Hear Now Music Festival

The Hear Now Music Festival is an annual event that celebrates the diversity and artistic excellence of concert music composed by individuals associated with the Los Angeles area. Established in 2011 by composer Hugh Levick and cellist Timothy Loo of the Lyris Quartet, the festival has consistently aimed to showcase the unique voices of Los Angeles composers and foster recognition of their contributions to contemporary music. With a mission to connect composers with musicians and encourage dialogues about the values of today's concert music, Hear Now Music Festival has become a vital platform for both known and emerging composers based in LA. The festival has grown from its initial two-concert format to include a broader range of musical presentations and collaborative partnerships. Key milestones in the festival's history include the expansion to a third concert in 2014 through partnerships with other music organizations, such as People Inside Electronics (PIE), which focuses on the innovative use of electronics in concert music. In 2015, a partnership with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) was formed, allowing LACO to select and perform several pieces during the festival, often featuring their artist-in-residence. The festival also initiated a biennial collaboration with the UCLA Philharmonia in 2016 to present orchestral works by LA composers. Outreach efforts have been a part of the festival's activities, with concerts at educational institutions like LA City College and Chapman College, as well as workshops with the Harmony Project, which serves underserved and at-risk youth. The selection process for the festival's program is rigorous and anonymous, with a panel of 10 musicians and composers reviewing submissions without access to the composers' personal information until the final program is determined. This process ensures a fair and unbiased selection of works that represent the diversity of the Los Angeles community. The 2021-22 Open Call for submissions saw over 250 compositions, reflecting an increase in interest and participation from the local composer community. The Hear Now Music Festival has garnered support from notable figures, including Honorary Artistic Advisor Esa-Pekka Salonen, and has received funding from The Aaron Copland Fund for Music, the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, The Amphion Foundation, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and individual contributions. The festival's impact on the Los Angeles music scene has been significant, serving as an incubator for new talent and providing an essential musical experience for the concert-going public.