There’s music on the page, where it’s preserved for later use, and then there’s music when it’s played, traveling through the air. On each end of that is a body, musician reaching out to listener and touching them via sound. For Augusta Read Thomas too, that’s where the music starts, in the body. Her method of composing—creating new material, shaping it and building it into larger structures and forms—is grounded in the physical sensations of music, especially singing and movement. Sounds from the body become elements in a larger mosaic. That is the subtle, but fundamental connection between her artistry and the subject of her new piece, MAGIC GARDENS, which the Rolston String Quartet will play in its American premiere May 1, at a concert celebrating the bicentennial of the Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia.

Roberto Sierra, legendary composer and winner of the prestigious Tomás Luis de Victoria Prize, has been chosen as one of four remarkable composers to write a piece for the Musical Fund Society’s bicentennial celebration. Sierra, like many composers, surrounds himself with inspiration, balancing the internal and external aspects of his life. So what does a day in the life of a composer look like?

Tania León is one of the four winning composers who was chosen to write a world premiere for the Musical Fund Society’s Bicentennial Celebration this spring. We were able to catch up with León to discuss her accomplishments and her remarkable career.

On April 26, 2020, the Musical Fund Society celebrates its 200th anniversary with the creation and sharing of music by nationally recognized composers. Stephen Jaffe, one of the four winning composers for the event, will be writing for the Network for New Music Ensemble this year. We were able to catch up with the acclaimed composer on his life and anticipation for the special event.

When you are the nation’s oldest continuing musical organization, you have to celebrate with a bang! This is exactly what the Musical Fund Society is planning to do with a once-in-a-lifetime performance, presented by the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society on April 26, 2020 at the Mary Louise Curtis branch of the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia.