New Music Festival
Sidebar
November 3-7, 2025
The School of Music at the University of Louisville is widely recognized for its commitment to the presentation of contemporary music. In keeping with this commitment, we are proud to present our fall 2025 New Music Festival. Premiered in 1996, the festival is forging an important tradition that highlights innovation and creativity, two hallmarks of our school’s mission. Past festivals have featured acclaimed composers and artists from around the world representing an exciting variety of styles, media, and techniques. Guest artists will work with students and faculty and will coach the ensembles, give masterclasses and presentations.
Main Schedule (see below for other events)
Monday, November 3:
- Chamber Music: 7:30 PM, Comstock Recital Hall, School of Music
- Night Life Concert: 10:00 PM, Portal - 1512 Portland Avenue
Tuesday, November 4, 7:30 PM, Comstock Concert Hall
- Computer Music Studios and Electroacoustic Ensemble
Wednesday, November 5, 7:30 PM, Comstock Concert Hall
- Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and New Music Ensemble
Thursday, November 6, 7:30 PM, Comstock Concert Hall
- Cardinal Singers, Collegiate Chorale and University Orchestra
Friday, November 7, 7:30 PM, Comstock Concert Hall
- University Orchestra and Wind Ensemble
The 2025 New Music Festival is thrilled to feature three distinguished guest artists this year: composers Douglas Knehans and Mara Helmuth from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and multidisciplinary designer and artist Artur Lis. Throughout the festival, they will take part in concerts, rehearsals, lessons, presentations, panel discussions and special events.
In addition to performances by our University Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, New Music Ensemble, Cardinal Singers, Collegiate Chorale, Computer Music Studios and the EA Electroacoustic Ensemble, this year’s festival introduces several exciting new elements. The UofL Jazz Ensemble joins the lineup for the first time, and student and faculty sound installations will be featured throughout the School of Music building.
For the first time, the festival will also extend into the city with a Nightlife Concert at Portal in Louisville’s Portland neighborhood—an immersive evening of live audio and video featuring faculty composer Krzysztof Wolek and guest artist Artur Lis.
The 2025 New Music Festival promises a week of creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge performance that celebrates the innovative spirit of the University of Louisville School of Music.
Installations
Microsystems
The University of Louisville Music Library
Friday, November 7, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Acoustic Interactive Sand Tray Therapy System
University of Louisville School of Music Lobby Cage area
November 3-7, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Lectures and discussion panels
Monday, November 3, 1-4 p.m., Chao Auditorium
Artur Lis Workshop, in collaboration with the Hite Institute
Monday, November 3, 4-5:15 p.m., LL 28
Composition Seminar, with Mara Helmuth
Wednesday, November 5, 1-4 p.m., Schnieders Hall 117
Artur Lis Workshop, in collaboration with the Hite Institute
Wednesday, November 5, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Bird Recital Hall
Composer Talks, panel discussion
Moderated by: Dr. Kirsten Carithers and Dr. Ulrike Praeger
Wednesday, November 5, 4-5:15 p.m., Music Building 135
Composition Seminar, with Douglas Knehans
Thursday, November 6, 3-3:50 p.m. Bird Recital Hall
Convocation, with Douglas Knehans