The practice of musical quotation has always been a part of the music-making tradition. Sometimes it’s the artist’s way of acknowledging his or her admiration for a composer, or just a mere infatuation with a specific theme or passage. At times it is of a practical nature—conjuring up a distinguishing event or character within the mind of the listener.

Meet the Composer, an advocacy organization for contemporary music, recently held a three-concert festival in New York City. Hear Ethel, Metropolis Ensemble, Alarm Will Sound and Music from China perform several premieres on today's show.