On May 11, the orchestra will present the world premiere of John Harbison's Rubies, an arrangement of a piece by Thelonious Monk. The orchestra will also perform Eric Moe's No Time Like the Present; Bright Sheng's Piano Concerto Red Silk Dance, with Sheng as soloist; Pierre Jalbert's In Aeternam; and Philip Glass' Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpani and Orchestra.

Two world premieres will be presented on May 18; David Stock's Plenty of Horn and David Schiff's Infernal. Additional works include Samuel Jones' Tuba Concerto; John Corigliano's Chaconne, from the film The Red Violin; Joseph Schwantner's memorial to the victims of September 11, September Canticle; and Daniel Brewbaker's Dark Angel.

The May 20 concert will include Ellen Zwilich's Concerto for Trumpet and Five Players; Ken Benshoof's Piccolo Quartet; David Stock's Concierto Cubano; Yevgenij Sharlat's Pavana for Eighteen Strings; and Lisa Bielawa's Hurry.

Seattle Symphony music director Gerard Schwarz said, "Building on the artistic success of last year's festival which celebrated American symphonists, we're pushing the musical envelope even further this year, presenting the best in new American music. I've chosen works that I consider to be important works by living American composers, with George Perle being the elder statesman and six under the age of 40. Many have taken different creative paths but all with passion, imagination and depth."

Last year's festival included the music of Bernstein, Copland, Chšvez, Ives, Riegger, Piston, and Sessions, among others.