The New England Conservatory Contemporary Music Ensemble (NEC CME) is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1966, the ensemble has been dedicated to the performance of contemporary classical music and has become a leading force in the field. The ensemble was founded by Gunther Schuller, a composer, conductor, and horn player who served as the president of the New England Conservatory from 1967 to 1977. Schuller was a strong advocate for contemporary classical music and believed that it was important for young musicians to be exposed to and perform new works. He founded the NEC CME as a way to provide a platform for the performance of contemporary classical music and to give young musicians the opportunity to work with living composers. Over the years, the NEC CME has had many members, including some of the most talented young musicians in the country. The ensemble has been led by a number of distinguished conductors, including John Heiss, Frank Epstein, and Stephen Drury. The ensemble has also worked with many renowned composers, including John Cage, Elliott Carter, and Steve Reich. One of the highlights of the NEC CME's history was its performance of John Cage's "Atlas Eclipticalis" in 1969. The piece, which was written for orchestra and tape, was a groundbreaking work that incorporated elements of chance and indeterminacy. The performance was a huge success and helped to establish the NEC CME as a leading ensemble in the field of contemporary classical music. Another notable performance by the NEC CME was its 1973 performance of Steve Reich's "Drumming." The piece, which was written for percussion ensemble, was a landmark work in the field of minimalism and helped to establish Reich as one of the most important composers of the 20th century. The performance was widely praised and helped to cement the NEC CME's reputation as a leading ensemble in the field of contemporary classical music. Over the years, the NEC CME has won many awards and accolades for its performances. In 1972, the ensemble was awarded the ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming. In 1985, the ensemble was awarded the Boston Music Award for Best Classical Ensemble. In 2003, the ensemble was awarded the Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming. Today, the NEC CME continues to be a leading force in the field of contemporary classical music. The ensemble performs regularly at the New England Conservatory and at venues throughout the country. The ensemble's commitment to the performance of new works and its dedication to working with living composers has helped to ensure that contemporary classical music remains a vital and vibrant art form.

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