The biennual Taproot Music Festival is returning to Davis, bringing composers and world-class music acts to the heart of Yolo County.
The Department of Music and the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts at UC Davis present the 2025 Taproot New Music Festival, with the majority of the concerts taking place Nov. 6 through Nov. 9. During this festival, nine participating composers — including student composers at UC Davis — will work with exceptional artists to produce new works.
They’ll have new pieces performed, and will participate in seminars and workshops facilitated by the visiting artists and UC Davis composition faculty. The festival will feature Ensemble Dal Niente as visiting ensemble on Nov. 7 and 8, giving audiences the chance to hear new work.
According to the biography blurb on the Taproot website, Ensemble Dal Niente performs, develops and sustains new and experimental music for small to large chamber ensemble. Dal Niente is dedicated to growing relationships with artists, composers and listeners; advancing distinct and challenging musical voices, in addition to sharing that work with their Chicago, United States, and international communities.
Four composers will work with Dal Niente, including:
- Eli Greenhoe
- Emre Şener
- Jenny Xiong
- James Larkins
The Empyrean Ensemble at UC Davis — directed by Professor of Teaching, Department of Music Sam Nichols — is also slated to play at the Taproot Festival next week. The Empyran Ensemble offers engaging and eclectic programs, inviting audiences to experience new musical sensations delivered with high artistry by its extraordinary players—among the finest new music performers in California.
Four composers will work with Empyrean, including:
- Parker Callister
- Mary Denney
- Yingting Liu
- Bryndan Moondy
The UC Davis Symphony Orchestra — a university student and community orchestra in residence at the Mondavi Center — will also perform during the festival.
For more information, visit the Taproot Festival website at https://arts.ucdavis.edu/taproot.
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