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 have “instant appeal” for inexperienced audiences. All works are published and can be programmed on symphony concerts. Some are with chorus.

This list is in progress. I’ll be adding additional composers and works. 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 who can write music “instant appeal” is quite important. Please send other suggestions.

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

John Adams

Arvo Pärt