Third Coast Percussion -- Photo by Saverio Truglia
Album

Third Coast Percussion’s “Standard Stoppages” Honors Two Decades of Innovative Music-Making

Jlin, Musekiwa Chingodza, Third Coast Percussion, Tigran Hamasyan, Zakir Hussain
In celebration of the ensemble’s 20th anniversary, Third Coast Percussion’s Standard Stoppages (Cedille Records) reflects on the passage of time in both a musical and a literal sense. Featuring works…
Michelle Hromin
Big Ears 2025 Wadada Leo Smith's Radio Light and Orange Wave Electric -- Photo by Andy Feliu
Concert

Big Ears Festival 2025 Reminds Us to Open Ourselves to Wild and Wonderful Sounds

Ahmed, Ahmed Abdul-Malik, Andrew Pitcher, Antonin Gerbal, Astrid Sonne, Big Ears Festival, Darian Donovan Thomas, Darkside, Eliza McCarthy, Helado Negro, Immanuel Wilkins, James McVinnie, Joel Grip, Jonny Greenwood, Kalia Vandever, Lonnie Holley, Mabe Fratti, Macie Stewart, mari rubio, Michael Hurley, More Eaze, Pat Thomas, Phong Tran, RedKoral, Seymour Wright, Steve Lehman, Sun Ra Arkestra, Tortoise, Tyshawn Sorey, Vijay Iyer, Wadada Leo Smith, Water Damage, Wendy Eisenberg, Zachary Paul
During the weekend of Big Ears, music is everywhere in Knoxville, Tennessee. Market Square, a central hub in the vibrant college town, is home to spontaneous jams, like an elderly fiddler or an improm…
Vanessa Ague
Jessie Montgomery -- Photo by Rob Davidson for Miller Theatre at Columbia University
Concert

Jessie Montgomery Composer Portrait is a Prismatic Snapshot of Her Many Stylistic Influences

Alicia Hall Moran, Allison Loggins-Hull, Columbia University, Dana Kelley, Eleonore Oppenheim, Gabriel Cabezas, Grey McMurray, Jannina Norpoth, Jerome Jennings, Jessie Montgomery, Lynn Ligammari, Miller Theatre, Monica K. Davis, Pascal Le Boeuf
It’s not easy to write something new about composer, violinist, and educator Jessie Montgomery – to say something that hasn’t already been said about the GRAMMY winner and “Performance Today” 2025 Cla…
Donna Lee Davidson
Amy Beth Kirsten -- Courtesy of Artist
Interview

Amy Beth Kirsten’s Multidimensional Storytelling is on Display in “Infernal Angel”

Alarm Will Sound, Amy Beth Kirsten, Curtis Institute of Music, Curtis Opera Theatre, Eighth Blackbird, International Contemporary Ensemble
Transdisciplinary artist and director Amy Beth Kirsten is motivated by curiosity. Whether she is composing large scale works for the stage, collaborating with chamber ensembles on multimedia projects,…
Yaz Lancaster
Gabriela Díaz and Ayane Kozasa of The Kronos Quartet -- Photo by Danica Taylor
Interview

5 Questions to Gabriela Díaz and Ayane Kozasa (Kronos Quartet)

Aizuri Quartet, Aleksandra Vrebalov, Ayane Kozasa, Benedicte Maurseth, Gabriela Díaz, Gabriella Smith, Greg Saunier, Hildur Guðnadóttir, Kristine Tjøgersen, Kronos Quartet, Mary Kouyoumdjian, Peni Candra Rini, Soo Yeon Lyuh, Tanya Tagaq, Tsering Wangmo Satho
The celebrated Kronos Quartet are beloved because of the five decades they have dedicated to uplifting new music. In concert, their performances soar and swoop, quivering with vitality. Their recordin…
Thulasi Seshan
View All Articles
Ashley DuBose -- Photo by Jayme Halbritter
Ashley DuBose — Photo by Jayme Halbritter

American Composer Forum

American Composers Forum supports and advocates for living music creators through direct support to artists, artist-centered thought leadership, and storytelling. We aspire to cultivate anti-racist practices in all of our work, believing a fairer world for artists benefits all of us.

Visit Website
Sivan Cohen Elias -- Photo by Patrick Pelham
Sivan Cohen Elias — Photo by Patrick Pelham

Innova® Recordings

As the label of American Composers Forum, innova Recordings serves the needs of visionary, creative musicians by redefining the typical relationship between artist and label.

Visit Website

Make A Donation

Our independent music criticism is primarily funded by donations from readers like you. Keep our content free for everyone and support a platform that artists trust with a gift today.

Donate Now

Advertise With Us

Leverage our dedicated audience of new music enthusiasts to promote your upcoming events and projects. Our custom campaigns include options for web, social, and email at price points for any budget.

Advertise Today

Thank you to our leadership funders!

Never Miss an Article

Sign up for our newsletter and get a weekly round-up of I CARE IF YOU LISTEN content delivered straight to your inbox every Friday.