The Kent State University New Music Ensemble, directed by Frank Wiley, is a student ensemble that presents a broad range of new music, with an emphasis on works by living composers. World premieres of new compositions are often included in the repertoire. In recent years New Music Ensemble performances have included works by:
Louis Andriessen
Larry Baker
Eve Begarian
Luciano Berio
George Crumb
Richard Devore
Anthony Donofrio
Gareth Farr
Peter Garland
Henryk Górecki
Jennifer Higdon
Thomas Janson
David Kulma
Otto Luening
Witold Lutosławski
Robert Moran
James Nicholson
Zoltan Paulinyi
Shulamit Ran
Steve Reich
Terry Riley
Frederic Rzewski
Stuart Saunders Smith
Alan Stout
James Tenney
Jacob Ter Veldhuis
Frank Wiley
John Zorn
The Ensemble incorporates small chamber groups as well as larger ensembles. Guest artists frequently perform with the New Music Ensemble.
The New Music Ensemble performs on the Kent State University New Music Series and on other concerts, on and off campus, throughout the year. All music majors and other qualified students are invited to participate.