AMERICAN COMPOSERS ORCHESTRA INC

AMERICAN COMPOSERS ORCHESTRA INC October 16, 2025Searchlight: 2025 Gala & Creative Catalyst AwardsLearn More & RSVP Be Part of 10 New WorksCommission ClubJoin Now October 29, 2025The New Virtuoso: For Art's Sake @ Carnegie HallInfo & Tickets 2025 Gala &creative catalyst awardsCommission ClubThe New Virtuoso:For Art's SakeFOR COMPOSERSFOR ORCHESTRASFOREDUCATORSFORAUDIENCESWELCOMEARTISTRY, CREATIVITY, OPPORTUNITYWho we are. The American Composers Orchestra (ACO) is a national discovery and development pipeline for new orchestral music, focused on bringing the full spectrum of American music to orchestral stages, providing a gateway to the orchestral composition and performance process, and amplifying the expressive power of orchestral music to enable a vibrant future for all Americans. We've made incredible strides over the past 4+ decades, and we are just getting started.What we do. For composers of all experience levels, we offer an end-to-end composition accelerator to get you from idea to performance in partnership with orchestras nationwide. For orchestral commissioners, we offer a comprehensive suite of resources and relationships to realize your artistic vision. For students and educators, we offer an array of programs and resources designed to nurture creativity through music composition and improvisation. For our country, we bring new works into the world that represent the American experience through the imagination of today’s composers.Meet ACOFounded in 1977 by a collective of fearless musicians based in NYC, the American Composers Orchestra expands the definition of American orchestral music to ensure a vibrant and inclusive future. Over more than 40 years committed to artistry, creativity, community, and equity, ACO has blossomed into a national institution that cultivates and develops the careers of living composers, providing a direct pipeline to meaningful partnerships with orchestras across the country.Learn moreOur WorkThrough ground-breaking performances and nationwide initiatives, ACO continually works to expand the definition of American orchestral music and ensure a vibrant and inclusive future.Learn moreComposer AdvancementFor over 40 years, ACO has discovered and developed the careers of composers whose work expands the definition of American orchestral music. Our national EarShot composer advancement initiatives are the nation’s first ongoing, systemic program for building relationships between composers and orchestras through Readings, CoLABoratory fellowships, consortium commissions, and professional development.Learn morePerformances and EventsJoin us for electrifying performances featuring world premiere works by artists whose creativity knows no bounds. The American Composers Orchestra performs at Carnegie Hall, the DiMenna Center for Classical Music, the Apollo Theater, and beyond.​Learn moreEducational ProgramsFor 30 years, ACO has positioned music composition as a gateway to creative thinking, problem solving, and self-expression. Our long-term Sonic Spark residencies nurture the imagination through creative rituals and play, cultivating personal, social, and academic growth. Sonic Spark serves students at all levels of experience, including those who have never played an instrument before, are learning to write music for the first time, or are on track to develop high level careers in the field.Learn moreFeatured ArtistsChelsea Komschlies‍Chelsea Komschlies creates immersive musical worlds that blur the line between the familiar and the strange. Centered on how listeners experience sound, her music invites shared moments of wonder, unease, and discovery. Hear her music live at our EarShot Showcase on January 12.Andreia Pinto CorreiaAndreia Pinto Correia is a Brooklyn-based composer whose music unfolds with quiet intensity and luminous color. Inspired by literature and language, her work draws listeners into reflective, deeply textured soundscapes. Explore Andreia’s music here.Patricia LeonardPatricia Leonard writes music for the stage that puts story, voice, and emotion front and center. Blending operatic tradition with theatrical flair, her work speaks directly to audiences. Her music will also be featured our EarShot Showcase on January 12.News & InsightsThe Latest from ACOThe New Virtuoso: For Art’s SakeRead more LOOKING BACK: 2025 Gala and Creative Catalyst AwardsRead more Concert Artists Guild Announces Signing of Composer and ACO EarShot Alum Oswald HuỳnhRead more View all