David Gompper, Director
Chris Gainey, Res. Asst.
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The Purpose
of the Center
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e-mail the Director
or call: (319) 335-1626
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The Center for New Music, a performance organization devoted to the late 20th and early
21st century repertoire, is the focus of contemporary composition and performance at the
University of Iowa. The Center, like the internationally renowned Writers Workshop,
embodies the institution's commitment to the vital role of the creative arts at the frontiers
of human experience.
The Center functions as a laboratory and performance extension of the School's composition
area, and as a repertory ensemble for the creation and presentation of new music in general.
Depending on funding, the size of the core ensemble has varied from as many as 26 persons
(including a vocal ensemble of 12) to as few as seven players. Extra players are hired on
occasion in order to present larger-scale compositions. The Center also serves as the locus
of activities for guest composers whose visits range from a few days to entire academic terms.
As the Center begins its 42nd year, it remains an advocate of contemporary music performance.
Its programming reflects the range of current compositional styles as well as what is considered
classic repertoire from the 20th century. The high quality of performance results from working
with a core ensemble, solidly grounded in the repertoire, over an extended period of time. New
and more diverse audiences are carefully cultivated through outreach concerts, and the Center's
professional reputation is steadily being established through CD recordings as well as through
the collaboration of nationally-known guest composers and performers.
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Purpose