Musiqa

Musiqa, founded in 2002, is a Houston-based contemporary music ensemble led by four composers with a mission to enrich and inspire the community by integrating new music with other modern art forms. The organization made its debut at the Rothko Chapel with a concert that set the tone for its interdisciplinary approach. Since its incorporation in December 2002, Musiqa has experienced steady growth, notably launching an award-winning education program in 2004 in partnership with The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. This program, along with collaborations with the Alley Theatre, has provided free arts education to over 50,000 public school students from more than 230 schools in the Houston area. Musiqa initiated its commissioning program in 2010, supporting the creation of new works by contemporary composers, and established the Emerging Composer Program in 2014 to mentor young composers. With more than 200 performances, including over 30 world premieres and works by over 180 modern composers, Musiqa has become a leading force in presenting contemporary music, often paired with other art forms like literature, film, theatre, art, or dance. The ensemble's innovative programming has earned it national recognition, including the 2013 and 2016 Awards for Adventurous Programming from Chamber Music America/ASCAP, the 2019 Father Eugène Merlet Award for Community Service from Pro Musicis, and numerous grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Aaron Copland Fund for Music.