New Music Edmonton: Empowering Artists and Creating Sound

New Music Edmonton (NME) began in 1985, founded by local composers at the suggestion of their teacher, Violet Archer. The group began a new concert series under the name The Edmonton Composers’ Concert Society. Since then, NME has grown into a diverse hub for different types of artists. Their mandate is to support creative work through commissioning, professional presentations, and outreach initiatives. Their focus is also to hold events that are accessible to everyone. For most events, they provide multiple warnings about content in the performance. I think this is a great way to make everyone feel included and helps people feel comfortable while attending events and enjoying the music.

NME is the only publicly-funded organization in the region whose purpose is to advocate for sound-inclusive art production, and they are a beacon for innovative musical experiences. Their 2023/24 season included their No Normal podcast, as well as Shumaila Hemani and the Sufi Ensemble, the UltraViolet Ensemble and cellist India Gailey who was recently named as one of the 30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30 by the CBC. Gailey performed several events at MacEwan University.

In June, NME will host Now Hear This, a festival featuring music and performances by City Hall Players, Luciane Cardassi, Kelly Ruth, Roger Admiral, The Edmonton Saxophone Quartet, Mari Alice Conrad, Sir Kadian, Palm Palm, and more.

An important fixture in the Edmonton music scene, NME hosts musicians from around the country and presents art that reflects contemporary issues. It commissions local and national artists to create new work and supports as many artists as possible.

Listen to NR92.com between March 25th and 29th to hear more about New Music Edmonton!

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