"It was the kind of evening -- intellectually stimulating, impeccably performed and full of surprising, jaw-dropping beauty --that lingers in the mind long after the final note has faded." Wynne Delacoma, Chicago Classical Review" 

"Dal Niente (appropriately, from nothing) is quietly building a reputation as one of Chicago’s finest chamber ensembles." Hamza Walker, the Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago

ensemble dal niente performs a broad range of 20^th- and 21^st- century music. Through concerts, commissions and educational activities, we explore the wealth and diversity of music composed in the past century -- from the European avant-garde, to American high modernism, to styles influenced by popular music and jazz. 

dal niente was founded by composer Kirsten Broberg in 2004 at Northwestern University and has become one of the Midwest's leading new music organizations. We believe that we live in a unique and inspiring musical era and we are committed to fostering a positive, vital creative interchange.  We present the best of music being written today by established, emerging, and as-yet-undiscovered composers. We commission new works,  give countless premieres, and champion great but neglected compositions -- all in addition to regularly performing contemporary and 20th-century masterpieces to bring this truly exceptional music to enthusiastic audiences.  

dal niente understands that an essential part of a vibrant and sustainable music community is the education of young composers and performers. Partnered with local high schools, we perform music of teenage composers and guide their musical development.  We hold residencies and conduct masterclasses at colleges and universities across the Midwest.

The ensemble is comprised of young artists and international virtuosos who bring this challenging repertoire to life with enthusiasm and devotion.  We include in our ranks faculty from DePaul University and the University of Chicago; conducting staff and members of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago; former participants in the Lucerne Festival and International Ensemble Moderne Academies; and past fellows of the Aspen Festival Contemporary Music Ensemble. 

We are dedicated to making new music thrive and we invite you to join us in our mission.