Nova Linea Musica
ABOUT NOVA LINEA MUSICA
Nova Linea Musica brings people together through the commissioning of new music with today's leading artists. Each concert in our 2026-27 season features a newly commissioned world premiere. We design our events to shorten the space between the stage and the audience.
A Home for New Music: Our concerts take place at Chicago's own intimate Guarneri Hall, known for exceptional acoustics and a welcoming atmosphere. Each evening features a performance of works from the mid-20th century to today, anchored by a newly commissioned world premiere, followed by a post-concert Q&A led by the evening's composer. A reception with thoughtfully prepared cuisine and fine wine follows, with time to mingle with the artists.
The Visionaries Behind Nova Linea Musica
President and Executive Director: Michele Mohammadi
Artistic Director: Desirée Ruhstrat (Northwestern University, Lincoln Trio, BlackOak Ensemble)
Composer-in-Residence: Stacy Garrop
Upcoming Schedule
September 30, 2026
6:30 PM
JACK Quartet: Sonare and Celare
JACK Quartet, our generation's "leading new-music foursome" (The New York Times), opens Nova Linea Musica's Season 3 with a program inviting close listening and transformative discovery: experimental quartets by Cenk Ergün, Keir GoGwilt, and Austin Wulliman, plus the world premiere of an NLM commission by Guggenheim Fellow Juri Seo, who will be in attendance to celebrate the premiere.
October 28, 2026
6:30 PM
Philip Glass at 90: A Celebration
A celebration of Philip Glass at 90, this landmark evening honors one of the most influential composers of the last century, brought to life by flutist Demarre McGill, violinists Desirée Ruhstrat and Rabia Brooke, and cellist Wendy Sutter in an intimate program of his most beloved chamber works. Nova Linea Musica marks the milestone with a concert worthy of the moment.
November 18, 2026
6:30 PM
Poiesis Quartet: In the Listening
Poiesis Quartet, First Prize winners of the 2025 Banff International String Quartet Competition and recipients of the 2026 Cleveland Quartet Award, performs works by Calvin Ray Shawler, Max Lang, Maya Irizarry Lambright, and Jeff Scott, anchored by the world premiere of an NLM commission by Puerto Rican composer Ivan Enrique Rodriguez, ASCAP Leonard Bernstein Award recipient and Juilliard doctoral candidate. Rodriguez will be in attendance.
Press Room
Preview: Inside Conrad Tao’s Expanding Musical World
Nova Linea Musica presents Conrad Tao curating new contemporary music at Chicago's Guarneri Hall.
Nova Linea Musica Announces 2026-27 Season
WFMT previews NLM's 2026-27 season: eight concerts, nine world premieres, and a 90th birthday tribute to Philip Glass.
NLM | Notes from the Stage
Be the first to learn about our 2026-27 season. Get the latest artist announcements, and exclusive backstage previews from Chicago's home for new music.