LA Phil New Music Group
About this Artist
The LA Phil New Music Group, comprised of musicians of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, is dedicated to introducing Los Angeles audiences to rising composers and to pushing the boundaries of live musical performance. Founded in 1981 by former Executive Director Ernest Fleischmann and then-Principal Timpanist William Kraft, the LAPNMG exemplifies the LA Phil’s commitment to the music of our time as a vital commissioner of new work and a leading exponent of cutting-edge talent.
In 1985, composer John Harbison was appointed as LA Phil’s New Music Advisor, composer-in-residence, and LAPNMG director. Together, Fleischmann, Kraft, and Harbison laid the groundwork for the 1987 launch of the LA Phil’s new music series Green Umbrella with LAPNMG at its center. Since then, the New Music Group and Green Umbrella series have evolved through the leadership of eminent composers including Steven Stucky (former LA Phil composer-in-residence and Consulting Composer for New Music), Esa-Pekka Salonen (former LA Phil Music Director), and John Adams, who currently serves as LA Phil Creative Chair.
As of the 2025/26 season, Green Umbrella has presented over 193 premieres and 160 commissions to date, of which over 100 were performed by the LA Phil New Music Group.