This week on CMI Streaming’s New Classical channel, we feature an ensemble that has made a name for themselves performing music by living composers. Eighth Blackbird has been hailed as “one of the smartest, most dynamic ensembles on the planet” by the Chicago Tribune.

Ohio-based composer Rick Sowash strives for a sense of authenticity in his music. In an interview with Minnesota Public Radio, Sowash spoke of the influence of his grandmother, who, though she has passed away, still influences his compositional process, keeping him grounded in music that truly comes from who he is.

This week on CMI Streaming’s New Classical channel, we feature holiday music by living composers. We’re all familiar with our holiday favorites, but contemporary composers are still writing new holiday pieces to celebrate the season.

This week on CMI Streaming, we feature music by John Williams, an iconic American composer who has been nominated for 51 Academy Awards for his work on music for films dating back to 1967. His first win in the Best Original Score category came in 1975 with his score for Jaws. Just two years later, perhaps Williams most iconic work earned him another Oscar win, with his score for 1977’s Star Wars.