SYNNERGY
a new music conference for curious listeners, adventurous artists, and innovative scholars
As the culmination of our Summer Festival, SYNNERGY unites local and international audiences for an immersive experience, showcasing the vibrant spirit of new chamber music today!
JUNE 24-27, 2026 | KNOXVILLE, TN
EVENT OVERVIEW
ATTEND
Join us for performances, presentations, workshops, and conversations exploring today’s most adventurous chamber music! Concerts are free & open to the public, while all other conference events require registration (starting at $39.99)!
ALL NNSF ALUMNI MAY ATTEND FOR FREE!
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SYNNERGY Registration Includes:
Access to all workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions, all-play events, research presentations, & more!
A personalized badge!
Registration Fee:
SYNNERGY registration is offered on a sliding scale, with a minimum cost of $40, and a recommended amount between $150 - $475.
This model reflects our commitment to reducing financial barriers and making participation in the new music community as accessible as possible. We invite participants to register at a level that feels sustainable for them, or to give at a higher tier if they are able, helping support broader access for others.
By using a flexible pricing structure, SYNNERGY aims to ensure that cost is never the reason someone cannot take part in the exchange of ideas, performances, and collaborations that define this event.
There is currently no registration deadline, and in-person registration will also be offered!
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CUMBERLAND HOUSE
Rate: $189/night (+ applicable fees & taxes)
Location: 18-minute walk to conference events
Booking Link: Coming soon!If you would like to be connected with other attendees to discuss the potential of sharing a local Airbnb, please indicate so on your registration form!
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Nearest Airport
McGhee Tyson Airport
Alcoa, Tennessee🔗SYNNERGY Location
Natalie L. Haslam College of Music
University of TN, Knoxville 🔗Travel Plans
If you are driving from a nearby city (Nashville, Atlanta, Lexington, Asheville, etc.) and would like to be connected with other attendees to potentially carpool, please reach out to adally@niefnorf.org!
PARTICIPATE
Apply to present, compete, or host an installation at SYNNERGY 2026! All submissions require a $20 application fee and include a conference badge.
Applications/submissions are due APRIL 20 and
selections will be determined by APRIL 25!
ALL NNSF ALUMNI & NNSF26 FELLOWS MAY APPLY FOR FREE!
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Apply to present your research at SYNNERGY! For 2026, proposals are encouraged to have a focus on music technology and/or composition, Steve Reich, or Julius Eastman!
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Apply to present a masterclass or workshop at SYNNERGY! For 2026, proposals are encouraged to have a focus on music technology and/or composition, Steve Reich, or Julius Eastman!
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Apply to present your installation at SYNNERGY! Installations will be selected to display for one day or the duration of the conference!
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Register to compete in the SYNNERGY 2026 solo competition!
For 2026, pieces must have an electronic or fixed media element.
The competition will take place in person on the morning of Friday, June 26; winners will be notified by midday and invited to perform at a 5:00pm showcase.
Spots are limited to 25 competitors, and are available first come, first served. All competitors must perform a 2-3 minute excerpt of their piece in person.
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If you would like to host a small booth table or provide a monetary/in-kind sponsorship for SYNNERGY 2026, please contact Alex Dally at adally@niefnorf.org.
More information coming soon!
FEATURED ARTISTS
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BRITTANY J. GREEN
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BERGAMOT QUARTET
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MARIA CASTILLO
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LISA CELLA
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CLAIRE CHENETTE
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ABBY FISHER
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ANNIE JENG
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NICOLEE KUESTER
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CHELSEA LOEW
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KEVIN ZETINA
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RUSSELL HARTENBERGER
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MATTHEW LAU
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CONTINUOUS MOTION PRODUCTIONS
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ALEX DALLY
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CORAL DOUGLAS
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ALEX RING GRAY
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VIOLET HILL
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ELLA KAALE
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TURNER MCCABE
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ROB MCCLURE
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MICHAEL MIXTACKI
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CHARLIE PECK
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& MORE!