About
TEMPO (The Epicenter Musical Performance Organization), dedicated to the pursuit, performance, and perseverance of contemporary music, was formed in 2008 at California State University, Northridge by Daniel Kessner and Julia Heinen. This ground-breaking ensemble seeks to promote and celebrate the rich diversity of our world through the performance of contemporary musical stories.
In Spring 2019, TEMPO was honored to receive 1st prize at the Doug Davis Performance Grant for their performance of Fred Lerdahl’s “Time After Time.” In addition, Doug Davis has sponsored a commission for a new work by composer David Werfelmann was premiered in February 2023.
The ensemble of flute, clarinet, violin, viola, cello, piano, and percussion consists of faculty, alumni, and friends, all of whom share a passion for performing works from the 20th and 21st centuries.
In 2024-2025 TEMPO celebrates its 16th season of bringing contemporary music to the world. In addition to programming established contemporary works, it also hosts an annual “Call for Scores,” selecting several works to feature each season.
Performances 2024-2025
January 26th, 2025 @7:30pm
California State University, Northridge
Shigemi Matsumoto Recital Hall
Principal Guest Conductor: Michael Powers
- Joao Pedro Paiva Oliveira – Tension-deformation
- Angela Elizabeth Slater – Flickering Airs
- Yuting Tan – Kinetic Toys
Plus!
- Robert Muczynski – Duos for flute and clarinet
- Meg Okura – Phantasmagoria
- Arvo Pärt – Mozart Adagio
September 8, 2024 @7:30pm
California State University, Northridge
Shigemi Matsumoto Recital Hall
Principal Guest Conductor: Michael Powers
- Quenton Blache- afloat
- Devon Cholodenko – Chasing Memories
- Andrea Reinkemeyer – Red Flame
- Tristan Wilson – Gilding Cages
Plus
- Kyle Simpson – WORLD PREMIERE – Omsluten av Natten (Enveloped by Night)
- Elliott Carter – Canon for 4
- Kaija Saariaho – Cendres
Score Submission
TEMPO Ensemble
Score submissions for our 2025-26 season (our 17th) are now open!
Scores can be submitted HERE until June 15, 2025.
Winners will be announced in July, 2025
Contact
TEMPO New Music Ensemble
California State University, Northridge
Department of Music
Attention: Julia Heinen
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8314
(818) 677-3168