Fear No Music champions contemporary chamber music through public concerts and performances, elevates diverse and historically underrepresented composers, and develops the next generation of composers through education and mentorship.

Through innovative performances and community-centered programming, Fear No Music connects audiences with compelling music from the Pacific Northwest and beyond, enriching the community while making contemporary music more inclusive, accessible, and relevant.

Our Young Composers Project advances this mission by providing pre-college students with hands-on instruction and mentorship from professional composers and musicians, giving young people the opportunity to develop original works and hear their music brought to life by professional performers.

Fear No Music creates opportunities for historically underrepresented composers and underserved communities, brings new voices and perspectives to Portland, and uses music to foster connection, understanding, healing, and positive social change.

Fear No Music is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

A group of musicians on a staircase holding various instruments including violins, cellos, a clarinet, and a saxophone, smiling and interacting with each other.

The Fear No Music Ensemble

The Fear No Music Ensemble is a collective of professional musicians dedicated to performing the chamber music of our time.

Since 1992, our Annual Concert Series has spotlighted important national and international developments in contemporary classical and post-classical music, while celebrating the diverse voices of Portland’s local music community and the Pacific Northwest. We’re proud to give composers from all backgrounds—international, national, and local—an opportunity to be heard and recognized.

To date, we’ve premiered over 75 works, spotlighting composers of diverse origins, backgrounds, and genders.‍ ‍

A group of people on stage, including musicians with instruments such as a flute, cello, and percussion instruments, standing in front of a wooden backdrop. The individuals appear to be part of a musical performance or event, with some people in the audience taking photos.

FearNoMusic Young Composers Project (YCP)

The Young Composers Project (YCP) offers mentorship in music composition for youth grades 5-12, providing hands-on guidance from professional musicians and composers. YCP participants have the chance to develop and refine their original works in a year-long series of workshops and public performances.

Since its inception, YCP students have earned numerous state, regional, and national accolades for their compositions. Many former participants now have thriving careers as orchestral, theater, film, and television composers, gaining recognition both nationally and internationally.

Thank You to Our Supporters

Fear No Music’s 35th Season is proudly made possible through the generous support of our funding partners:

Anne Naito-Campbell

Autzen Foundation

Bella’s Italian Bakery & Market

Oregon Arts Commission

Oregon Community Foundation

Oregon Cultural Trust

Reed College

Regional Arts & Culture Council

Ronni Lacroute

The Templeton Foundation

We are deeply grateful for your belief in our mission and for helping us champion new music, mentorship, and community through the arts.

Collection of various logos for organizations and foundations, including Autzen Foundation, Portland Taiko, Bella's Italian Market, Cultural Trust, Poetry Out Loud, Portland United Against Hate, Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Community Foundation, RACC, John Templeton Foundation, Reed Music, and others focused on community support, arts, cultural projects, and youth programs.