JOIN US FOR OUR
10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SEASON!
SoundNOW once again proudly presents the very best in classical contemporary music as performed by Atlanta’s premiere new music ensembles. Atlanta audiences will once again have an opportunity to experience an incredible week of contemporary music as many of Atlanta’s best new music ensembles come together for a dynamic showcase of the city's vibrant new music scene!
It will be another full week of wildly eclectic musical styles and chamber experiences performed by some of the finest musicians in the United States!
We look forward to once again supporting contemporary classical music and the artists that create and bring it to life!
Information for Participating Ensembles
SoundNOW Contemporary Music FestivalPRIMARILY celebrateS Atlanta-based ensembles and artists specializing in contemporary classical music (concert music composed between 1960 - PRESENT).
2027 Festival Important Dates & Deadlines
FESTIVAL DATES: JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 7
APPLICATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 21, 2026
Ensembles must fill out and submit a 2027 Ensemble Application Form which is located on the SoundNOW website (see tab in banner above or scroll down).
NOTIFICATION DATE: Ensembles will be notified regarding acceptance into the festival no later than OCTOBER 2, 2026
PROGRAM INFORMATION: Final specific program information for each concert is due from participating ensembles by NOVEMBER 2, 2026.
Organizational Committee Responsibilities
The SoundNOW Organizational Committee provides oversight of the festival’s goals, maintains consistent vision, coordinates and books some festival venues, organizes and communicates with the participating ensembles, and provides a platform for cross-promotion of all events. The Organizing Committee will also create some promotional materials on behalf of the participating ensembles.
The Committee has secured eyedrum as an available venue for the evenings of February 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6, 2027. If ensembles do not already have a preferred concert venue, each is welcome to perform at eyedrum as room permits on a first come, first served basis. Once accepted to the Festival, the concert date and venue for each participating ensemble will be arranged in cooperation with the Organizing Committee based on the Festival schedule and venue availability. The Organizing Committee cannot guarantee that ensembles will be able to perform on their first choice date.
Members of the SoundNOW Organizational Committee will attend all events and will give a brief greeting from the stage prior to the performance. This pre-concert announcement will include promoting all remaining dates, times, ensembles, and venues for the festival. The announcement will also include a recap of all festival events that have occurred prior to that evening. This will help to promote all the participating ensembles at each event and demonstrate the scope of the festival to each audience.
Venue Information
SoundNOW 2027 will take place largely at eyedrum. Tickets will be sold in advance and at the door to cover the costs of the Festival. Should any proceeds be left over, a portion will be distributed to participating ensembles that performed at eyedrum. Ensembles that choose not to perform at eyedrum must discuss ticket sales and proceeds with the Organizing Committee.
Technical specs: The eyedrum PA is an x32 mixer with stereo presentation to the audience and four separate monitor sends to the stage.
Ensemble Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of each participating ensemble to plan its own program, organize performers, curate and present a concert, and secure a venue should the ensemble choose not to perform at eyedrum or if eyedrum is already booked by other groups on the available dates.
Each ensemble may choose its own repertoire; however, all music should fall under the broad description of contemporary classical music (concert music composed between 1960 - present).
To accommodate the number of ensembles participating in the festival, it is very likely that an ensemble will share a concert with another ensemble and split the program for that evening. If two ensembles are sharing the same evening concert, each must limit the duration of its entire program to no more than 40 minutes of total stage time. For a concert featuring only one ensemble or artist, please do not exceed 60 minutes of total stage time.
Ensemble Information
To accommodate the number of ensembles participating in the festival, it is very likely that an ensemble will share a concert with another ensemble and split the program for that evening. If two ensembles are sharing the same evening concert, each must limit the duration of its entire program to no more than 40 minutes of total stage time. For a concert featuring only one ensemble or artist, the program must be limited to no more than 60 minutes of total stage time.
Once an ensemble has been accepted into the Festival, it is each ensemble’s responsibility to submit all requested information to the Organizing Committee in a timely fashion. We kindly ask that ensembles minimize any changes to that information once submitted. Some of the following information may be submitted via the application form, while some will be requested by the November 2nd deadline:
Group biography (incorporating a mission statement if desired)
Group picture
Official URL for group website
Short written description of the concert theme and planned content
Preferred dates, ranked
The concert program, anticipated staging, and approximate duration
Please do your best to minimize changes to this information after November 2nd. Not only is it difficult or impossible to change the promotional material once it is printed, but the festival is planned to facilitate the participation of multiple ensembles and numerous events. Changes in schedule and/or location may cause inconvenience to the other ensembles.
Participating Ensemble Requirements
In our continuing efforts to improve the Festival, and maintain consistency across all concerts, the Organizing Committee has established a list of basic requirements for all participating ensembles:
Program - The Organizing Committee will provide a QR code that will link to online program information for each concert. The ensemble is required to provide the Organizing Committee with all requested program information by November 2nd. Ensembles may provide and use their own programs at their concerts should they choose to do so, but these materials must be in addition to the provided SoundNOW programs.
Social Media - Each ensemble is required to promote the Festival in the following manner:
Display the SoundNOW 2027 poster on ensemble website and social media channels;
Any social media posts created to promote an ensemble’s concert must make clear that the event is part of the SoundNOW Festival;
If applicable, each group should create a Facebook Event to advertise their concert and highlight that it is a part of the SoundNOW Festival;
Tag SoundNOW in all social media posts and use our hashtag (which will be provided).
Promotional Materials - All promotional materials (whether print or online) for each group’s SoundNOW concert that are created by the ensemble must list all other Festival concerts and events. A list will be provided by the Organizing Committee, along with some promotional materials (including the official SoundNOW poster).
2027 SoundNOW Contemporary Music Festival Application Form
SOUNDNOW GALLERY | 2025
Javelinas (Scott Burland & Ryan Taylor) kicks off the 2025 SoundNOW Festival! Monday, January 27, 2025 | eyedrum
Violist Meghan Yost captivates the capacity crowd! | Monday, January 27, 2025 | eyedrum
The Atlanta Improvisors Orchestra were featured on the second night of SoundNOW 2025! | Tuesday, January 28, 2025 | Red Light Café