The Premieres Project

Rooted in NC State University’s “Think and Do” philosophy and its focus on research and innovation, the orchestras have commissioned and premiered over 40 new compositions over 11 seasons under conductor and NC State faculty member Peter Askim.

Composers include nominees and winners of Oscar, Emmy, GRAMMY, and Pulitzer Prizes, and represent many different styles, genres, and musical backgrounds. Join us to celebrate this remarkable achievement!

Fall 2026

In celebration of America’s 250th and in anticipation of America’s 251st (and beyond…), the Raleigh Civic Symphony presents an all-American program which straddles the 20th and 21st centuries, featuring the World Premiere of Brian Raphael Nabor’s Trombone Concerto. 

Beginning with works by the founder of the “American Sound,” Aaron Copland (including his iconic Fanfare for the Common Man), the concert also highlights music by Pulitzer Prize winner (and Chapel Hill resident) Jennifer Higdon. Her blue cathedral summons otherworldly, shimmering textures through the use of Chinese Reflex Bells and tuned, water-filled crystal glasses.

The orchestras continue their groundbreaking Premiere Project, presenting the world premiere of a new orchestral work on EVERY concert program, performing the World Premiere of Brian Raphael Nabors trombone concerto with renowned trombone soloist Brittany Lasch (Faculty, Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University). The composer describes the music as a “vision for the enduring power and resilience of democratic ideals in a renewal of the American Dream.”

Free admission for NC State Students, $10 for faculty, staff, and seniors, and $12 for the general public

With music drawn from across four centuries, the Raleigh Civic Chamber Orchestra presents a concert inspired by fairy tales, legends, and timeless imagination. Full of rhythmic drive, mysticism, and a sense of gleeful playfulness, the program includes Mozart’s ebullient quest for light, truth, and love from The Magic Flute, Mendelssohn’s otherworldly music from Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream and Fauré’s sumptuously expressive suite from Pelleas and Melisande.

The concert also features new folk-inspired classics from our own time. Chickasaw composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate’s propulsive Chokfi’ for percussion and strings focuses on the “trickster” nature of the rabbit in Native American folklore. 

As part of the orchestras’ ongoing Premiere Project (which has presented a world premiere on every concert for over 10 years) the chamber orchestra also performs the world premiere of Wilmington composer Ernesto Ferreri’s New Age Folk Music. A playful exploration of the “folk music” of our time, Ferreri’s premiere updates the concept of folk music to include contemporary American Rock ‘n’ Roll and killer grooves!

Free admission for NC State Students, $10 for faculty, staff, and seniors, and $12 for the general public

Spring 2026

We are committed to accessibility for all audience members. Our events held at Stewart Theatre are run by the NC State Department of Performing Arts and Technology and NC State University Theatre. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NC State will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Send direct accommodation requests to Noah Crawford at nmcrawfo@ncsu.edu. For more information about accessibility, please visit NC State University Theatre Accessibility Services.