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A new online database featuring audio excerpts, program notes, and score samples by more than 140 composers whose works have been performed through the EarShot Network
Visit the EarShot Composer Archive
EarShot, the National Orchestral Composition Discovery Network, announces the launch of the EarShot Composer Archive, a new database of audio excerpts, program notes, and score samples by more than 140 composers whose works have been performed through the EarShot Network, after selection through nationwide calls for scores. The EarShot Composer Archive is designed to allow orchestra personnel, conductors, and artistic administrators to easily search for new repertoire and composers as they plan their concert seasons. The archive is free and accessible to the public.
EarShot was founded in 2007, and is an initiative of American Composers Orchestra (ACO) in partnership with American Composers Forum, League of American Orchestras, and New Music USA (formerly the American Music Center and Meet The Composer). Both EarShot and the new Archive further ACO’s commitment to serve as a catalyst, beyond its own performances, for the creation of new orchestral music, providing unprecedented opportunities for diverse American composers to make new work and for audiences to discover it.
“For 10 years, ACO and EarShot have nurtured a generation of talented composers, sharing their work with orchestras throughout the country via live readings and performances,” says ACO Artistic Director Derek Bermel. “We are thrilled to launch this online archive, which will facilitate further performances of their work and help us continue to proliferate new American music.”
EarShot is the nation’s first ongoing, systematic program for identifying emerging orchestral composers. ACO’s artistic and administrative staff works with participating orchestras, assisting with planning, identifying composers through extensive nationwide calls, as well as program design and execution. EarShot offers participants career development in the form of mentorships and counsel, and increases awareness of these composers and access to their music throughout the industry.
Each year, orchestras host readings across the country. EarShot orchestras have included the New York Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, American Composers Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Berkeley Symphony, Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Symphony, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, La Jolla Symphony, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Naples Philharmonic, Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Pioneer Valley Symphony (MA), New York Youth Symphony, and the San Diego Symphony.
The EarShot Composer Archive is made possible with the support of Augusta Gross and the Herb Alpert Foundation.