Network for New Music (NNM)
Philadelphia composers and performers play diverse, eclectic scores
The Experience
Only the musical heritage that is Philadelphia’s could breed three ensembles devoted to performing contemporary music. Network for New Music was second on the scene in the 1980s and pays ample attention to women composers.
Andrea Clearfield, Tina Davidson, Jennifer Higden and Pulitzer Prize-winner Melinda Wagner are all from the tristate region, but NNM also performs works by such internationally known composers as Joan Towers. Jan Krzywicki, Temple University music professor and composer, conducts NNM. Its performances are of such high quality that members of the Philadelphia Orchestra often take the opportunity to sit in and sharpen their musical edges on unfamiliar compositions, such as a recent concert featuring works by Pulitzer Prize and Oscar-winning composer John Corigliano.
History
Incorporated in 1984 by founder Dr. Linda Reichert, Network for New Music recently released its first CD, Dream Journal, and received an ASCAP Adventurous Programming Award in 2001. With more than 400 works in its repertoire, its mission is to perform and commission works by emerging and established composers, one-half of whom are from the Philadelphia area.