Organization Purpose

The CRS was established in 1981 to promote both a fellowship in the musical arts between performing artists, composers, presenters and commercial recordings of participants in this endeavor. CONTEMPORARY RECORD SOCIETY offers to members throughout the Globe, in each nations’ communities, an opportunity to become culturally enriched by the musical sources available through the Society. These services are available to performers, composers, teachers, libraries, educational institutions, amateurs, devotees of music, and prospective sponsors. CRS also offers to its participants the opportunity to take an active part in this endeavor through performances, lectures and recordings that we present.

CRS may assist as a coordinator in developing government, corporate, foundation, and private funding for the support of performances, commissions, and recordings of its members. Our organization assists in generating public interest and international appreciation of performers and composers through our presentations at numerous concert halls, cultural centers and in the variety of its commercial recordings available throughout the world. Global distribution is available through Arkiv Music and their web site and service@arkivmusic.com.

The Society may provide direct assistance to qualified composers and performing artists, when possible. Such assistance is given to Honorary Recipients, Artist/Composer Recipients and distinguished participants, deemed exceptional by a committee of CRS executive members upon the final approval of the President. The selected participants are guaranteed CRS Recording Grants toward works accepted by the committee.

Membership is available to performing musicians, composers, teachers, libraries, educational institutions, amateurs, devotees of music, and prospective sponsors, hence, anyone seriously interested in music. Special Honorary Membership is awarded to sponsors of five hundred dollars or more and for distinguished participants in our artistic objectives.

Our Mission

The intent of the Society is to advance the cause of music in the United States and throughout the world, promoting an association among its constituents. The scope of the Society’s repertoire includes the musical masterworks of both well-known and relatively unknown composers of all periods.

Advisory Panel and Representatives

Foundating Advisory Panel Members

Vincent Persichetti, Juilliard faculty composer, passed away on August 14, l987.
William Smith, Conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, passed away on March 24, 1993.

Artist Representatives

Jack M. Shusterman
Caroline Hunt
Melissa Smith

Advertising in Society Publication

Jack M. Shusterman

CRS Advisory Panel

Milton Babbitt
George Crumb
George K. Diehl
Yo-Yo Ma
Lorne Munroe