NEW YORK COMPOSERS CIRCLE ANNOUNCES THE 2026-2027 CONCERT SEASON
NYCC’S 24th Season Celebrates New Voices, New Works, and the Continuing Vitality of Contemporary Music
NEW YORK, NY — September 24, 2026 — The New York Composers Circle (NYCC) is pleased to announce its 2026–2027 Concert Season, marking the organization’s 24th season of presenting new music by living composers. With this season, NYCC continues its longstanding commitment to the creation, performance, and appreciation of contemporary music with a series of concerts featuring works by NYCC composer members performed by distinguished guest artists and ensembles.
The 2026–2027 season features six concerts showcasing 46 works by 31 NYCC composer members. Over 40 of these works will receive their World, U.S., or New York Premiere performances.
Among the season’s highlights will be a performance of Luca Pasquini’s Sospira for string quartet, unanimous winner of NYCC's 19th-annual John Eaton Memorial Competition. The competition’s two runners-up — Kolten Heeren for his Scherzo for string trio and Whitney Sheng for her Foxfire for solo alto flute — also join the NYCC roster with complimentary one-year memberships in recognition of their fine work.
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Salon Schedule
The Salon schedule for the 2026-2027 season is posted on our Salons page. Click HERE to view the schedule. All salons are held in person and live-streamed on MyBlueSkiesMusic.com for those outside the NYC area or unable to attend in person. Links to connect to the Salons via live stream are under EVENTS > Live Streaming in the menu bar above. We will post each salon's agenda the week of the salon meeting. Please click the subscribe button below to stay informed of these, as well as other announcements.
NEW YORK COMPOSERS CIRCLE ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND BOARD APPOINTMENT
Leadership changes strengthen the organization’s administrative and governance structure as it prepares for its Annual Meeting
NEW YORK, NY — September 4, 2026 — The Board of Directors of the New York Composers Circle (NYCC) is pleased to announce a series of administrative and Board leadership changes that will further strengthen the organization’s operations and support its continuing commitment to contemporary music. The changes take effect immediately and precede the organization’s Annual Meeting on September 20, 2026.
In Memoriam: Peter Kelsh
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear friend and composer, PETER KELSH. He passed away in his home at approximately 3 PM on Saturday, August 29. He is survived by his wife, Sabine Koengeter.
Peter joined NYCC in 2015, where he presented a lovely piece as part of his membership application, and was shortly thereafter accepted into the organization. His uncrowded tonal style was reminiscent of a British pastoral composition style, though he was from Brooklyn and about the furthest thing from British! Since joining, he has had a piece performed with us in every season except 2024–25. His last piece performed was at our last concert on May 26th. His lovely Quartet for Oboe & String Trio filled the reverberant Church of Saint Mary the Virgin and received rousing applause. You may view the video here.
Peter was a superb and supportive NYCC member. He attended just about every salon and concert, whether or not he had a piece being presented. He will be sorely missed.
ANNOUNCING THE WINNER OF THE 19th ANNUAL JOHN EATON MEMORIAL COMPETITION
New York Composers Circle is happy to announce the winner and runners-up of the 19th annual John Eaton Memorial Competition. The selection of the winning work was a unanimous decision. Congratulations to our competition winner, LUCA PASQUINI, for his string quartet, Sospira. Congratulations also to our two runners-up, KOLTEN HEEREN for his string trio, Scherzo, and WHITNEY SHENG for Foxfire for solo alto flute. The winning work will be performed in our upcoming 24th concert season. Both the winner and runners-up will receive a complimentary one-year membership in the New York Composers Circle.
Our sincere thanks to all of the entrants in the John Eaton Memorial Competition. We wish you continued success in your musical endeavors. We look forward to getting to know Luca, Kolten, and Whitney and their music over the next year as they join the ranks of NYCC.
Luca Pasquini, 2026 Winner, for Sospira, for string quartet
Kolten Heeren, 2026 1st Runner-up, for Scherzo, for string trio
Whitney Sheng, 2026 2nd Runner-up, for Foxfire, for solo alto flute
WE WELCOME THESE NEW MEMBERS
We welcome FIVE new members to the roster of the New York Composers Circle. We are happy to announce that MATT KRANE, ALON NECHUSHTAN, CLOVIS NICOLAS, KARL SCHULTZ, and EMILIA TAMBURRI have been selected for membership as new composer members. Each composer presented their music at recent salons and has met all of the requirements for membership. We look forward to their continued contributions to NYCC, as well as the presentation of their music at concerts beginning in the 2026-2027 concert season.
Welcome aboard!
Matt Krane
Alon Nechushtan
Clovis Nicolas
Karl Schultz
Emilia Tamburri