The John Donald Robb Composers' Symposium

The UNM Robb Trust promotes the exploration of new music through the UNM John Donald Robb Composers’ Symposium, which takes place every spring on the UNM campus. Since 1972, the internationally renowned symposium has brought composers and musicians from around the world to UNM for a series of public concerts and unique learning opportunities for UNM students. Past guest composers have included such luminaries as Anthony Braxton, John Cage, Lukas Foss, Michael Colgrass, Gordon Mumma, and Chen Yi.

​Every other year, the Trust sponsors the UNM John Donald Robb Composition Commission. The winner receives a cash prize and the opportunity to have his/her composition performed during the Composers’ Symposium. The 2018 Commission  awardee was Kyong Mee Choi and the commission was performed at the 2019 Composers' Symposium.

The UNM Robb Musical Trust serves as a bridge between the UNM College of Fine Arts and the New Mexico community, regularly presenting concerts of Robb’s compositions along with Hispanic folk songs, preserving and promoting the archive of 3,000 field recordings Robb made, and collaborating with community partners in educational initiatives. Through its many activities, the Trust proudly carries on the vision of its namesake, John Donald Robb.

Symposium Program Booklets
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
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2002
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1987
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1983
1980


Link to Composers' Symposium Timeline.