Operated and led by musicians since 1977, the New Orchestra Workshop (NOW) Society was formed to present improvising musicians. We provide and share opportunities for collective creation. We support community projects and uphold diversity. We balance being present in the moment with skillful preparation, producing concerts, workshops, residencies, recordings, broadcasts, commissions, tours, events, and publications. We encourage the expression and exchange of music, culture and ideas at our Social Space for New Culture, 8EAST, located on unceded territories of the the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlil̓wətaʔɬ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations in Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside, in the place known as Vancouver.
The NOW Society values representation, inclusiveness, fairness and equity. We hold dear competence and respect in challenging and inspiring collective creation. We embrace risk-taking, integrity, mindfulness and trust. Egalitarian non-hierarchical forms are vital to our practices. We protect the safety of our members, artists, participants, staff, audience members, volunteers and neighbours.
Events
NOW and VYC present a Hand Drum and Singing Workshop with Deanna Gestrin and Russell Wallace. Come sing and drum with us!
Since 1978, the New Orchestra Workshop Society (NOW) has presented music improvisation workshops, offering space for exploration and participation. Our workshops are for improvisers of all levels of ability and ranges of experience, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, age, race or religion.
Join us as we create the nummena orchestra, an ensemble of improvising musicians encouraged by the conduction of Dr. Lisa Cay Miller. Open to all levels of ability and experience, the orchestra will contain both professionals and those new to improvisation and conduction. Bring your instruments!