Heidelberg University is tuning up for a major moment on the global music stage.
The School of Music & Theatre, in collaboration with the Heidelberg New Music Association student organization, will launch the First Biennial Heidelberg New Music Festival and Symposium March 26–28, 2026.
The response to its inaugural international Call for Scores and Presentations has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Festival organizers received 610 submissions from composers, scholars and performers representing 40 countries across six continents and 42 U.S. states and territories, underscoring the festival’s immediate international impact, said Dr. Matthew Kennedy, assistant professor of Composition and Theory and the festival’s artistic director.
"The overwhelming volume and quality of submissions made the selection process exceptionally challenging for our judges," Kennedy said. "This remarkable reach reflects both the global interest in new music and Heidelberg’s growing reputation as a creative hub. We are creating something truly extraordinary, an event that will inspire our students and spotlight Heidelberg on an international stage."
The three-day festival will transform the campus into a hub of contemporary sound and scholarship, featuring six concerts alongside dynamic research presentations. Selected composers and scholars will travel to Heidelberg to collaborate directly with performers, share their work, and connect with peers and the campus community.
Participants include international artists such as Wenbin Lyu (Beijing, China) and Kelly-Marie Murphy (Ottawa, Canada), as well as regional contributors like “Morti the Clown” (Tiffin), highlighting the festival’s blend of global perspective and local creativity.
The performance lineup will showcase keynote composer Stacey Garrop, guest ensembles Neonautica, andPlay and Tower Duo, School of Music & Theatre faculty, students, and both large and chamber ensembles.
The festival is powered by student leadership, led by Co-Executive Directors Cameron Gaietto and Sarah Jewell, with support from student leaders Regan Gibson, Rory Mott, and Rylan Clarkson. A dedicated Community Advisory Council, including Amanda Byrd (Soul Boutique), Victor Perez (Tiffin City Schools Board of Education), Karsten Snitker (Trinity United Church of Christ), Cheyane Thacker (Tiffin City Council), and Jess Wirth (Bailiwicks Coffee Company)—also plays a key role in shaping the event.
With momentum already building, the Heidelberg New Music Association looks ahead to celebrating the future of new music and scholarship with artists and audiences from around the world. The next Biennial Heidelberg New Music Festival is scheduled for 2028.