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. Mezzo-soprano Heather Johnson and pianist Jason Wirth present an evening of vocal works that reflect cultural memory, resilience, and artistic innovation, with music by Leonard Bernstein, Laura Kaminsky, Ricky Ian Gordon, Laura Karpman, David Leisner, and Alex Weiser. They are joined by soprano Michelle Areyzaga for the program's closing world premiere, a powerful new work by David Hanlon.
Featuring: Heather Johnson (mezzo-soprano) and Jason Wirth (piano), with Michelle Areyzaga (soprano)
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.
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.