard tower at his base in Afghanistan. Based on his story and the ensuing courts-martial of Chen’s fellow soldiers, this New York City premiere opera tells the powerful true story of a young soldier from Manhattan’s Chinatown who sought to serve his country, only to find his biggest threat was the very people who swore to protect him.

Told through the multidimensional music of Huang Ruo (M. Butterfly, Book of Mountains and Seas) with libretto by Tony and Grammy winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly, Soft Power), and directed by Obie Award winner Chay Yew (Cambodian Rock Band, Sweatshop Overlord), An American Soldier is a powerful and unforgettable experience.

Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra.

The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera.

Huang Ruo, composer

David Henry Hwang, librettist

Carolyn Kuan, conductor

Chay Yew, director

Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm

Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm

Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm

Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm

American Opera by composer Huang Ruo and librettist David Henry Hwang

Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra

The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera

Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm

Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm

Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm

Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm

Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC)
TICKETS & MORE INFO
May
2024
16
7:00 pm

Event Details

May 16–19, 2024

Kennedy Center, “Randall Goosby plays Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto; Thomas Wilkins conducts Elgar’s Enigma Variations

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Anna Clyne, This Moment

National Symphony Orchestra

Thirty orchestras will take part in the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program. The unprecedented national consortium ensures that new works by women composers, each commissioned by the League, will be infused in orchestra seasons to come, with multiple performances throughout the country. The consortium’s initial six lead orchestra-composer pairings were previously announced, with more than eighty orchestras applying for the additional twenty-four spots.

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers (formerly the Women Composers Readings and Commissions program) 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.

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

Concert Hall, Kennedy Center 2700 F St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20566
TICKETS & MORE INFO
April
2024
15
7:00 pm

April 15–16, 2024EarShot Readings: Illinois Philharmonic OrchestraVenue TBDPalo Heights, ILEnsemble:Illinois Philharmonic OrchestraMentor Composers:Jessie MontgomeryJames StephensonConductor:Stilian KirovFeatured Artists and Works:TBD

TICKETS & MORE INFO
April
2024
6
7:30 pm

April 6–7, 2024Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertAngel Lam, TBD (World Premiere)Quad City Symphony OrchestraToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.

Robert A. and Patricia K. Hanson Symphonic Arts Center
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2024
22
8:00 pm

March 22–24, 2024Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertAngel Lam, TBD (World Premiere)Kansas City SymphonyToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra

Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2024
20
7:00 pm

March 20–22, 2024EarShot Readings: Indiana UniversityBloomington, INMentor composers:TBDConductor:Jeffrey MeyerFeatured Artists and Works:TBD

TICKETS & MORE INFO
March
2024
12
7:30 pm

March 12, 2024, 7:30pm Zankel Hall, Carnegie HallRei Hotoda, conductorChrystal E. Williams, mezzo-sopranoFelipe Hostins, accordionJerod Impichcha̱achaaha' Tate, narrator and lead vocalAMERICA IN WEIMAR: ON THE MARGINSGeorge Antheil: Jazz Symphony 7’Jerod Impichcha̱achaaha' : Lowak Shoppala' (Clans) (NY premiere) 10–15’John Glover (composer)/Kelley (librettist): Right Now (World Premiere) 15’Duke Ellington: “Solitude” and “Sophisticated Lady”, arr. Morton Gould 8’Tonia Ko: Breath, Untamed (World Premiere) 15’Kurt Weill/Ira Gershwin: “My Ship” from Lady in the Dark 5’AMERICA IN WEIMAR: ON THE MARGINS explores American influence on the Weimar period and—conversely—the legacy of Weimar's embrace of transgression, non-Teutonic identity, and utopian ideals, all of which continually resonate in today's American art and music.

Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall
TICKETS & MORE INFO
February
2024
22
7:30 pm

February 22–23, 2024“Beethoven Violin Concerto”Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertSarah Gibson, to make this mountain tallerKnoxville Symphony OrchestraToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.

Tennessee Theatre
TICKETS & MORE INFO
February
2024
7
8:00 pm

February 7–8, 2024“Pouliot & Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto& Shelley conducts Scheherazade”Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertGity Razaz, Methuselah (In Chains of Time)National Arts Centre OrchestraToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.

TICKETS & MORE INFO
January
2024
25
7:30 pm

January 25, 2024“Birth of a Culture”Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertArlene Sierra, KiskadeeLouisiana Philharmonic OrchestraToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.

The Orpheum Theater
TICKETS & MORE INFO
November
2023
9
7:30 pm

Event Details

November 9, 2023, 7:30pm

Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall

Vimbayi Kaziboni, conductor

Sidney Outlaw, baritone

Luke Dubois, video design

THE QUEST: EPIC JOURNEYS

Augusta Read Thomas: Sun Dance—In memoriam Oliver Knussen (NY Premiere) 6’

George Lewis: New Work (World Premiere/ACO Commission) 15’

Jack Hughes: Three Ways of Getting There (World Premiere/ACO Underwood commission) 10-12’

Guillermo Klein: The Kingdom (CoLABoratory/World Premiere) 10’

Nina C. Young: Out of whose womb came the ice (World Premiere, Carnegie Hall/ACO Co-commission) 28’

Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall
TICKETS & MORE INFO
October
2023
25
6:00 pm

ACO invites you to kick off the 2023-24 season with us at our 2023 Gala & Creative Catalyst Awards, a joyful celebration of the music and culture of the Americas honoring three visionary leaders - Paquito D'Rivera, Dr. Indira Etwaroo, and Edward Yim - who exemplify our core values of artistry, creativity, community, and equity.Meet rising stars of tomorrow over a caipirinha at the bar. Discover new sounds with NYC's most culturally curious. Make lifelong connections through the one-of-a-kind communal dining experience that is Brazilian churrasco. And, because it's a party after all, bring out your most creative festive attire!Save the date and join us for a night featuring music by composer & saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera, soprano Chrystal E. Williams, forró musician Felipe Hostins, composer Raquel Acevedo Klein, and sound artist Chris Kallmyer, among others, and a fabulous dinner.Founded in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Fogo de Chão's interactive tableside service features fire roasted meats, fish, and vegan/vegetarian entrees alongside Fogo's signature Market Table spread inspired by the farms of Southern Brazil where family and friends gather to share the finest and freshest from their harvests.We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of enthralling performances, sparkling company, and delicious food, while supporting the expansion of ACO's national EarShot composer advancement programs, orchestral performances, and educational initiatives.EVENT6:00pm Cocktail Hour7:00pm Awards Ceremony & Performances7:30pm Dinner & DessertTICKETSOnline tickets will be available by August 2023. Until then, please RSVP to Chaele Davis at chaele@americancomposers.orgVisionary $25,000

  • 8 VIP 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 Quest: Epic Journeys, ACO’s November 9, 2023 concert at Carnegie Hall
  • 8 VIP tickets to ACO’s The Quest: Epic Journeys concert at Carnegie Hall, plus invite to exclusive post-show reception

$23,000 of this purchase is tax-deductibleIcon $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 Quest: Epic Journeys, ACO’s November 9, 2023 concert at Carnegie Hall
  • 4 VIP tickets to ACO’s The Quest: Epic Journeys concert at Carnegie Hall, plus invite to exclusive post-show reception

$8,000 of this purchase is tax-deductibleMaverick $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-deductibleMuse $1,000

  • 1 VIP ticket to the dinner & performance with select seating
  • Listing in Gala Journal
  • Invitation to a special ACO insider event

$750 of this purchase is tax-deductibleExplorer $600

  • 1 VIP ticket to the dinner & performance
  • Listing in Gala Journal

$350 of this purchase is tax-deductibleTRIBUTESI cannot attend, but I’d like to place a tribute in the program book:Back Cover (color) 5” x 7 5/8” $1,500 Full page (B&W): 5” x 7 5/8” $500½ page (B&W): 5” x 3 11/16” $300¼ page (B&W): 2 3/8” wide x 3 11/16” $175ABOUT THE HONOREESNEA Jazz Master Paquito D'Rivera defies categorization. The winner of 14 combined Grammy and Latin Grammy awards with his celebrated musical career that reflects a dedication to jazz, bebop, and Latin music, including his impressive contributions to classical music. In his passion to bring Latin repertoire to greater prominence, D'Rivera has successfully created and championed all types of classical compositions, including chamber compositions and symphonies. His second National Symphony commission "The Journey" premiered in 2022 with Yo-Yo Ma as Soloist.Dr. Indira Etwaroo is an award-winning producer, director, scholar, and non-profit arts leader, and currently serves as the Director of the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple. Previously, she led RestorationART and The Billie Holiday Theatre through radical growth, including the launch of the first national strategic plan for Black theaters, The Black Seed.As Chief Content Officer and Senior Vice President of WQXR, Edward Yim is responsible for developing and implementing a strategic vision that helps WQXR reach a broader, more inclusive audience, drives digital innovation, bolsters the station’s role in New York City’s arts and culture ecosystem, and increases WQXR’s relevance and service to the city’s communities. Prior to joining WQXR, he served as President & CEO of the American Composers Orchestra.

TICKETS & MORE INFO
October
2023
19
7:00 pm

October 19–21, 2023“Korngold’s Violin Concerto”Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertArlene Sierra, KiskadeeDetroit Symphony OrchestraToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.

Orchestra Hall
TICKETS & MORE INFO
October
2023
10
7:30 pm

Presented by the Pittsburgh Symphony, this concert is free and open to the public. This 90-minute concert features selections from Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Suite, and Gershwin’s An American in Paris. Also, a RAD Days first: the Pittsburgh premiere of “to make this mountain taller” by American composer Sarah Gibson. Online reservations are encouraged. This concert is family-friendly, recommended for ages six and older.Sarah Gibson's work is made possible through the Virginia B. Toulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.

TICKETS & MORE INFO
October
2023
6
7:00 pm

October 6–8, 2023Kimmel Center"Trifinov Plays Brahms"Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertAnna Clyne, This MomentThe Philadelphia OrchestraToulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.

TICKETS & MORE INFO
October
2023
4
7:00 pm

CSO Assistant Conductors Samuel Lee and Daniel Wiley will conduct the CSO in a performance featuring composers of EarShot, the nation’s first ongoing, systematic program for creating relationships between orchestras and composers. EarShot is operated in partnership with the American Composers Forum, New Music USA, and the League of American Orchestras. The composers will be mentored by CSO Music Director Louis Langrée.

Featured Artists & Works:

Leyou Wang: Impressions from TianqianMartin Hebel: Radiant PillarsGiuseppe Gallo-Balma: Los Huesos de YayaelJoseph Sowa: Summer Has Ten Thousand StarsMentor Composers: Melinda Wagner, Curtis Stewart, Texu KimRead more about Composers & their Works. CLICK HERE –>

TICKETS & MORE INFO
September
2023
28
7:00 pm

“The Four Seasons”Virginia B. Toulmin Commission ConcertGity Razaz, Methuselah (In Chains of Time)Rochester Philharmonic OrchestraSeptember 28th and 30th, 2023Toulmin Commissioning Consortium: ACO and LAO have established a 30-orchestra consortium to support commissions by 6 women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer will write a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develop an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra.

Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre
TICKETS & MORE INFO
July
2023
5
8:00 pm

Brooklyn’s own Tamar-kali joins forces with international opera and theatre director James Blaszko and the American Composers Orchestra to bring Freedom Is a Constant Struggle to Lincoln Center. A second-generation musician with roots in the coastal Sea Islands of South Carolina, Tamar-kali has designed an evening of orchestral performances and readings that highlight the African-American struggle to reap the benefits of liberty and justice defined as a part of American citizenry. The concert traces the African-American struggle to achieve freedom—from the call to abolish chattel slavery through the Civil War, from reconstruction and the early movement for racial equality to the ‘60s civil rights movement, all the way to our present-day fights for equity. The performance includes the world premiere of Tamar-kali’s Sea Island Symphony: Red Rice, Cotton and Indigo, and spotlights pivotal works by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Frederick Douglass, Langston Hughes, Nina Simone, and Ida B. Wells, among other notable works. Featuring an orchestra, choir, guest vocalists, orators, and ring shouters, this will be an unforgettable, not-to-be missed evening of innovation, experimentation, and introspection.

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July
2023
5
8:00 pm

Brooklyn’s own Tamar-kali joins forces with international opera and theatre director James Blaszko and the American Composers Orchestra to bring Freedom Is a Constant Struggle to Lincoln Center. A second-generation musician with roots in the coastal Sea Islands of South Carolina, Tamar-kali has designed an evening of orchestral performances and readings that highlight the African-American struggle to reap the benefits of liberty and justice defined as a part of American citizenry. The concert traces the African-American struggle to achieve freedom—from the call to abolish chattel slavery through the Civil War, from reconstruction and the early movement for racial equality to the ‘60s civil rights movement, all the way to our present-day fights for equity. The performance includes the world premiere of Tamar-kali’s Sea IslandSymphony: Red Rice, Cotton and Indigo, and spotlights pivotal works by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Frederick Douglass, Langston Hughes, Nina Simone, and Ida B. Wells, among other notable works. Featuring an orchestra, choir, guest vocalists, orators, and ring shouters, this will be an unforgettable, not-to-be missed evening of innovation, experimentation, and introspection.This is a FREE event with first-come first-served General Admission. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Guest Experience at 212-875-5456 or guestexperience@lincolncenter.org.

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June
2023
21
2:00 pm

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra hosts EarShot Readings on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 with four featured composers: Moni (Jasmine) Guo, Diallo Banks, Ricardo Ferro, and Iván Enrique Rodríguez. The composers will work throughout the day with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra musicians and DSO Assistant Conductor Maurice Cohn, and receive feedback from mentor composers Quinn Mason, a 27-year old Dallas-based composer and conductor; “expert in orchestration” (The New York Times) Jimmy López Bellido; and Xi Wang, a Dallas-based composer and faculty member at Southern Methodist University. At 2:00pm that afternoon, the DSO and Cohn perform all four works at Meyerson Symphony Hall, after which a recording will be provided to the participants and published online. The public is invited to a free concert at 2:00pm.

EarShot is the first ongoing, systematic program for developing relationships between composers and orchestras on the national level, developed by the American Composers Orchestra to ensure the vibrant future of new American orchestral music. Over the last 25 years, these readings have provided more than 250 composers with vital artistic and technical resources, as well as career-accelerating public exposure. Alumni of EarShot have won every composition award, including the Pulitzer, GRAMMY, Grawemeyer, American Academy of Arts & Letters, and Rome Prizes, to name a few. Composer-orchestra relationships extend beyond the EarShot Readings, and since 2009, 28 works have been commissioned by partner orchestras from EarShot participants and more than half of selected EarShot composers report receiving a commission directly resulting from their participation.

Reserved tickets are required for this free event. General admission seating.

Read more about Composers & their Works. CLICK HERE –>

Program:

Moni (Jasmine) Guo – Rays of the After-rain Evening Sun

Diallo Banks – Chute Libre

Ricardo Ferro – ‘17-North

Iván Enrique Rodríguez – Symphony No. 2: Naa Okùnkùn ti Òkúnta Dídán

Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Maurice Cohn, conductor

Meyerson Symphony Center
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June
2023
12
7:30 pm

Music from Copland House presents six world premieres of the new works it commissioned from the 2023 Fellows of its acclaimed annual Emerging Composers Institute: Henry Dorn, Seare Farhat, Oswald Huỳnh, Maya Miro Johnson, Grace Ann Lee, and Max Vinetz. CULTIVATE 2023, directed by Grammy-nominated composer-clarinetist Derek Bermel, is an intensive, creative workshop and mentoring program for gifted American composers of all backgrounds and identities, in the initial stages of their professional careers. Each year, six young composers are awarded fellowships to participate in this immersive, weeklong session, which takes place at Aaron Copland’s National Historic Landmark home in Westchester County, one hour north of New York City.

Elebash Recital Hall, The Graduate Center
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June
2023
11
4:00 pm

SONiC and Mannes/The New School co-present three new interactive works developed through ACO’s EarShot CoLABoratory composer residency program. Inspired by the African-American history of resilience, healing, and awakening post-trauma, Grammy-winner Marcus Gilmore’sPulse, developed with ACO through the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative with his mentor, world-renowned tabla player Zakir Hussain, is scored for drums, jazz ensemble, spoken word, and orchestra. Pulse will feature spoken word by Tracy K. Smith, the 22nd Poet Laureate of the United States and a Pulitzer Prize winner. Trevor New’s Cohere Touch connects artists across continents using the composer’s own augmented reality environment and performance on viola. Mendi + Keith Obadike’s DreamTrain is an immersive sound installation and performance that encourages audiences to dream collectively as a means of social transformation. The American Composers Orchestra will be led by David Bloom.Featuring American Composers OrchestraDavid Bloom, conductorPaloma McGregor, director/choreographerMarcus Gilmore TrioTrevor New, violistTracy K. Smith, poetProgramDreamTrain by Mendi + Keith Obadike, sound artistsCohere Touch by Trevor New, electro-acoustic violist and composerPulse byMarcus Gilmore, drummer and composer, Fellow in the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts InitiativePost-Concert Discussion and Q&A, moderated by Melissa Ngan, featuring Rolex Mentor and Protégé Artists Zakir Hussain & Marcus Gilmore, plus CoLABoratory Fellows Trevor New, Mendi + Keith Obadike

Tishman Auditorium at Mannes School of Music
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June
2023
10
7:00 pm

SONiC teams up with Luna Composition Lab and International Contemporary Ensemble to present a concert of brand new works by the 2022–23 Luna Lab Fellows. Founded in 2016 by composers Missy Mazzoli and Ellen Reid, Luna Composition Lab provides mentorship and performance opportunities to young composers ages 13–18 who are female, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming. Missy Mazzoli, Ellen Reid, and George Lewis curate this evening of world premieres as well as additional works by Luna Lab mentors.

Read more about Composers & their Works. CLICK HERE –>

Featured Artists2022–23 Luna Lab FellowsHannah ChenLucy ChenLili MasoudiGabrielle SmithElaina Rae StupplerIsabelle TsengLuna Lab MentorsWang LuNina ShekharInternational Contemporary EnsembleAlice Jones, fluteLeah Asher, violinMeaghan Burke, celloEmmalie Tello, clarinetErika Dohi, pianoProgramHannah Chen: Spiral (World Premiere)Lucy Chen: Seventeen (World Premiere)Wang Lu: From the Distant Plains IILili Masoudi: [to be determined] (World Premiere)Nina Shekhar: GLITCHGabrielle Smith: Stellar Evolution (World Premiere)Elaina Rae Stuppler: Waluga (World Premiere)Isabelle Tseng: Bumbershoot (World Premiere)

Curators: George Lewis, Missy Mazzoli, Ellen Reid

Stiefel Hall at Mannes School of Music
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June
2023
9
7:00 pm

SONIC welcomes a program of Caribbean music entitled Nexus, produced by Puentes Caribeños, an organization dedicated to promoting Caribbean art music since 2013. Featuring Jamaican pianist Paul Shaw, Puerto Rican flutist Nora Lee Garcia with pianist/composers Mariano Morales and Raymond Torres-Santos, and Bahamian ensemble C Force – with Christine Gangelhoff, flute; Christian Justilien, euphonium; and Paul Jones, piano – this performance presents works connected to the Caribbean, including four world premieres.

Curated by: Puentes CaribeñosCoordinated by: Christine Gangelhoff

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Puentes Caribeños is the organization behind the Caribbean art music symposia that have taken place across the Caribbean since 2013. Passionate about the extensive but little-known repertoire of music from the region, Puentes Caribeños is committed to promoting composers linked to the Caribbean in order that their voices may be heard more widely. As the classical music world finally begins to embrace more diversity and inclusion, the work of Puentes Caribeños is more timely than ever. The Puentes Caribeños committee consists of its co-founders Dr Carlos Carrillo (University of Illinois), Dr Christine Gangelhoff (University of The Bahamas) and Dr Adam Walters (University of Trinidad and Tobago).

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Composer Carlos R. Carrillo Cotto holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music (BM), Yale University (MM), and the University of Pennsylvania (Ph.D.). Dr. Carrillo is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Bearns Prize, the Charles Ives Scholarship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, BMI, and ASCAP awards. He has taught composition at DePauw University, Reed College, and the Conservatory of Music in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Currently, Dr. Carrillo is an Associate Professor of Composition-Theory at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Flutist Christine Gangelhoff is currently Professor of Music at The University of The Bahamas and has also held positions on the faculties of Memorial University of Newfoundland and St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She is a founding member of C Force, a chamber ensemble that challenges the traditional concept of chamber music. Her extensive research on art music from the Caribbean has inspired albums, academic symposia, concert series, scholarly publications and most recently, an innovative textbook. She is a Powell performing artist and holds degrees from Yale University, the University of North Texas, and the University of Minnesota.

After a freelance career as a composer and French horn player in the UK, Adam Walters moved to Trinidad in 2009 to join the music faculty of the University of Trinidad and Tobago. Absorbing himself in local musical styles, Adam has developed an approach to composition that blends sounds and gestures of Trinidadian musics and environments with his own background in western classical styles. Now living back in London, Adam holds a PhD in composition from Royal Holloway, University of London, and his music has been performed in Trinidad, the UK and the US.

Americas Society
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June
2023
8
7:00 pm

Audiences are invited to observe a collaborative session with orchestra, composers, and choreographers/dancers.The Next Festival’s 2023 Choreographer, Composer and Performance Fellows premiere new music and dance works, intermingling the world premiere of ACO EarShot compositions with a works-in-progress dance showing. This is the culmination of a week-long workshop, consisting of rehearsals, collaboration and spontaneous creation. ACO's EarShot is the nation's first ongoing program for creating relationships between orchestras and composers, in partnership with American Composers Forum, League of American Orchestras and New Music USA.Composer Mentors, the Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award-winning composer Aaron Jay Kernis and “strikingly original” (The New York Times) Kamala Sankaram, along with Festival A.D. Peter Askim, will guide ACO’s Earshot Composer Fellows Michael R. Dudley Jr., Emil Ernström, and Akari Komura in the creation of new music. These new pieces will be played by the Festival’s String Performance Fellows. Choreography Mentor Sidra Bell will lead Choreographer Fellows Flora Ferguson, Jay Beardsley, and Ameeya Singh in the development of new dance work, in collaboration with EarShot Composer Fellows and String Performance Fellows.This workshop is one of eight SONiC Festival events that will be available for livestream. Access is free, but advance registration is required. To access links for all livestreamed events, register now.Read more about Composers & their Works. CLICK HERE –>Click here for more information about The Next Festival of Emerging ArtistsClick here for a closer look at Next Fest Composer/Choreographer Workshops

New School Tishman Auditorium
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June
2023
7
9:30 pm

ACO teams up with the Public Theater for a night of SONiC explorations curated by two of ACO’s recently commissioned composers Paula Matthusen and inti figgis-vizueta. Two events on the same evening: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 7pm, and 9:30pm.The 9:30pm event is curated by Paula Matthusen.Program

Dani Dobkin, New Work

Anthony Sertel Dean, New Work

Natalie Greffel, New Work

Seth Cluett & Paula Matthusen, interstitial studies

Joe’s Pub at Public Theater
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June
2023
7
7:00 pm

ACO teams up with the Public Theater for a night of SONiC explorations curated by two of ACO’s recently commissioned composers Paula Matthusen and inti figgis-vizueta. Two events on the same evening: Wednesday, June 7 at 7:00pm and 9:30pm. The 7:00pm event curated by inti figgis-vizueta features The Rhythm Method, an ensemble of four composer-performers.

Joe’s Pub at Public Theater
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June
2023
6
8:00 pm

Bergamot Quartet and special guest Dan Trueman will present a program that pays homage to the intricate array of textures and pitches available on our non-fretted instruments, featuring works that explore “the spaces between the notes”, and backboned by fiddle traditions from around the world.​​

Roulette Intermedium
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June
2023
5
9:30 pm

Jazz at Lincoln Center and SONiC co-present a program curated by two of the most innovative artists bridging the boundaries between Latin Jazz and classical music—Clarice Assad and Yosvany Terry—at Dizzy’s Club.Jazz at Lincoln Center and SONiC co-present a program curated by two of the most innovative artists bridging the boundaries between Latin Jazz and classical music – Clarice Assad and Yosvany Terry – at Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center on Monday, June 5, 2023. At 7:30pm, Grammy Award–nominated composer, pianist, and vocalist Clarice Assad curates a one-hour set featuring Brazilian guitarist João Luiz Rezende, pianists Mariel Mayz and Carolina Calvache, and more.At 9:30pm, JALC and SONiC present Atlantic Connections, created by Grammy-nominated saxophonist, percussionist, and composer Yosvany Terry and multi-dimensional vocalist Alicia Hall Moran, is a song cycle inspired by a selection of poets from the African Diaspora, including Maya Angelou, Salgado Maranhão (Brasil) and Silvie Kande (Senegal). The work of these poets served as a launching point for Terry and Hall to explore themes of land, home, motherhood, love, loss, distance, displacement, and water as some of the elements that spiritually connect the peoples’ of the African Diaspora. Atlantic Connections was originally commissioned by the Harvard University Committee on the Arts.Curated by: Yosvany Terry, saxophonist, percussionist, and composer

Dizzy's Jazz at Lincoln Center
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