Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Society for New Music is a classical music ensemble based in Syracuse, New York. Founded in 1971, the ensemble has been dedicated to promoting contemporary classical music and supporting living composers. The Society for New Music was founded by a group of musicians and composers who were interested in exploring new and innovative music. The founding members included composer and pianist Gregg Smith, composer and conductor Neely Bruce, and composer and flutist Robert Dick. The ensemble was initially formed as a way to showcase the work of local composers and to provide a platform for new and experimental music. Over the years, the Society for New Music has grown to become one of the most respected contemporary classical music ensembles in the United States. The ensemble has performed throughout the country and has commissioned and premiered hundreds of new works by composers from around the world. The Society for New Music is made up of a core group of musicians, including flutist and artistic director Neva Pilgrim, violinist and concertmaster Peter Rovit, cellist Gregory Wood, and pianist Sar-Shalom Strong. The ensemble also works with a rotating group of guest musicians and composers. One of the highlights of the Society for New Music's history was the premiere of John Cage's "Roaratorio" in 1979. The piece, which was commissioned by the ensemble, is a multimedia work that combines music, spoken word, and field recordings. The premiere was a major event in the contemporary classical music world and helped to establish the Society for New Music as a leading force in the field. Another major highlight for the ensemble was the premiere of "The Great Migration" in 2019. The piece, which was commissioned by the Society for New Music, was composed by Adolphus Hailstork and tells the story of the African American migration from the South to the North in the early 20th century. The premiere was a collaboration with the Syracuse University Oratorio Society and featured a choir, soloists, and a full orchestra. The Society for New Music has also been recognized for its contributions to the contemporary classical music world. In 2011, the ensemble was awarded the Aaron Copland Fund for Music Recording Program Grant, which provided funding for the recording and distribution of new works by living composers. The ensemble has also received support from the New York State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Today, the Society for New Music continues to be a leading force in the contemporary classical music world. The ensemble remains committed to promoting new and innovative music and supporting living composers. With a dedicated core group of musicians and a commitment to collaboration and experimentation, the Society for New Music is poised to continue making an impact on the classical music world for years to come.

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