Composers Now empowers all living composers, celebrates the diversity of their voices and honors the significance of their artistic contributions to the cultural fabric of society. Founder and artistic director Tania León leads the organization since 2010. Composers Now features a broad spectrum of performances in concert halls, jazz mobiles, opera stages, experimental spaces, conservatories, museums and other musical venues.
The 2026 First Commission Award - Amil Abumrad
Duo YUMENO collaborates to perform traditional & contemporary works exploring the dialogue between classical Japanese and western music. This concert will feature Daron Hagen's "Heike Quinto," a large-scale work composed for the ensemble, along with contemporary Japanese works.
The festival concludes with a musical tribute to America’s great composers. Hear Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring,” one of the most iconic American compositions of the 20th century and music by Florence Price and the West Coast premiere of Eric Nathan's Double Concerto for solo violin, solo clarinet and strings.