Welcome to New Music Festival 2026! Join us in the UTSA Recital Hall from March 2-5, 2026 to enjoy a week of new music compositions by contemporary composers!
This year's distinguished composer is Viet Cuong and guest ensemble is "Emmy-winning" Eighth Blackbird. NuMu 2026 will also showcase works by winners of the UT-San Antonio call for scores composition contest, featuring works by Leo Huerta, Carlos Suttles, Daniel Rios, Aidan Ramos, Andrew Kiraly, Ethan Aguilar, Javier Lopez and Jaden Hernandez.
New Music Festival 2026 Schedule
March 2nd: “Sounds Unseen: A Listening Experience” (Acousmatic music curated by Dr. Miles Friday)
March 3rd: UTSA Choirs (Dr. Jordan Boyd) and art songs (Dr. Jourdan Layne Howell). This program features works by student composition contest winners: Leo Huerta (concert choir performance), Carlos Suttles and Daniel Rios (art song performances)
March 4th: UTSA Symphony Orchestra (Professor Asieh Mahyar) and instrumental chamber music (Dr. Paul Millette). This program features works by student composition contest winners: Ethan Aguilar and Andrew Kiraly (UTSA Orchestra) and Aidan Ramos (chamber ensemble)
March 5th: UTSA Symphonic Band (Dr. John Zarco) and UTSA Wind Symphony (Professor Ron Ellis). This program features Grammy-award winning ensemble Eighth Blackbird performing Vital Sines by our distinguished guest composer Viet Cuong. The program will also feature works by student composition contest winners: Javier Lopez (Symphonic Band) and Jaden Hernandez (Wind Symphony)
2026's Distinguished Guest Artist
Guest Composer: Viet Cuong (represented by Sean Murphy at Murphy Music Press )
Guest Ensemble: Eighth Blackbird
