Luna Nova

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Luna Nova, a group of musicians devoted to contemporary music, was formed in 2002. This flexible group of musicians from across the United States performs a wide range of twentieth century classics, music of established living composers, and premieres by emerging composers. With performances, masterclasses and private instruction, Luna Nova maintains a strong commitment to the education of performers and listeners, and to the cause of new music in educational institutions and beyond.

Founding members of the ensemble include Helen Kim (violin), Craig Hultgren (cello), John McMurtery (flute), Ted Gurch (clarinet), Adam Bowles (piano), Lee Ferguson (percussion) and James Romig (conductor). In 2007 Jennifer Rhodes (bassoon), Robert Patterson (horn), Nobuko Igarashi (clarinet), and Marta Szlubowska-Kirk (violin) joined the group for the 2007 Belvedere Chamber Music Festival. In its five year history Luna Nova has presented over 40 concerts. Venues include Southwestern University, Millsaps College, Middlebury College, Washington and Lee University, Davidson College, Rhodes College, the Alabama School of Fine Arts, the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Birmingham Southern College, Rollins College, Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church, and the Beethoven Club of Memphis.

Members of the ensemble help young composers by performing and recording works by the winners of its annual student composition contest. In addition, members, along with the executive director Patricia Gray have built a collection of online music teaching resources. These deal with extended instrumental and with music analysis in contemporary music. Specific examples are listed below.

In the 2007-2008 season Luna Nova will present concerts at Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal, St. Mary's Cathedral (Memphis), Arkansas State University, University of Southern Mississippi, University of the South at Sewanee, and Colgate University.