Playlist

Composers Now!

Composers Now! spotlights the vanguard of today’s orchestral landscape. This playlist brings together imaginative composers from every corner of the world. Whether emerging talents or already legends, these artists are redefining the boundaries of sound and shaping the future of the orchestra.

The inclusion of works like Julian Anderson’s ‘Exile’, which delves into complex chromaticism, alongside the rhythmic and dynamic ‘Miracle’ by Sebastian Hilli, demonstrates the wide spectrum of soundscapes modern composers are creating. The cinematic and intense ‘Night Flight’ by Joey Roukens, the folkloric ‘Wolf Totem’ by Tan Dun, and the nature-inspired beauty of Ana Sokolović’s ‘Melita’ all add to the richness of the playlist.

This blend of avant-garde, jazz, folk, and nature-driven inspirations offers listeners a truly global exploration of contemporary composition. Each piece pushes the boundaries of what orchestral music can be, from the eerie, otherworldly textures of Daníel Bjarnason’s From Space I Saw Earth to Wynton Marsalis' jazz-infused energy in his Trumpet Concerto.

Tune in and experience the cutting edge of composition, right here, right now!

1

Daníel Bjarnason - From Space I Saw Earth

  • ConductorGustavo Dudamel
  • OrchestraLos Angeles Philharmonic
  • LocationWalt Disney Concert Hall

Celebrating 100 years of the La Phil.

In this spectacular one-of-a-kind performance, beloved LA Phil past music directors Zubin Mehta and Esa-Pekka Salonen join Gustavo Dudamel for a performance of Daníel Bjarnason's 'From Space I Saw Earth'.

2

Joey Roukens - Night Flight

  • ConductorBertie Baigent
  • LocationDe Doelen

An exhilarating performance of Joey Roukens' 'Night Flight' by the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra.

British conductor Bertie Baigent performs in the Finals of the ICCR 2022, conducting the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra in a performance of Joey Roukens' 'Night Flight'.

3

Marsalis - Trumpet Concerto

  • ConductorFranz Welser-Möst
  • OrchestraThe Cleveland Orchestra
  • LocationSeverance Music Center

the world premiere of Wynton Marsalis' groundbreaking Trumpet Concerto.

Always pushing the envelope, The Cleveland Orchestra showcase the world premiere of a new concerto by Wynton Marsalis, written specifically for principal trumpet Michael Sachs.

4

Julian Anderson - Two Movements from Exiles

  • ConductorSir Simon Rattle
  • OrchestraLondon Symphony Orchestra
  • LocationBarbican Centre

An exploration of displacement, cultural longing, and the resilience of the human spirit. 

Soprano Lucy Crowe joins Sir Simon Rattle and the London Symphony Orchestra for the world premiere of two movements from Julian Anderson's evocative work 'Exiles'.

5

Sebastian Hilli - Miracle

  • ConductorRyan Bancroft
  • OrchestraRoyal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
  • LocationKonserthuset Stockholm

The world premiere of the Finnish composer's one-of-a-kind piece.

Chief conductor designate Ryan Bancroft leads the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra in the world premiere of 'Miracle' by Finnish conductor Sebastian Hilli.

6

Ana Sokolović - Melita

  • ConductorRafael Payare
  • OrchestraOrchestre symphonique de Montréal
  • LocationMaison symphonique de Montréal

The OSM introduces the world to composer-in-residence Ana Sokolović's contemplative piece 'Melita'.

In an exciting world premiere, Rafael Payare and the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal perform 'Melita' by 2022-2023 composer-in-residence Ana Sokolović.

7

Tan Dun - Wolf Totem

  • ConductorEivind Aadland
  • OrchestraTasmanian Symphony Orchestra
  • LocationFederation Concert Hall

Stuart Thomson plays flawlessly Tan Dun's Double Bass Concerto 'Wolf Totem'. 

Chinese-American composer Tan Dun returns to his cultural roots in this stunning concerto for double bass.