SoundNOW is thrilled to once again proudly present the very best in classical contemporary music as performed by Atlanta’s premiere new music ensembles. From January 24 - February 1, 2026, Atlanta audiences will once again have an opportunity to experience an incredible week of contemporary music as many of Atlanta’s best new music ensembles come together for a dynamic showcase of the city's vibrant new music scene! It will be another full week of wildly eclectic musical styles and chamber experiences performed by some of the finest musicians in the United States!
We look forward to once again supporting contemporary classical music and the artists that create and bring it to life!
SOUNDNOW GALLERY | 2025
Javelinas (Scott Burland & Ryan Taylor) kicks off the 2025 SoundNOW Festival! Monday, January 27, 2025 | eyedrum
Violist Meghan Yost captivates the capacity crowd! | Monday, January 27, 2025 | eyedrum
The Atlanta Improvisors Orchestra were featured on the second night of SoundNOW 2025! | Tuesday, January 28, 2025 | Red Light Café
Information for Participating Ensembles
SoundNOW Contemporary Music Festival is intended primarily to celebrate Atlanta-based ensembles and artists specializing in contemporary classical music (concert music composed between 1960 - 2025).
Organizational Committee
The SoundNOW Organizational Committee coordinates the ensembles into a unified calendar of events, provides oversight of the festival's mission, maintains consistent vision, and provides a platform for cross promotion of all events. The committee has secured the Kopleff Recital Hall at Georgia State University as an available venue for the evenings of January 28, 29, 30, and 31. If ensembles do not already have a preferred concert venue, each is welcome to perform in Kopleff as room permits on a first come, first serve basis.
Members of the SoundNOW Organizational Committee will attend all events and will give a brief greeting from the stage prior to the performance. This pre-concert announcement will include promoting all remaining dates, times, ensembles, and venues for the festival. The announcement will also include a recap of all festival events that have occurred prior to that evening. This will help to promote all the participating ensembles at each event and demonstrate the scope of the festival to each audience.
Ensemble ResponsibilitIES
It is the responsibility of each participating ensemble to plan its own program, organize performers, curate and present a concert as it would during a normal season. This will also include securing a venue should the ensemble choose not to perform in the Kopleff Recital Hall or if that venue is already booked by other groups on the available dates at Georgia State University.
Each ensemble may choose its own repertoire; however, all music should fall under the broad description of contemporary classical music (concert music composed between 1960 - present).
Additionally, to accommodate the number of ensembles participating in the festival, it is very likely that an ensemble will share a concert with another ensemble and split the program for that evening. If two ensembles are sharing the same evening concert, each must limit the duration of its entire program to no more than 40 minutes of total stage time. For a concert featuring only one ensemble or artist, please do not exceed 60 minutes of total stage time.
The concert date for each participating ensemble will be arranged in advance in cooperation with the SoundNOW Organizational Committee based on the festival schedule and availability.
Ensembles must fill out and submit an 2026 Ensemble Application Form which is located on the SoundNOW website usually posted in AUGUST.
Ensembles will be notified concerning acceptance into the festival no by OCTOBER 1.
Final specific program information for each concert will be due no later than NOVEMBER 1.
Ensemble Information
For the Organizing Committee to create promotional materials and printed documents, and minimize any changes to that information once submitted, each participating ensemble is kindly asked to provide the Organizational Committee with the following information which may be submitted via the application form:
Group biography (incorporating a mission statement if desired)
Group picture
Official URL for group website
Short written description of the concert theme and planned content
Intended venue and start time (If performing in Kopleff Recital Hall at Georgia State, the start time is already set at 7:00 p.m. for each concert)
When possible, the concert program, anticipated staging, and approximate duration
Please do your best to minimize changes to this information. Not only is it difficult or impossible to change the promotional material once it is printed, but the festival is planned to facilitate the participation of multiple ensembles and numerous events. Changes in schedule and/or location may cause inconvenience to the other ensembles.
Participating Ensemble Requirements
In our continuing efforts to improve the festival and provide a consistent presentation, the Organizing Committee has established a list of basic requirements for all participating ensembles:
Program - The Organizational Committee will provide a printed program booklet containing all information provided by the respective ensembles via the application form.
There is an expectation that each respective group will promote the festival by displaying the SoundNOW 2026 poster on their respective websites and social media channels.
If applicable, each group should create a Facebook Event to advertise their respective concert as being a part of the SoundNOW Festival. Posts to Instagram and TikTok are also highly encouraged!
Promotional Materials - All promotional materials for each group’s SoundNOW concert should list all other festival concerts and events.