This group is dedicated to the performance of living American composers’ music, and to its creation. The orchestra’s ever-growing number of commissioned composers – which include such seminal figures as John Cage, Milton Babbitt, Terry Riley, Stephen Sondheim, Philip Glass, David Lang, Jennifer Higdon, to mention only a smattering – is a veritable “Who’s Who” of relevant, homegrown orchestral creators.
With ingenious programming mechanisms that go beyond concert performance, such as the research and development lab setting of the “Playing It UNsafe” series and the annual Underwood New Music Readings, the ACO enables un-established, emerging American composers to brainstorm their pieces, workshop them in front of live audiences, and eventually have their compositions premiered by the Composers Orchestra. For the audience, ACO concerts are a great way to hear new works and gain an opportunity to learn about the composition process.
American Composers Orchestra Information
- Venues: Carnegie Hall (881 7th Avenue); DiMenna Center for Classical Music (450 West 37th Street); Speyer Hall – University Settlement (184 Eldridge Street); 92YTribeca (200 Hudson Street); Miller Theatre – Columbia University (2960 Broadway); Symphony Space (2537 Broadway); Joyce SoHo (155 Mercer Street); and various other venues throughout NYC
- Public Transportation: Very Good (all venues are easily accessible by subway and bus)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good for all venues
- Performances/Programs: Varies, but usually six programs and eight performances per season
- Ticket Prices: Vary based on venue.
