New Music Readings

The New Music Readings were established in 2024 by then Composer-in-Residence Eric Nathan and Music Director Tianhui Ng, and were directed by Eric Nathan for the first two seasons. Now under the direction of current Composer-in-Residence Carlos Carrillo, the program gives selected composers from the Call for Scores Competition the rare opportunity to hear their works performed by full orchestra. During the final Readings Session, guest mentor composers are invited to provide feedback and discussion on each work performed, as well as solicit feedback directly from the orchestral musicians.

Congratulations to the 2026 New Music Readings Composers!

Smiling man with glasses, mustache and beard standing in front of blurred sidewalk.

Steven Crino Elegy

Nicole Knorr as the garden bows

Young man with mustache and beard standing among leaves of a willow tree.

Simon Rivet Ellipse of a Cry

2026 New Music Readings Mentor Composers

Asian woman sitting in front of piano with music score behind her.

A man with red hair, glasses, and a beard stands with arms crossed in front of synthesizer equipment. The background shows modular synthesizer panels with numerous knobs and patch points, illuminated by bluish lighting.

Wang Lu

Eric Chasalow

2026 New Music Readings Finalists

Juan Santiago Beis Pachiaroti Spletna

Alexey Logunov Messier 87

Sam Wu Wind Map

Robin Haigh Sleeptalker

Paul Novak Forest Migrations

Ethan Soledad Cages of Jade

Erick Tapia Ágrafos

Young man with long red hair and glasses standing in front of evening pond view with sunset in background

Thacher Schreiber Dances and Dreamscape

“Having the opportunity to participate in this reading workshop was a golden opportunity for me, allowing me to learn from great masters and to verify with an excellent orchestra the fundamental aspects of my work. It was great to see the strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement under expert and masterful guidance, along with discovering the beautiful music of the other invited composers.”

- Cristian Andres Lazo Remedi, 2024 New Music Readings Recipient

"It was a wonderful experience for me, being able to have this detailed reading with such thoughtful musicians and with such useful feedback from the mentor composers. I'm grateful for the opportunity — it has surely contributed to my growth as an artist."

- Devin Cholodenko, 2025 New Music Readings Recipient

"To hear New England Philharmonic musicians come together, all on a volunteer basis, to read works by emerging composers from around the globe is invigorating and exhilarating. This kind of openness and commitment to new music is a beacon of hope for the future."

- Kati Agócs, 2024 New Music Readings Mentor Composer

A group of seven people standing together in a room, posing for a photo. The room has beige walls, a large mirror, and framed pictures. There are some chairs and a table with a black folder and a pen in the foreground.

Three people sitting at a wooden table in a professional meeting or discussion, with papers and tablets in front of them.

Six people standing side by side indoors in front of a curtained wall, six holding certificates or posters, smiling at the camera.

A group of musicians practicing in a theater or studio with a conductor standing at the front. The musicians are seated with sheet music in front of them, and some are holding instruments like violins, while others are listening or preparing to play. The room has a stage with black curtains behind the musicians.

Read about our Previous New Music Readings Recipients