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New York Philomusica is an ensemble known for programs featuring classic and contemporary works of chamber music, performed by a roster of gifted emerging musicians. The ensemble produces two annual concert series—one in New York City and one in Rockland County, New York; performs informal concerts and residencies; tours; commissions new works; and often features the work of living composers.

Founded in 1971 by A. Robert Johnson, the ensemble has fostered talents such as Tim Eddy, Kim Kashkashian, David Jolley, David Krakauer, Robert Levin, Todd Phillips and Bill Purvis early in their careers.

Ensemble programming has included the 1993 world premiere of A Soldier’s Tale by Stravinsky, with a new text by Kurt Vonnegut; the 1999 American premiere of Beethoven’s Concerto No. 4 for piano and string quintet; and numerous collaborations with renowned the late jazz pianist, Sir Roland Hanna. The ensemble has also undertaken the ongoing exposure of the work of three composers: Iain Hamilton, Jacob Druckman and John Harbison.

The group has of late offered 10 concerts annually. One significant past performance included Haydn’s String Quartet in G Minor, Op. 74, No. 3; Michael Berkeley’s String Quartet No. 2; and Dvorak’s String Quintet in E-flat, Op. 97. A subsequent performance offered Mozart’s Piano Trio in G (K. 564); Hummel’s Septet in D Minor, Op. 74; and Brahms’ Piano Trio No. 1 in B, Op. 8. While a third presented: Messiaen’s Quatuor pour la fin du temps (Quartet for the End of Time); and Beethoven’s Piano Trio No. 6 in B-flat, Op. 97, Archduke. 

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