Programs & Initiatives

Composers Now features various programs and initiatives designed to support a network of living composers and cultivate a vibrant community in contemporary music. These include commissioning new works, showcasing artistic processes, fostering engaging dialogues, offering mentorship opportunities, and recognizing outstanding achievements.

Click on any of the links below to learn more!

Composers Interviewing Composers

The series aims to delve into the creative process of composers, providing our audience with a deeper understanding of the artistic process behind the music.

Cheswatyr Commissions

Cheswatyr Commissions was created and produced by Composers Now with underwriting from the Cheswatyr Foundation. The award commemorates Cece Wasserman and foregrounds her legacy of empowering living composers in substantive ways.

First Commission

The First Commission Award provides young composers with support aimed to encourage artistic potential and creative development. Selected composers receive a Composers Now commission and world premiere. This annual award is generously made possible by Michael Minard and Phyllis Ross.

Second Stage

Second Stage is a commissioning, mentoring and professional development initiative designed at the invitation of and with underwriting from the Toulmin Foundation. Second Stage provides an in-depth experience for a cohort of three creators that culminates with a concert of world premieres in New York City.

Dialogues

Composers Now launched this innovative initiative, hosted by the organization's Founder/Artistic Director Tania León, in 2015.

Composer Curator

Composer Curator offers groundbreaking music creators working in and around genres, with technology and collaborating with artists in other arts disciplines, a platform to share with audiences their creative process, curate a program and engage in conversation with fellow composers.

Pocantico Center

The Pocantico Center is the location for two creatives to come together, explore the beautiful tranquility of the natural setting of its gardens, sculptures and landscapes while also finding a combined inspired creativity leading to a new work.

IMPACT

IMPACT offers a composer the opportunity to reflect on one's creativity, influences, pathways, and responsibility as a living artist in our ever-changing world.

Visionary Awards

The Composers Now Visionary Award recognizes members of the arts community who, through their own creative practice and advocacy for others, have made a profound, positive and lasting impact on our culture.

Presenter Partners

Composers Now announces a collaborative initiative with presenters across the five boroughs of New York City to generate greater visibility for living composers throughout the year.

past programs & Initiatives

Composers Now in Harmony

Civitella Ranieri

Civitella Ranieri has a long tradition of Affiliated Fellowships, butthis is our first exclusively dedicated to music and composition. We look forward to the candidates Composers Now will identify, and to welcoming them to Civitella in the coming years.- Dana Prescott, Executive Director, Civitella Ranieri Foundation