New Music Festival
Sidebar
November 2-6, 2026
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 2026 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 for 2026
Monday, November 2: 7:30 p.m., Comstock Hall
- Chamber Music
Tuesday, November 3: 7:30 p.m., Comstock Hall
- Computer Music Studios and Electroacoustic Ensemble
Wednesday, November 4: 7:30 p.m., Comstock Hall
- Jazz Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble
Thursday, November 5: 7:30 p.m., Comstock Hall
- Wind Ensemble, New Music Ensemble and Symphonic Band
Friday, November 6: 7:30 p.m., Comstock Hall
- Cardinal Singers, Collegiate Chorale and University Orchestra
The 2026 New Music Festival is excited to welcome guest composer and sound artist Piotr Peszat. Based in Krakow, Poland, Peszat creates music at the intersection of instruments, electronics and video. His work brings acoustic and electronic sounds into conversation with digital culture, connecting historical and contemporary ideas in unexpected ways. Throughout the festival, he will join us for concerts, rehearsals, lessons, presentations and special events.
Alongside performances by our University Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, New Music Ensemble, Cardinal Singers, Collegiate Chorale, Computer Music Studios and Studio X (Electroacoustic Ensemble), this year’s festival brings some exciting new elements to the mix. The UofL Symphonic Band will perform at the Festival for the first time, while sound installations will pop up throughout the School of Music building.
The 2026 New Music Festival is a week of creativity, collaboration, experimentation and boundary-pushing performance, celebrating the innovative spirit of the University of Louisville School of Music.
Past New Music Events
