The New Century Chamber Orchestra, founded in 1992, looks for fresh, exciting ways to present classical music in the San Francisco Bay Area by combining performances of extraordinary quality with innovative programming. World-renowned violin soloist, chamber musician and recording artist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg was appointed Music Director and Concertmaster of the 17-member string ensemble in January 2008. New Century, comprised of local musicians as well as those who travel from across the U.S. and Europe to perform in the Bay Area together, performs without a conductor. Musical decisions are made collaboratively, resulting in an enhanced level of commitment on the part of the musicians to concerts of remarkable precision, passion and power. As part of its dedication to the future of music and to the community, New Century provides violin lessons to underserved students in Marin City and San Rafael’s Canal District. String quartets of New Century members give intimate classroom performances in Bay Area elementary schools. The orchestra has released four compact discs. Written With The Heart’s Blood, a recording of Shostakovich works, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1997. The orchestra has also recorded the music of 20th century Swiss composer Frank Martin, Argentine composers Alberto Williams and Alberto Ginastera, and New Century violist Kurt Rohde.