National Association for American Composers and Conductors

The National Association of American Composers and Conductors (NAACC) was founded in 1933 by Henry K. Hadley, a distinguished conductor and composer.

The NAACC was a non-profit organization dedicated to the task of fostering American music. It relied principally on membership dues for funds, but also received occasional assistance from individual or organizational donors. All services of officers and committee members were entirely voluntary. The NAACC sought to provide the opportunity for the performance of new works by American composers, while also presenting compositions of established composers who had already made valuable contributions to America's musical heritage. Henry Hadley initially created the group because at that time, unless an artist was famous, he or she could not perform at the established musical venues. The NAACC was one of the longest standing organizations in the United States devoted to the promotion and performance of American concert hall music. The organization maintained chapters in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Colorado, Indiana and the District of Columbia. Each year, musical concerts were offered to the public free of charge. Members could submit their work for possible performances at the concerts usually held at Town Hall and Carnegie Hall in New York City. During its first twenty-five years of existence, the association presented over 3,500 new works by 200 composers through the media of the concert stage, radio and recordings. Many of America's most distinguished composers were among its members. The history of the association shows it carried out its ideals through orchestral and chamber music concerts, the establishment of the Henry Hadley Memorial Library in the New York Public Library and the awards and honors it bestowed on those who have helped and encouraged American creative talent. In addition, the NAACC generated greater interest among the public in original American musical compositions. The NAACC was led by Henry Hadley until his death in 1937. He had only seen the association in existence for four years. After his death, his wife, Inez Barbour Hadley took over and ran the association until her death in 1971. Without Hadley or his wife in charge, the association began to lose focus. Then, UCLA professor and conductor John Vincent took on the leadership of the NAACC in 1975. He changed the association's name to National Association of Composers, USA (NACUSA) and moved the headquarters from New York City to Los Angeles. Today, NACUSA presents several chamber concerts each year featuring music by its members. It also publishes a newsletter and holds a national contest for young composers aged 18-30. NACUSA also honors people who have made appreciable contributions to modern music.

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