Portrait of Jessie Montgomery

Curtis New Music Ensemble celebrates composer-in-residence Jessie Montgomery with a concert featuring works by the Grammy-winning composer, violinist, and educator. Praised as “turbulent, wildly colorful, and exploding with life” (Washington Post), Montgomery’s music fuses classical with vernacular styles, improvisation, poetry, and social consciousness—offering a profound reflection of 21st-century American sound.

A winner of the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, Leonard Bernstein Award, and Musical America’s 2023 Composer of the Year, Montgomery explores themes from social justice to the Black diasporic experience with remarkable depth. The program opens with Concerto Grosso, a bold reimagining of the baroque tradition where the solo violinist embraces “choose your own adventure” spontaneity. It concludes with Musings for two violins, inspired by Bartók’s 44 Duos for Two Violins and honors composers like Bach, Hindemith, and Vivaldi. This captivating evening showcases Montgomery’s dynamic voice in modern classical music.