Musiqa

Musiqa’s performances are unique, multisensory artistic experiences highlighting fresh, modern music by living composers. Founded in 2002 and led by four award-winning composers, Musiqa’s mission is to enrich and inspire our community through programs that integrate contemporary music with other modern art-forms. Through innovative collaborations and educational programming, Musiqa strives to make modern repertoire accessible and vital to audiences of all ages and musical backgrounds.

Since its inception, Musiqa has brought to life the works of nearly 300 living composers, including 70 world premieres. We have commissioned close to 100 new works by both established and emerging composers, and our collaborations have spanned across various art forms, involving hundreds of dancers, actors, poets, filmmakers, and other Houston artists. Our educational programs have reached tens of thousands of young people, leaving a lasting impact. Our achievements include 16 grants from the Aaron Copland Fund for Music, awards for adventurous programming in 2013 and 2016 from Chamber Music America and ASCAP, and commissions from New Music USA, Chamber Music America, the Fromm Music Foundation, and the French-American Cultural Exchange. Musiqa has firmly established itself as one of the leading new music ensembles in the country, and our collaborative approach has extended our influence throughout Houston’s diverse artistic community and beyond.

Contemporary chamber music can connect communities through how it reflects upon humanity’s shared experiences. Contemporary music composers draw inspiration from cultures and musical traditions around the world, blending pop influences with folk traditions and Classical structures, creating music that has the potential to appeal to everyone. Musiqa’s unique programming, at the forefront of collaborative and community-oriented productions, enables it to involve and respond to the needs of different communities.