Description of the California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State University) 43rd Annual Festival of New American Music.
The Sacramento State University School of Music annually treats Sacramentans to an eight-day long Festival of New American Music. The 2020 event will take place November 1 through November 8, 2020.
SacramentoRevealed.com – All Things Sacramento (from a personal perspective)
Normally held on campus, due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Festival of New American Music is for the first time going virtual.
First of all, every event is free to the public. However, donations to help the New American Music Festival compensate the composers who write the music and the vocalists and musicians who perform would be welcomed. Donations for the Festival can be made on the Sacramento State Online Giving Website.
I first became aware of the Festival of New American Music shortly after becoming a member of the Sacramento Renaissance Society a few years ago. To think of all the high-quality musical performances missed over the years that I have lived in Sacramento!
See related blog post: Sacramento Renaissance Society
43rd Annual Festival of New American Music Festival Highlights
The theme of the Festival this year is the celebration of women in music. The majority of the works featured have been created by female-identifying composers.
The following events all start at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted:
- Sunday, November 1 – Opening Gala Concert featuring 20-minute performance by Hub New Music with harpist/composer Hannah Lash, pianist Lara Downes and chamber group Loadbang.
- Monday, November 2 – Hub New Music (flute, clarinet, violin, and cello) with Hannah Lash
- Tuesday, November 3 – Loadbang (trumpet, trombone, bass clarinet and baritone voice)
- Wednesday, November 4 – Tony Arnold, soprano
- Thursday, November 5 – Local Voices (music by local composers presented by local performers)
- Friday, November 6 – Mivos Quartet (string quartet)
- Saturday, November 7 – Lara Downes, piano (3:00 p.m.)
- Saturday, November 7 – Olivia de Prato, violin
- Sunday, November 8 – Rogue Music Project (opera and classical music “on the fringe”) at the Crocker Art Museum (3:00 p.m.)
- Sunday, November 8 – Gaw Vang Williams (jazz vocalist) and Friends
What a line-up! As of right now I plan to virtually “attend” several of the performances.
Other Events
The highly-rated Sacramento State University School of Music also has a variety of educational events taking place during the Festival. Events not streamed on the event webpage will be streamed live via Zoom. These events include:
- Pre-College Performers Competition and Student Performers Competition
- Various Master Classes on trumpet, violin, bass clarinet, trombone, composing, cello, viola, etc.
- Various Artists’ Forums featuring Festival of New American Music performers
- Student Composers Competition
- Panel Discussion on Music and Language
To sum up, as you can see the Festival has something for everyone – whether you are a professional or amateur musician or you just enjoy music – like me.
See related blog post: Annual Events in Sacramento
Comments on the Festival of New American Music?
Have you attended the Festival previously? If so, what was your experience?
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