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If you’re a fan of new music, you probably already have your tickets for the upcoming Philadelphia Orchestra Commissions Micro-Festival premiering several concertos commissioned specifically for Philadelphia Orchestra principal musicians. If you don’t have tickets (or maybe you tuned out at those very words “new music”), please read on. Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin wants to change your mind. “I hope our audiences will learn … not to be too scared anymore about it!” he laughs.

From October 31 to November 2, Nézet-Séguin will lead the Philadelphians in three new works: Behzad Ranjbaran’s Flute Concerto, created for Jeffrey Khaner; David Ludwig’s Pictures from the Floating World, for bassoon and orchestra, featuring Daniel Matsukawa; and Tan Dun’s Nu Shu: The Secret Songs of Women, Symphony for Microfilms, Harp, and Orchestra with Elizabeth Hainen.

The Micro-Festival, says Nézet-Séguin, demonstrates the Orchestra’s commitment and responsibility to champion new music, while also showcasing what he calls the ensemble’s “genius” musicians. “They are among the most virtuosic and the best in their field,” he says.

So what’s it like to write a brand new piece of music? What inspires 21st-century composers? How does it feel to play a potential masterpiece for the very first time?

The musicians and composers involved with the project answer those questions (and more) in these videos:

Don’t forget to stop back here on our blog over the next couple weeks. We’ll be checking in with everyone again as the premiere dates get closer.

“When I hear all of these stories, and hear musicians talking about their work, I just want to jump to the end of October!” says Nézet-Séguin.

We think you will, too. In the meantime, for tickets and more information, click HERE.