New Music Institute of Kansas City, Inc. dba newEar

The New Music Institute of Kansas City, Inc. operates under the name newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble, a nonprofit organization based in Kansas City, Missouri. It is known for promoting contemporary classical music by living composers across diverse instrumentations and styles.

History and Mission

newEar has served as the leading contemporary chamber ensemble in Kansas City for over three decades, showcasing a wide range of musical styles that often blend classical music with elements of rock, jazz, world music, and the avant-garde. Its mission includes performing eclectic and cutting-edge works from the twenty-first century, often featuring local composers and performers. The ensemble is committed to providing audiences with innovative artistic experiences that may include collaborations with dance, visual arts, and theater.

Performances

newEar presents concerts throughout the year, frequently at venues like the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Kansas City. Their performances are designed to highlight recent compositions, sometimes premiering pieces never heard before in the region or globally. The ensemble also collaborates with other cultural institutions, such as the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, to offer free public concerts that are accessible to all ages.

Outreach and Community Engagement

Through its programming, newEar aims to engage and enrich the Kansas City community by offering a platform for contemporary musicians to showcase their work. By featuring local talent along with commissioned pieces, the ensemble fosters a vibrant musical landscape that supports both established and emerging composers.

Organizational Structure

As a nonprofit organization under the legal name New Music Institute of Kansas City, Inc., newEar relies on community support and partnerships to continue its mission of advancing new music. The ensemble is driven by a commitment to innovation and artistic excellence, contributing significantly to the cultural richness of Kansas City.

[1] https://kcopera.org/creative/newear-contemporary-chamber-ensemble/ [2] https://www.newear.org [3] https://kcstudio.org/tag/newear-contemporary-chamber-ensemble/ [4] https://www.kemperart.org/program/newear-in-concert-musical-reflections-on-infinite-regress [5] https://www.newear.org/about