Established in 1972, Collage New Music, a GRAMMY-nominated ensemble, holds the distinction of being the oldest group of its kind in New England. Over the years, they have delivered impressive performances of works by numerous 20th- and 21st-century composers.
Eric Nathan will take over from David Hoose, who has dutifully served as the head for the past 32 years. Starting from the 2024/25 season, Hoose will hold the title of music director emeritus at Collage New Music (CNM).
Frank Epstein, CNM's founder and board chair, expressed deep appreciation for David Hoose, citing his exceptional leadership qualities, including his thoughtful programming, meticulous musical preparation, outstanding collaboration with instrumentalists and soloists, musical integrity, and vibrant performances, all of which have upheld Collage's impeccable standards.
In his new role, Eric Nathan will assume responsibility for CNM's artistic planning and programming for their annual concert season in Boston. Additionally, he will conduct the ensemble, commission new compositions, select guest conductors and soloists each year, and establish new partnerships at both local and national levels. Before officially taking on this role, Nathan created an Artistic Advisory Panel at CNM, featuring musicians like Tony Arnold, Matthew Aucoin, Marcos Balter, Anthony Cheung, Tania León, and Joan Tower. He will collaborate closely with this panel to ensure CNM's continued impact and commitment to promoting a diverse range of voices.
Eric Nathan, who was a Rome Prize Fellow in 2013 and a Guggenheim Fellow in 2014, has gained international acclaim through performances by prestigious orchestras and ensembles, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Scharoun Ensemble Berlin, and collaborations with renowned musicians like Dawn Upshaw, Jennifer Koh, Stefan Jackiw, and Gloria Cheng. He also serves as an associate professor of music at Brown University and holds the position of Composer-in-Residence with the New England Philharmonic.
Nathan's connection with CNM dates back to 2012 when the ensemble presented the first professional Boston performance of his composition, "Walls of Light," since his days as a student.
Reflecting on his journey, Nathan fondly remembers playing the trumpet under David Hoose's baton during his high school years at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, finding it incredibly inspiring. He expresses excitement about future collaborations and looks forward to working with the highly accomplished musicians at Collage. Nathan aims to continue Collage's tradition of championing contemporary music, supporting local composers, and introducing diverse new voices from New England and beyond to Collage's audiences.
Frank Epstein, CNM's founder and board chair, believes that Eric is the ideal candidate to guide Collage into its next chapter. Recognizing Eric's excellence as a composer and his esteemed standing in American music, Epstein is enthusiastic about Eric's vision for the future and anticipates fruitful collaborations to expand Collage's commitment to commissioning new works.
David Hoose shares in the enthusiasm for Eric's leadership and describes him as an imaginative composer whose energy will undoubtedly propel this remarkable ensemble to new and exciting horizons. Hoose eagerly anticipates Collage's future under Eric Nathan's direction.
