The 2025 Composers Now Festival highlights performances of the music of living composers throughout the month of February 2025. For the first time, the Festival is expanding from its home in New York, adding multiple cities across the US.
For the first time, The 2025 Composers Now Festival is expanding from its home in New York, adding multiple cities across the US: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and Twin Cities.
Partner organizations for this national expansion are The Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) (Chicago), Miami Light Project (Miami), American Composers Forum (Twin Cities), and Wild Up (Los Angeles).
The 2025 Composers Now Festival Opening Event will take place on January 29th at National Sawdust in Brooklyn, NY. The concert features performances that capture the breadth and scope of music today, as well as the presentation of the Composers Now Visionary Award and the First Commission initiative.
2025 Visionary Awards
Celebrate those who shape our culture with creative excellence and advocacy for others. The 2025 Composers Now Visionary Award honors George Lewis and Paola Prestini for their extraordinary contributions to the arts.
First Commission - World Premiere
The 2025 First Commission Award was presented to Sophia Kunxu Dou, nominated by Daniel Felsenfeld, and her composer mentor, Eve Beglarian.
Witness the debut of groundbreaking work by an emerging composer. Our First Commission program supports the next generation of artists, nurturing innovation and growth. This year’s recipient and mentor will be revealed soon.
Live Performances
Experience the vibrant diversity of contemporary music with works by Daniel Blake, Geo Suqillo, Kirsten Childs, and Jennifer Curtis.
Join us as we launch the 2025 Composers Now Festival with an electrifying evening hosted by Tania León, the visionary Founder and Artistic Director of Composers Now. This event kicks off a month-long celebration spotlighting the voices of living composers across the nation.
New Chamber Ballet presents the world premiere of Vox, choreographed by Miro Magloire to music by Elizabeth Gartman, along with The Density of Bones, to music by Ya-Lan Chan.
The 2025 First Commission Award - Sophia Kunxu Dou, nominated by Daniel Felsenfeld, and her mentor, Eve Beglarian.