Top of page

Category: Commissions

Excerpt of handwritten orchestra score for "Wuthering Heights" by Alfred Newman (1939).

New Finding Aids at the Music Division of the Library of Congress

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

Learn about six new collection finding aids that have been published by the Library's Music Division. These finding aids provide bibliographic access to the Irwin Bazelon Papers, Harry Chapin Collection, Ann Murphy Collection on the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall, Alfred Newman Film Music Manuscripts, Park Avenue Synagogue Commissioning Project Correspondence and Hans Spialek Papers.

Library of Congress Announces Fall 2024 Centennial Concert Series

Posted by: Claudia Morales

After much anticipation, we are excited to unveil our Fall 2024 Centennial Season, featuring a remarkable lineup of groundbreaking commissions, vibrant musical celebrations, and heartfelt tributes to iconic artists. The 2024-2025 season is the centerpiece of our commemoration of the 100th birthday of Concerts from the Library of Congress. Join us as we honor a …

Serge Koussevitzky in center cuts into his birthday cake with a knife. Leonard Bernstein and Lukas Foss stand on either side.

A Maestro for the Ages: Serge Koussevitzky at 150

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

The Library of Congress Music Division and Koussevitzky Music Foundation commemorate Serge Koussevitzky's 150th birthday with new commissions, the launch of a digital collection, a collaboration with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and more. Learn about this legendary composer and conductor who is responsible for commissioning and premiering many 20th century masterworks, including music by Leonard Bernstein, Béla Bartók, Benjamin Britten, and more.

Musicians in air force uniforms performing with a conductor. Pianist in a yellow top seated at Steinway piano in front of the orchestra.

Now Streaming: Rhapsody in Blue, Jeremy Denk and Jazz Interviews

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

The 2023-2024 season of Concerts from the Library of Congress came to a rousing conclusion on June 20 with a performance by New Orleans-based band Cha Wa. As final preparations are made for the 2024-2025 season announcement, the Music Division is pleased to share a multitude of concert and event videos that have been released …

Experiencing the World Premiere of Vijay Iyer’s McKim Fund Commission at the Library of Congress

Posted by: Claudia Morales

On May 9, 2024, composer/pianist Vijay Iyer and violinist Curtis Stewart of PUBLIQuartet performed the world premiere of Iyer’s What Isn’t Hard to See at the Library of Congress. The work was commissioned by the McKim Fund at the Library of Congress, which supports the performance and commissioning of works for violin and piano by …

Photograph of four young musicians playing French Horn during a rehearsal at Interlochen. Black and white photo.

Horn Trios for Spring Days

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

The Concerts from the Library of Congress series embarks on a two-day immersion into the horn trio repertoire this coming weekend. Per usual, we’re pulling out all the stops, with the help of the distinguished Takt Trio (Austin Wulliman, violin, David Byrd-Marrow, horn, and Conor Hanick, piano). Two Library of Congress commissions will receive their …

Three printed music scores inside wood and glass display case.

One Student’s Week of Discovery in the Music Division

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

The following is a guest blog by Charlotte Stephens, MLS Candidate, University of Kentucky, who spent a week supporting the work of the Library’s Music Division as part of her academic study. As a master’s student of library science, the Library of Congress has always loomed large for me. The size and scope of the …

Guitarist Miloš Karadaglić playing guitar on a rooftop, with skyline and sky behind him.

Reminder: January 17 Ticket Release for Concerts from the Library of Congress

Posted by: David Plylar

*** Registrations will be available starting at 10 a.m. EST on Wednesday, January 17, 2024*** The Library of Congress is transitioning to a new event registration service called “Etix,” and starting tomorrow (January 17, 2024) at 10 a.m. EST you can register for February-June Concerts from the Library of Congress events. The easiest way to …

Saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin performing on an alto saxophone in the Coolidge Auditorium. Wearing a gold jacket and white top.

Now Streaming: January 2024 Edition

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

The Library of Congress is proud to offer free digital programming from its collections for the enjoyment of audiences that are not able to attend our live events in Washington, D.C. The Music Division works with colleagues throughout the Library to ensure that past events in the Concerts from the Library of Congress series, educational …