San Diego New Music Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2006 by a group of musicians who were passionate about contemporary classical music. The ensemble is based in San Diego, California, and is dedicated to performing and promoting new music by living composers. The founding members of the ensemble were percussionist Morris Palter, flutist Lisa Cella, and pianist Kyle Adam Blair. They were later joined by clarinetist Robert Zelickman, cellist Franklin Cox, and violinist Päivikki Nykter. The ensemble has since expanded to include a rotating roster of musicians who are all dedicated to performing new music. The ensemble's mission is to bring new music to audiences in San Diego and beyond. They perform a wide range of contemporary classical music, including works by living composers, as well as pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries. The ensemble is known for its innovative programming, which often includes multimedia elements such as video projections and live electronics. Over the years, the San Diego New Music Ensemble has performed at a number of prestigious venues and festivals, including the La Jolla Music Society's SummerFest, the Carlsbad Music Festival, and the San Diego Museum of Art. They have also collaborated with a number of other artists and ensembles, including the San Diego Symphony, the Hausmann Quartet, and the San Diego Dance Theater. One of the highlights of the ensemble's career was their performance at the 2014 Carlsbad Music Festival, where they premiered a new work by composer Lei Liang. The piece, titled "Luminous," was commissioned by the festival and was inspired by the natural beauty of the Carlsbad area. The ensemble's performance was praised by critics for its "dazzling virtuosity" and "sensitive interpretation." In addition to their performances, the San Diego New Music Ensemble is also committed to education and outreach. They regularly give workshops and masterclasses for students and young musicians, and they have also worked with local schools to bring new music into the classroom. The ensemble has received a number of awards and accolades over the years. In 2010, they were awarded a grant from the San Diego Foundation's Creative Catalyst Fund to support their performances and outreach activities. They were also named "Best Classical Music Ensemble" by the San Diego Union-Tribune in 2013. Overall, the San Diego New Music Ensemble is a vital and innovative force in the world of contemporary classical music. With their commitment to new music and their dedication to education and outreach, they are helping to ensure that the tradition of classical music continues to thrive in the 21st century.

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