The Institute for New Music functions as the nerve center of all contemporary music activities at the Bienen School of Music.

Founded in 2012, the Institute presents numerous events over the course of the academic year—from residencies of visiting ensembles and composers to workshops, lectures, and masterclasses, to the biennial conference/festival NUNC! Several critical assets make Northwestern an ideal site for a major new music initiative. These include a corps of talented performance students interested in new music; a strong composition program; the Michael Ludwig Nemmers Prize in Music Composition, which regularly brings world-renowned composers to campus; the Northwestern Music Library, which contains an unparalleled and internationally renowned archive of printed music composed since 1945; and proximity to Chicago’s vibrant new music scene.

NUNC! 5: April 21-23, 2023

 

New Music Ensembles

Bienen Contemporary/ Early Vocal Ensemble

This 24-voice ensemble concentrates on music of the 21st century, drawing relationships to its polyphonic roots in early music.

Contemporary Music Ensemble

A one-on-a-part ensemble of approximately 20 players, CME presents exciting concerts of wide-ranging contemporary works.

Upcoming Events

Festivals & Series

April 21, 2023 2:00pm

Seminar with Miki Kaneda

Ryan Center for the Musical Arts, LL-115

Bienen Ensembles

April 21, 2023 7:30pm

Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra

Pick-Staiger Concert Hall

Festivals & Series

April 22, 2023 9:30am

Call for Presentations

Regenstein Master Class Room

Bienen Ensembles

April 22, 2023 12:00pm

Call for Scores Saxophone Workshop Concert

McClintock Choral and Recital Room

Festivals & Series

April 22, 2023 2:00pm

Do What You Love? New Music, New Work—After 2020

Regenstein Master Class Room

Festivals & Series

April 22, 2023 4:00pm

Call for Performers: Constellation Men’s Ensemble

Regenstein Master Class Room

Bienen Ensembles

April 22, 2023 5:00pm

Bienen Contemporary/Early Vocal Ensemble

Galvin Recital Hall

Festivals & Series

April 22, 2023 7:30pm

Yarn/Wire 

Pick-Staiger Concert Hall

Festivals & Series

April 23, 2023 10:00am

Guest Composer Presentations

Regenstein Master Class Room

Festivals & Series

April 23, 2023 2:00pm

Call for Performers

McClintock Choral and Recital Room

Expanding educational offerings in modern music

The Institute for New Music organizes an array of major cultural and educational events, including symposia, festivals, workshops and residencies. Each of these activities provides students with opportunities to interact with and learn from prominent figures in the new music world.

Music Library

The Northwestern University Music Library is internationally renowned for its extensive collection of contemporary scores composed since 1945 as well as its original manuscripts, including the notable John Cage collection.

Explore the Collection

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