ACO Announces 21st Annual Underwood New Music Readings June 2, 2012

The American Composers Orchestra (ACO) has announced the 21st Annual Underwood New Music Readings, featuring six of the nation's top emerging composers. One composer will win a $15,000 commission to write a new piece for ACO, to be premiered during the orchestra's 2013-2014 season. Another composer will win the Audience Choice Award, determined by audience members on both June 1 at the 10:00 am working rehearsal, and June 2 at the 7:30 pm run-through. The audience will have a chance to vote for their favorite pieces, and the winning composer will be commissioned to compose an original mobile phone ringtone, available free of charge to everyone who voted. During the readings, which are free and open to the public, the audience will see the process of bringing new and diverse orchestral works to life. This year's six composers were carefully selected from over 250 applicants received from around the country. The composers represent a broad spectrum of musical styles and backgrounds, and are Ryan Chase, Peter Fahey, Michael-Thomas Foumai, Paul Kerekes, Pin Hsin Lin, and Benjamin Taylor.

Additionally, this year the ACO Readings offer composers, students, or anyone interested to learn more about the business of being a composer in a Professional Development Seminar on Saturday, June 2 from 10am - 2:30pm at the DiMenna Center. Workshop topics include Intellectual Property and Copyright Law, Engraving and Self-Publishing, Support and Fundraising for Composers, Creating Your Personal Brand, and Publicity and Promotion. The cost for the Seminar is $25, which includes lunch. Reservations can be made at www.underwood2012workshop.eventbrite.com.

Friday, June 1 at 10am (working rehearsal)
Saturday, June 2 10am-2:30pm (Professional Development Workshop, $25)
Saturday, June 2 at 7:30pm (run-through)
DiMenna Center for Classical Music | 450 W. 37th St., NYC
More information: 212.977.8495 or www.americancomposers.org
FREE & open to the public, reservations recommended.
June 1 Working Rehearsal reservations: www.underwood2012rehearsal.eventbrite.com
June 2 Run-Through reservations: www.underwood2012runthrough.eventbrite.com