"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
SEPTEMBER 20, 2025
World premiere of NEW WORK for orchestra commissioned by the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami in celebration of its centennial. Gerard Schwarz conducts the The Frost Symphony Orchestra, Miami, FL.
January 7 & 8, 2026
World premiere of NEW WORK for solo cello and orchestra, premiered by cellist Alban Gerhardt, The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Ryan Bancroft. This work is co-commissioned by several orchestras including the Lahti Symphony Orchestra, The Swedish Chamber Orchestra, and other orchestras to be announced.
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.
DECEMBER 2, 2024
HEMKE CONCERTO: PRISMS OF LIGHT for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra, performed by saxophonist Joshua Baker and pianist Michael Wu at the University of Wisconsin in Mead Witter Concert Hall, Madison, WI, USA.
DECEMBER 4, 2024
Chicago Humanities Festival presents Chicago Center for Contemporary Composition in Concert — An evening of music and conversation with Augusta Read Thomas. TOFT SERENADE for violin and piano performed by Duo Diorama: Minghuan Xu violin, Winston at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, Chicago, IL. Augusta is emceeing the concert which includes works by other composers.
DECEMBER 8, 2024
ABRACADABRA (Suncatchers) for 11 virtuosi performed by The University of Iowa New Music Ensemble, David Gompper conducting.
DECEMBER 10, 2024
TOFT SERENADE for violin and piano performed by Duo Diorama: Minghuan Xu violin, Winston at the Union League Club of Chicago at 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL