Camerata Nova is dedicated to the creation and performance of new music and to expanding the growing body of repertoire for the Contemporary Woodwind Quintet. Formed in 2023 by the woodwind faculty at Western Illinois University, the ensemble replaces the traditional horn with saxophone, creating a flexible, modern sound world that showcases the colors of flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon. Recent commissions and premieres include works by Katherine Pukinskis, Matt Mason, Hong-Da Chin, Paul Berlinsky, John Mindeman, and James Caldwell. These collaborations reflect the ensemble’s commitment to exploring new timbres, broadening the expressive potential of the quintet, and supporting innovative voices in contemporary composition. Camerata Nova has received multiple awards for its commissioning efforts, including an International Double Reed Society “50 for 50” Commissioning Grant. Through continuous partnerships with composers and arts organizations, the ensemble brings renewed energy to woodwind chamber music while contributing meaningful additions to this emerging instrumentation’s repertoire.

Learn more about Camerata Nova on our website.