About Us
Network for New Music, which The Philadelphia Inquirer has called the city's "premier new music organization" presents passionate, meticulously rehearsed performances of music by emerging and established composers from the United States and abroad. The Network Ensemble is a flexible, 20-member group whose players also perform with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Ballet, and the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. Since its inception in 1984, the Ensemble has presented more than 650 works and recorded 4 CDs for the Albany and Innova labels. Also committed to education, the Network Ensemble has worked with students from the Curtis Institute of Music, the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Swarthmore College, The University of Delaware, West Chester University, and The University of the Arts Summer Institute for Music Composition and Songwriting; the Ensemble has held an ongoing residency at Haverford College since 2007.
Performances from our 2018-2019 season, SOUND DESIGNS.
Mission
Network for New Music commissions and performs new musical works by emerging and established artists of all identities. We engage audiences with vibrant and thought-provoking musical experiences that challenge and inspire. We are committed to excellent performances, innovative curation, in-depth education programs and cross-genre collaborations—all with the purpose of enriching the cultural life of greater Philadelphia.
Philadelphia-based Composer Jay Fluellen listens to the premiere of his The Heritage Murals among the murals that inspired the work at the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, February 2023
DEIA Commitment
Network for New Music is committed to engaging more fully with the rich diversity and cultural history of Philadelphia by fostering an environment that is inclusive, supportive, and welcoming to all. Network believes our cultural differences can be celebrated through music. Network’s mission is to commission and perform a diversity of new musical works of the highest quality by both established and emerging composers that aim to reflect contemporary times, but Network recognizes that we are a work in progress. In working toward our goal to strengthen the new music community in the Philadelphia region, and to build support for new music by engaging in artistic and institutional collaborations, as well as educational activities, we at Network acknowledge systemic factors that have shaped the creative sector and industry. These include barriers to BIPOC representation, both on and off stage. We are particularly invested in developing and celebrating the artistry of composers and performers of color, while also supporting voices of color behind the scenes. We recognize that to remain a culturally relevant and thriving organization, we must listen carefully, learn continually, and evolve fearlessly.
Network for New Music pledges to maintain transparent organizational goals, policies and practices, striving to cultivate a brave, inclusive space for ongoing discussion, growth and work.
Our Values: The Four Pillars
1. Representation
We have a broad understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. We actively include people of all genders, racial and cultural identities, languages and abilities, and artists not
traditionally represented. We reflect Philadelphia.
Network’s diverse and flexible collective of musicians incorporates a range of musical perspectives and experiences, along with expertise in an array of performance styles.
2. Inclusion
We are committed to engaging the wider community and to broadening the audience for new music through our concerts and educational programs.
We envision all our activities as a form of education, as we experience and learn about new music together, in community.
3. Discovery
We value curiosity, innovation, and playfulness along with our unique history and traditions.
We explore new and creative ways to present music, whether in concert performance, multimedia formats, or in collaboration with other art forms.
4. Passion
We value artists who perform with passion, conviction, care, and the highest skill, and we create a rehearsal and performance environment in which these qualities flourish.
Our dedication to artistic quality is matched by our openness to new styles, idioms, and practices,
and the breadth of our understanding of what new music can be. We present music that reflects,
challenges and inspires our audience/listeners.
Network’s Goals:
1) Enhance long-standing commitment to DEIA: DEIA is embedded in our decision-making process. Board, staff and ensemble members are fully committed to DEIA goals.
2) Deepen commitment to community engagement and inclusion: Network’s commitment to community engagement and inclusion is evident through all its programming, including performance, education, and online activity.
3) Broaden reach and reputation: Build Network’s brand and reach in part through enhancing its visual presentation, both in performance and in its marketing and online materials. Build on Network’s regional reputation for excellent and adventurous artistic work.
4) Strengthen staffing, personnel structure, and budget: Ensure that Network has the staffing, personnel structure, budget and board governance necessary to support its organizational needs, goals and aspirations to reflect the changing face of Network.