Meet the Composer, Inc.

At one point during the last century, the phrase "living composer" was in danger of being considered an oxymoron. But the establishment of Meet the Composer, Inc. (MTC) helped to change that perception—and continues to put the living composer back on the cultural map.

Founded in 1974, Meet the Composer fosters the creation, performance, and appreciation of music by contemporary composers working in a diversity of styles, from classical to jazz and from traditional to experimental.

"Everything we do at MTC is designed to meet our dual goals: supporting the creation of new music and engaging the public with new music," said Meet the Composer President Ed Harsh. "Contact between artist and audience is fundamental to our programming."

Manhattan-based MTC offers nationally recognized programs that give composers direct financial assistance and provide audiences with access to compelling, relevant new music. Since its inception, MTC has supported the writing and development of over 1,400 new works, and the exposure of those works to live audiences totaling more than 45 million people. Over the years, Meet the Composer has assisted more than 7,000 composers nationwide.

With an approximate annual budget of $2 million, MTC distributes more than $1 million annually to artists through six principal programs:

• MetLife Creative Connections
• Commissioning Music/USA
• Music Alive
• Global Connections
• Cary New Music Performance Fund
• Van Lier Fellowships

The Rockefeller Brothers Fund recently provided a $250,000 endowment grant for Meet the Composer's Fund for Musical Creativity, which is dedicated to commissioning new music. The program benefits composers through direct commissions, and also through the recognition and career opportunities that come with the premiere of a major new work. As a result of the program, audience members in New York City and across the country will benefit by experiencing the exciting new music created with support of the program—and the unique opportunity to "meet the composer."

"The Fund for Musical Creativity will be an important source of commissioning support for musical artists, and unlike many commissioning sources, it will keep on giving in perpetuity," said Harsh.

Looking ahead, MTC is preparing to launch a new online Project Gallery that will expand existing opportunities to unite individual music lovers and contemporary composers. 

"We believe individual patronage plays a strong role in the creation of 21^st century music," said Harsh. "Through our online Project Gallery, composers and potential patrons will be able to connect directly online, and catalyze the creation of new work well into the future."