“COMPOSER AT WORK”

is a unique storefront approach with a transparent view into the process of musical creation, funding, rehearsal, and performance. Visitors to Orchestra 2001's studio #8 at Cherry Street Pier can meet composers, observe the progress of their micro-commissions, ask questions, and attend the premieres. All concerts in this series are free, and strive to reach as many neighborhoods in Philadelphia as possible.

Funded by generous grants from The Barra Foundation Catalyst Fund and The Musical Fund Society.

IN THE KEY OF L: Music Along SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line  will present Orchestra 2001 musicians and composers at train stops, parking lots, businesses, and murals along the "El" train route that cuts through dozens of Philadelphia communities. The video (left/above) shows the beginning of three Philadelphia composers' new pieces responding to murals at stops along the elevated train line in West Philadelphia and Kensington. We plan to share an updated video in June 2021!

COMPOSER AT WORK: Erin Busch

Erin Busch has received an Orchestra 2001 micro-commission residency to write a string quartet based on the "Hold Tight" mural, as part of our new series: IN THE KEY OF L: Music Along SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line.

VISIT THE CAMPAIGN to show your support.

COMPOSER AT WORK: Matt Davis

Matt Davis has received an Orchestra 2001 micro-commission residency to write music based on the "Hello Sunshine" mural, located in Kensington's "Love Lot" as part of our new series: IN THE KEY OF L: Music Along SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line.

VISIT THE CAMPAIGN to show your support.

COMPOSER AT WORK: Orlando Haddad

Orchestra 2001 has commissioned Orlando Haddad to write a chamber work, Lendas Amazônicas. This new work will premiere in June of 2021 in Conexões Brazil, a virtual livestreamed concert, presented by Teatro Esperanza, and recorded at World Cafe Live.

Orlando Haddad's commission generously funded by the Steven R. Gerber Trust.

COMPOSER AT WORK: Chuck Holdeman

COMPOSER AT WORK: Rene Orth

COMPOSER AT WORK: Diego Schissi

Orchestra 2001 has commissioned a new piece by leading Argentine composer and pianist Diego Schissi, whose music exemplifies the evolution of tango.

Diego Schissi's commission generously funded by the Steven R. Gerber Trust.

COMPOSER AT WORK: Thomas Whitman

Our Philadelphia celebrates the vibrant life of this city in its diversity and contradictions. This new work is commissioned by Orchestra 2001 with the support of the William Penn Foundation, as part of the ensemble's EMERGING MARKETS series. The composition refers to some of the city's well-known public marketplaces and will be played at those sites in 2021.

VISIT THE CAMPAIGN to show your support.

COMPOSER AT WORK: Immanuel Wilkins

Immanuel Wilkins has received an Orchestra 2001 micro-commission residency to write a new work inspired by the "High Five" mural. This work is included in our new series: IN THE KEY OF L: Music Along SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line.

VISIT THE CAMPAIGN to show your support.