Uniquely among Chinese music ensembles, Music From China has always made the championing of new music an essential part of our mission.
We see the performance and commissioning of contemporary works as an important way to continue the development of Chinese music and to expand the range and uses of our traditional instruments. Our annual Premiere Works concert series – held in New York at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Symphony Space or Merkin Concert Hall – is a highlight of the New York season and provides today’s composers with a high-profile venue for their works to be heard.
Among the world’s renowned composers, Music From China has commissioned or premiered works by Chen Yi, Bright Sheng, Zhou Long, Eric Moe, Huang Ruo, Lei Liang and Derek Bermel.
Our annual International Composition Competition also draws submissions from Asia, North America and Europe and forms the basis of the Music From China Prize. The winners (up to three, plus commendations) receive premieres at this New York concert.
The New York Times phrased it aptly when it praised Music From China’s “insatiable hunger for new music.”