"The open, collaborative nature of Chicago's new music community is home to an extraordinary crop of ensembles and a vibrant landscape of composers. The scene for new music in Chicago is exceptional and I dedicate myself to supporting and encouraging its sustainability and growth." — Augusta Read Thomas
2026-27 Season
World Premiere of ASTRAL ILLUMINATIONS — HOMMAGE TO EMILY DICKINSON for Solo Violoncello and Orchestra, premiered by The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Ryan Bancroft. This work is co-commissioned by several orchestras including the Lahti Symphony Orchestra, and other orchestras to be announced.
SEASON, 2026
World Premiere of ASTRAL KALEIDOSCOPES for Percussion Quartet - Homage to Claude Debussy, Bill Evans, and Miles Davis. Two Kaleidoscopes played without pause — I: SUN RIBBONS and II: DANCING LUMINOSITY — performed by Third Coast Percussion. Commissioned by and dedicated with admiration and deep gratitude, to Third Coast Percussion.
2026-27 Season
World Premiere of LIGHT PEARLS THROUGH PRISMS for solo piano premiered by Marianne Parker.
2026-27 Season
World Premiere of MAGICAL FLIGHTS OF THE ADARNA BIRD for solo violoncello premiered by Alexander Hersh.
October 19 - 23, 2026
Co-commissioner World Premiere of NEW WORK for solo cello and orchestra, premiered by cellist Alban Gerhardt, The Swedish Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Brett Dean. This work is co-commissioned by several orchestras including The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Ryan Bancroft, the Lahti Symphony Orchestra, and other orchestras to be announced.
NOVEMBER 28, 2026
World Premiere of NEW WORK for solo cello and organ. A Memorial Commission for Kaija Saariaho, commissioned by Anssi Karttunen, cellist and Olivier Latry, organist to premiere at the Maison de la Radio, Paris, France.
DECEMBER 5, 2026
World Premiere of ALCESTIS ASCENDS for 3 players: Ah Young Hong, soprano, Miranda Cuckson, violin, and Chris Gross, violoncello, setting a text by Alcestis:
Euripides, 438 BCE, chorus of men of Pherae, translated by Rachel Kitzinger. Special gratitude to composer Michael Hersch.
MAY 21, 2027
World Premiere of NEW WORK for 13 players performed by The Grossman Ensemble conducted by Timothy Weiss, Logan Center for the Arts, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
JULY 13 - 19, 2026
AVIAN CAPRICCIO for Brass Quintet performed by the FiveBrass quintet, who are from Slovenia, in concerts at the Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition, which is taking place Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
JULY 15 - 19, 2026
Composer in Residence for Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival in Blue Hill Maine. Various compositions will be performed including UPON WINGS OF WORDS, Emily Dickinson Settings, for soprano and string quartet, sung by soprano Kristina Bachrach, KLEE MUSINGS for piano trio, and SUN THREADS for string quartet. Gratitude to Artistic Director, Laurie Smukler.
JULY 20, 2026
TOFT SERENADE for violin and piano performed by Duo Diorama: Minghuan Xu violin, Winston Choi, piano, performed at the opening concert of the season at Cortona Sessions, Cortona, Italy
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