On Thursday, Nov. 20, a group of students from the TCU School of Music will perform eight pieces, all music by living composers, some still in college.

The event, held at the TCU Robert Carr Chapel, will mark the inaugural concert of a new chamber music ensemble, NuovoSound Ensemble. Senior composition major Chase Morrison founded the group and also serves as the artistic director.

“The main way that we distinguish ourselves is that we champion works by living and especially young and underrepresented composers and give them opportunities to have performances and get recognized in the industry that’s so competitive today,” Morrison said.

As a young, living composer himself, Morrison said he’s aware of the struggles.

“The biggest thing that’s facing young composers is that there’s so many of them,” he said. “And there’s only so many performers that are willing to play new music.”

NuovoSound is made up of performers who are willing, Morrison said, giving composers an opportunity to get a professional-level recording of their compositions.

Next semester, Morrison said he plans to put out a call for scores in an attempt to reach more collegiate composers across the nation.

Although the ensemble serves as Morrison’s capstone project for his arts leadership and entrepreneurship minor, he said he hopes to continue the ensemble professionally after he graduates. His ultimate goal: making the music composition industry more accessible.

“It’s a vision we have of making the music industry as a whole less narrow and more open to new ideas,” Morrison said. “I think that’s a really important thing for me to pursue, in my place as a composer myself.”

He said growing the ensemble at TCU while he is a student will give him the experience and skills he needs to continue. The NuovoSound Ensemble is also in the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

Thursday’s concert at 8:30 p.m. will feature TCU composers and other living composers, including Michael Giacchino and his “Le Festin” from “Ratatouille.” The 90-minute concert is free, with a reception to follow.