Composer Micheal Torke	Article Music of Living Composers by Tom Manoff
	A partial list of "accessible" orchestra works by living composers

This is a partial list of orchestral music by living composers that has “instant appeal” for audiences . All works are published and can be programmed on symphony programs. Some are with chorus.

The list is a work in progress. I’ll be adding additional composers and works weekly. The works here represent music with considerable appeal for audiences. The argument still heard that modern music is ” too hard on the ears” is no longer true.

My experience as a music critic has shown great enthusiasm from audiences for these composers and works. There are works of various lengths here, many easily programmed as one of several works on a concert. All are available from publishers. These do not represent all my choices for important contemporary works, but I’m being realistic about audience response. I realize that some will consider my list a default on championing all contemporary music styles. But at this juncture of culture, I believe that encouraging composers and compositions with” instant appeal” for audiences is crucial.

Most links go to Amazon.com where you can listen to excerpts.

John Adams

Arvo Pärt