Performances
& Events
January 26-30, 2026
EarShot Readings: Lawrence University Symphony Orchestra
Appleton, WI
TBD, Conductor
Featured Artists and Works TBD
Mentor Composers:
Joanne Metcalf
Asha Srinivasan
Marcos Balter
January 26-30, 2026
EarShot Readings: Lawrence University Symphony Orchestra
Appleton, WI
TBD, Conductor
Featured Artists and Works TBD
Mentor Composers:
Joanne Metcalf
Asha Srinivasan
Marcos Balter
“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.
“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.
March 26-28, 2025
EarShot Readings: Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music
Bloomington, IN
TBD, Conductor
Featured Artists and Works TBD
Mentor Composers TBD
March 26-28, 2025
EarShot Readings: Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music
Bloomington, IN
TBD, Conductor
Featured Artists and Works TBD
Mentor Composers TBD
“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.
“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.
March 6, 2025, 7:30 PM ET
Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall
Tito Muñoz, Conductor
Clarice Assad, Vocals and Electronics
Edmar Castañeda, Harp
Harlem Samba, Percussion
PROGRAM
Clarice Assad: The Evolution of AI (ACO Commission/World Premiere)
Edmar Castañeda: Bordones (ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory/World Premiere)
Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda: Going Home, arr. Curtis Stewart (World Premiere Arrangement)
Tania León, Ácana
Tomàs Peire Serrate: Wayfarer (ACO Commission/World Premiere)
Latin American, Afro-Caribbean, and United States culture have been interconnected for centuries by the effects of colonization and the musics transported and transformed overseas as a result. This program features music from various parts of Latin America and its influence on jazz and “Classical” music in the United States. Conductor Tito Muñoz leads ACO in the performance of works by Clarice Assad, Edmar Castañeda, Alice Coltrane, Tania León, and Tomàs Peire Serrate. Guest artists Clarice Assad (vocals and electronics), Edmar Castañeda (harp), and percussion ensemble Harlem Samba join ACO onstage.
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.
“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.
“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.
February 22, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Brittany J. Green, TESTIFY!
Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra
Link: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36404/production/1198898?performanceId=11466141
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.
The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
February 22, 2025
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Brittany J. Green, TESTIFY!
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
“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!
“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!
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
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)
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
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 grade school students are also pushing the boundaries of music creation. Leila Pertl, Instructor in Music Education & 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 grade schools looks like.
Composing the Future
Composers and Music Education
Staff Moderator: JL Marlor
Featured Speaker: Leila Pertl
“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.
“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.
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.
Floridian Symphony was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
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.
December 13, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Angel Lam, Please let there be a paradise…
Utah Symphony & Opera
Link: https://utahsymphony.org/event/id/33382/
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.
Please let there be a paradise… was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
December 13, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Angel Lam, Please let there be a paradise…
Please let there be a paradise… was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
November 22, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Angel Lam, Please let there be a paradise…
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.
Please let there be a paradise… was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
November 22, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Angel Lam, Please let there be a paradise…
Please let there be a paradise… was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
October 28–29, 2024
EarShot Readings: National Arts Centre Orchestra
National Arts Centre | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
TBD, Conductor
Featured Artists and Works TBD
Mentor Composers:
Jimmy López Bellido
Ana Sokolović
Dinuk Wijeratne
October 28–29, 2024
EarShot Readings: National Arts Centre Orchestra
National Arts Centre | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
TBD, Conductor
Featured Artists and Works TBD
Mentor Composers:
Jimmy López Bellido
Ana Sokolović
Dinuk Wijeratne
October 28–29, 2024
EarShot Readings: National Arts Centre Orchestra
National Arts Centre | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
TBD, Conductor
Featured Artists and Works TBD
Mentor Composers:
Jimmy López Bellido
Ana Sokolović
Dinuk Wijeratne
October 28–29, 2024
EarShot Readings: National Arts Centre Orchestra
National Arts Centre | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
TBD, Conductor
Featured Artists and Works TBD
Mentor Composers:
Jimmy López Bellido
Ana Sokolović
Dinuk Wijeratne
October 26, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Wang Lu, Surge
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops
Link: https://www.cincinnatisymphony.org/tickets-and-events/buy-tickets/cso/2425-cso-season/sibelius--saint-saens/
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.
October 26, 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.
October 19, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Gity Razaz, Methuselah (In Chains of Time)
Akron 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.
In Chains of Time was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
October 19, 2024
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.
Raise Up: 2024 Gala and Creative Catalyst Awards
Tuesday, 15 October, 2024
25 W. 40th St., New York City
6:00P Cocktail Hour
7:00P Dinner & Performances
RSVP by September 30th
Festive Attire
Co-chaired by Dr. Indira Etwaroo, Melin Tan-Geller, MD, and Lana Turner, ACO's 2024 Gala & Creative Catalyst Awards honor the contributions of visionary leaders who exemplify the organization’s core values of artistry, creativity, community and equity.
This year’s gala embraces a theme of “Raise Up!” as ACO celebrates a trio of musical visionaries: Regina Carter, MacArthur Fellow, Doris Duke Award recipient and multi-GRAMMY® Award-nominated violinist; Hollis King, Emeritus Creative Director and VP, Verve Group; and the BMI Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting creators of American music through awards, scholarships, grants and commissions.
Gala supporters will enjoy an evening of original music from leading artists while celebrating ACO’s work to expand the definition of American orchestral music to ensure an inclusive and vibrant future. Guests will start by enjoying cocktail hour on the roof terrace, in view of the iconic New York Public Library. Moving to the Garden for awards, performances and dinner, guests will enjoy a scrumptious meal, sparkling company and one-of-a-kind performances before closing the night with dancing under the stars, all while supporting ACO’s mission.
Proceeds from the gala will support ACO’s full suite of programs, including EarShot Readings, the invaluable mentorship program for emerging composers to hear their scores rehearsed and performed by top orchestras across the U.S., Canada and Mexico; EarShot CoLABoratory Fellowships, a platform for composers whose work is experimental and/or rooted in musical traditions underrepresented in the orchestral repertoire; and Sonic Spark Lab, programs geared to students from middle school to college-age, that offer musical training and composing instruction to more than 500 students in New York City and Detroit. In addition, ACO has professional audio and video recordings of all New York City-based engagements for its orchestra, including programs at Carnegie Hall and New York-based EarShot Readings.
In the spirit of supporting American composers through ACO's national EarShot composer advancement programs, orchestral performances and educational initiatives, the gala will “Raise Up!” to celebrate new music, new connections and new ideas catalyzed by communal presence.
Showcasing all that American orchestral music can truly be and do, performances include an original composition by Regina Carter, sound sculpting by Apache violinist Laura Ortman, Gospel-inspired music by bass virtuoso Kebra-Seyoun Charles, the infectious collective energy of Harlem Samba, the warm vocal stylings of Claudia Acuña and the smooth tunes of the Sam Bardfeld Band.
HONOREES
Supporting creators of American music through awards, scholarships, grants and commissions
MacArthur Fellow, Doris Duke Award recipient and multi-GRAMMY Award nominated violinist
Emeritus Creative Director and VP, Verve Group
PERFORMANCES & CREATIVE EXPERIENCES BY
GALA CO-CHAIRS
Indira Etwaroo
Melin Tan-Geller
Lana Turner
GALA HONORARY COMMITTEE
Ralph C. Bumbaca
NYC Market President, TD Bank
Amy Cassello
Artistic Director, BAM
Shirleena Celestine
Global Lead Inclusive Products & Services Apple Music, Podcast, Beats, Shazam, Video, and Sports
Katie Ferguson
Head of Classical, Platoon
Emil J. Kang
Program Director for Arts and Culture, Mellon Foundation
Samantha Levin
Co-Founder, Ode to Joy
Tito Muñoz
Conductor
Adina Sales
Co-Founder, Ode to Joy
GALA COMMITTEE
Alberta Arthurs
Derek Bermel* & Andrea Pinto Correia
Atif Bhanjee*
Thomas Brener*
Jane Cavalier*
Scott Dunn* and Robbie Moray
Indira Etwaroo
Lisa Evanson Washburn*
Michael Fehrman* & Andrea Luciano
Corey Field
Marilyn Go* & Richard Dolan
Todd Gordon & Susan Feder
David Geller & Melin Tan-Geller*
Augusta Gross* & Leslie Samuels
Benjamin Hildner*
Jonathan Holland*
Hollis King
Chris* & Libby Lando
Tess Mateo* & Gary Brewster
Annette McEvoy* & Harold Bronheim
Melissa Ngan*
Deborah Sherman*
Karen Slack*
Toyin Spellman-Diaz*
Judith R. Thoyer
Sameera* & Christian Troesch
Geoffroy van Raemdonck*
Melinda Wagner* & James Saporito
André J. Washington*
Frederick Wertheim* & Angelo Chan
Shinian Ye*
*indicates ACO Board Member
CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT RAISE UP!
GALA SUPPORT LEVELS
Visionary $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)
- Logo placement or recognition on all print and digital marketing for the event
- Recognition as an official sponsor of The New Virtuoso: Borders, ACO’s October 30, 2024 concert at Carnegie Hall
- 8 VIP tickets to ACO’s The New Virtuoso: Borders concert at Carnegie Hall, plus invite to exclusive post-show reception
- One dedicated social media post highlighting your sponsorship of the event
$23,000 of this purchase is tax-deductible
Icon $10,000
- 8 VIP tickets to the dinner & performance with preferred table placement; includes placement of two guest artists at your table, if desired
- Full-page Gala Journal Ad (B&W)
- Logo placement or recognition on all print and digital marketing for the event
- Recognition as an official sponsor of The New Virtuoso: Borders, ACO’s October 30, 2024 concert at Carnegie Hall
- 4 VIP tickets to ACO’s The New Virtuoso: Borders concert at Carnegie Hall, plus invite to exclusive post-show reception
- One dedicated social media post highlighting your sponsorship of the event
$8,000 of this purchase is tax-deductible
Maverick $5,000
- 4 VIP tickets to the dinner & performance, with select table placement, includes placement of one guest artist at your table, if desired
- Listing in Gala Journal
- Logo placement or recognition on all print and digital marketing for the event
- Invitation to a special ACO insider event
$4,000 of this purchase is tax-deductible
Muse $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-deductible
Explorer $600
- 1 VIP ticket to the dinner & performance
- Listing in Gala Journal
$350 of this purchase is tax-deductible
For Artists and Nonprofit Colleagues $300
- 1 VIP ticket to the dinner & performance
- Listing in Gala Journal
Co-chaired by Dr. Indira Etwaroo, Melin Tan-Geller, MD, and Lana Turner, ACO's 2024 Gala & Creative Catalyst Awards honor the contributions of visionary leaders who exemplify the organization’s core values of artistry, creativity, community and equity.
Shoot Your (Ear)Shot: Stories and Guidance on Applying to EarShot Readings
Friday, 10/4, 4-5pm ET
Featured Speakers: Malachi Brown, Patricia Leonard, Loki Karuna
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.
Shoot Your (Ear)Shot: Stories and Guidance on Applying to EarShot Readings
Friday, 10/4, 4-5pm ET
Featured Speakers: Malachi Brown, Patricia Leonard, Loki Karuna
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.
September 27–28, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Brittany J. Green, TBD (World Premiere)
Jacksonville 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.
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
September 27–28, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Brittany J. Green, TBD (World Premiere)
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
September 27–28, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Brittany J. Green, TBD (World Premiere)
Jacksonville 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.
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
September 27–28, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Brittany J. Green, TBD (World Premiere)
This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
September 27, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Sarah Gibson, to make this mountain taller
Idaho State Civic Symphony
Link: https://iscsymphony.org/24-25-season/
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.
to make this mountain taller was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
September 27, 2024
Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert
Sarah Gibson, to make this mountain taller
to make the mountain taller was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Part of our EarShot composer advancement program, CoLABoratory Residencies provide artists with a year of generative space with the orchestra to develop ideas that are too big and beautiful for a traditional reading or commissioning model.
With a chamber orchestra of 28 musicians, we are workshopping the following new works:
- Bass Concerto: Nightlife by Kebra-Seyoun Charles: combining multiple styles and genres, Charles takes forms like the French Baroque Overture and infuses them with modern genres like house music, jazz, and gospel. ACO will present the world premiere of Nightlife at Carnegie Hall on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
- New Work by Edmar Castañeda that merges jazz traditions with a diverse set of styles and genres featuring himself on the harp
Location:
The Dimenna Center for Classical Music
New York City, NY
Ensemble:
American Composers Orchestra
Ticket Reservations: https://secure.givelively.org/event/american-composers-orchestra/aco-colaboratory-workshop
August 28, 2024
ACO CoLABoratory Workshop
Part of our EarShot composer advancement program, CoLABoratory Residencies provide artists with a year of generative space with the orchestra to develop ideas that are too big and beautiful for a traditional reading or commissioning model.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
April 15–16, 2024EarShot Readings: Illinois Philharmonic OrchestraVenue TBDPalo Heights, ILEnsemble:Illinois Philharmonic OrchestraMentor Composers:Jessie MontgomeryJames StephensonConductor:Stilian KirovFeatured Artists and Works:TBD
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.