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
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)
September 30, 2026
6:30 PM
JACK Quartet: Sonare and Clare
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.
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 2026-27 season. Get the latest artist announcements, and exclusive backstage previews from Chicago's home for new music.