ABOUT: FORUM PROGRAMMING

The Forum Is Committed To Supporting The Artistic Growth Of Composers And Developing New Markets For Their Music.

Supporting composers through …

Chapters
Regional chapters in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minnesota, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., administer local and national programs, and provide professional assistance to hundreds of composers and performers.

Awards
Through programs such as the Composers Commissioning Program, Continental Harmony, and Faith Partners, the Forum provides commissions for both emerging and established composers. Minnesota composer are eligible for McKnight Fellowships, and composers in other states are invited to apply to the McKnight Visiting Composer Program.

Performances and Readings
Each year the Forum sponsors readings with major symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles, the Sonic Circuits International Festival of Electronic Music and Art, and numerous regional performances and salons. The Composers Institute provides selected composers with six days of reading sessions and workshops with the Minnesota Orchestra.

and developing markets through …

Media
Through the daily Composers Datebook radio program and numerous Web initiatives, the Forum connects new audiences with the work of living composers. Innova Recordings provides composers and musicians with an artist-friendly alternative to commercial record labels.

Community Residencies
Programs such as Continental Harmony, Faith Partners, and Community Partners allow diverse communities — including civic groups, faith-based communities, and homeless shelters — to participate in the creation and performance of new music.

Educational Programs
Forum education programs — including BandQuest, Composers Suitcase, and chapter-administered programs — nurture the next generation of composers, musicians, and audience members, while providing composers with opportunities to work in educational settings.

 

Assessment Rigorous assessment of arts programming improves the Forum’s offerings. These services are not only applied to Forum programs, but are also offered to arts organizations, communities, and funders, as a benefit to the field.