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Festival of New American Music

About the Festival of New American Music

October 29-November 3, 2023

The Festival of New American Music brings extraordinary musicians to Sacramento, California, each year to present high-quality performances of a broad body of recently composed or improvised music by some of America’s most exciting artists. 2023 marks the 46th annual Festival!

Through public concerts, educational events, and outreach, the Festival serves three principal communities: those of the Sacramento State School of Music; the California State University, Sacramento; and the greater Sacramento region.

Committed to making music accessible to all, the Festival offers all of its concerts free of charge to the public.

Questions?

Email Co-Director Shuying Li or Co-Director Tim Stanley.

Call for Scores 2023

New for 2023, the first annual Call for Scores is open to composers of any age. Winning pieces in each of three categories will receive a performance at the 2023 Festival of New American Music:

  • Category A (Chamber Ensemble): Submitted works may be scored for any combination of up to eight performers including flute (doubles piccolo), clarinet (doubles bass clarinet), violin, cello, piano, percussion, and voice. Two works will be selected and performed by resident ensembles, Citywater and Four Corners Ensemble.
  • Category B (Wind Ensemble): Submitted works should be scored for standard wind band instrumentation. One winning work will be performed by Sacramento State Symphonic Wind Ensemble with director Matthew Morse.
  • Category C (Chorus): Submitted works must be scored for mixed choir in 4-6 parts, with moderate divisi, with optional keyboard accompaniment. One winning work will be performed by the Sacramento State University Chorale with director Andrew Kreckmann.

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APPLICATION