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 2025-26 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 begins at 5:45 pm with a pre-concert conversation, followed by a performance of works from the mid-20th century to today, anchored by a newly commissioned world premiere. 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
May 6, 2026
6:30 pm
“L’dor v’dor"
Nova Linea Musica proudly presents L’dor v’dor—“from generation to generation”—a moving tribute to the legacy and evolution of Jewish American composers. Soprano Michele Areyzaga mezzo-soprano Heather Johnson, and pianist Jason Wirth come together for an evening of vocal works that reflect cultural memory, resilience, and artistic innovation. The program features music by Leonard Bernstein, Laura Kaminsky, Ricky Ian Gordon, Laura Karpman, David Leisner, and Alex Weiser, and concludes with the world premiere of a powerful new work by David Hanlon.
Featuring: Michelle Areysaga (soprano), Heather Johnson (mezzo-soprano), and Jason Wirth (piano)
June 3, 2026
6:30 pm
Blooming Under Blue Skies
Nova Linea Musica's season finale brings together vibrant voices from around the world in Blooming Under Blue Skies, a night of bold premieres and cross-cultural resonance, anchored by the world premiere of a Nova Linea Musica commission by Grammy-nominated composer Clarice Assad.
Featuring: Mak Grgić (guitar), Desirée Ruhstrat (violin), Wendy Sutter (cello), and Rabia Brooke (violin)
Press Room
Review: Nova Linea Musica Artist in Residence Rabia Brooke and Friends Shine at The Checkout
"NLM has given the platform to some of the finest composers and musicians in Chicago and around the world."
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Arianna Zukerman & Heather Johnson to Headline Nova Linea Musica
"NLM's L'dor v'dor featured in OperaWire ahead of the May 6 world premiere of Ki Ger Anokhi Imakh."
NLM | Notes from the Stage
Be the first to learn about our 2025-26 season. Get the latest artist announcements, and exclusive backstage previews from Chicago's home for new music.