Since 1976, the group has commissioned, performed and recorded works by both emerging and prominent living composers.
Over the years, NYNME has premiered over 140 works, the vast majority of which were written specifically for the group.
Among the prominent composers with whom the group has enjoyed longstanding associations are Elliott Carter, Jacob Druckman, Charles Wuorinen, Mario Davidovsky, Harvey Sollberger, Joan Tower, George Perle, Rand Steiger, John Eaton, and David Felder.
Current members include: flutist Emi Ferguson, clarinetist Jean Kopperud, violinist Linda Quan, cellist Chris Finckel, pianist Stephen Gosling, and percussionist Daniel Druckman.
The New York New Music Ensemble was founded in 1975 by conductor Robert Black, along with flutist Jayn Rosenfeld (who served as the ensemble's Executive Director between 1993 and 2013), clarinetist Laura Flax, violinist Gregory Fulkerson, cellist Eric Bartlett, and pianist Alan Feinberg.