Established in Houston in 1986, the Foundation for Modern Music had as its original mission the making of high quality recordings of significant concert music by 20th Century composers, with a particular emphasis on American composers. Beginning in 1999 under the artistic direction of composer/pianist Robert Avalon, the Foundation also focused on building audiences and public support for contemporary music in the classical tradition through concerts, educational outreach, and encouraging and supporting young composers. Today, FMM is Houston’s leading presenter for this type of music.

During the 2002-2003 season, the Foundation produced its first Music of Today season of well-attended public concerts of contemporary composers, as performed by some of Houston's best musicians. Additionally, the Foundation presented a Friday evening concert of American music at Wigmore Hall (London's top recital hall) early in 2002 – that concert was very well received and brought critical attention to Houston as a growing center for new music. At the same time, Avalon developed a series of highly successful composers' workshops at several local high schools.

In spite of Robert Avalon's tragic and untimely death in April, 2004, the Foundation has continued the Music of Today concerts, each season bringing new music and many world premieres to venues in Houston. We have now featured over 140 composers (including several Pulitzer Prize winners) and 200 performers, making us a leading presenter of new music in Houston. With artistic direction from Avalon protégé Rodolfo Morales, respected soprano Tracy Rhodus, and the dynamic young pianist Adam Tendler, we also pursued Avalon’s education outreach, and launched the Robert Avalon Competition for Young Composers. Now in its fourth year, the Competition is expanding to include broader age categories and geographic distribution.

Also, in collaboration with Flamárt (Featuring Latin American Music and Arts), we presented in 2005 our first full Latin American Music concert in Zilkha Hall, celebrating modern Latin American art music under the direction of baritone and dancer Raúl Orlando Edwards. A consummate performer and visionary, Edwards now serves as the Foundation’s Artistic Director, and Flamárt has become an important part of the Foundation’s program.

Thus, with major support from the Houston Endowment, the Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts, the Brown Foundation, the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, and the Texas Commission on the Arts, along with valued collaborations with arts organizations and loyal supporters, we remain dedicated to carrying on Robert Avalon’s vision of a vigorous and diverse life for contemporary classical music.