National Public Radio plans a new series...

National Public Radio plans a new series about the evolution of contemporary music with performance artist-actress Ann Magnuson as host. The recent New Music American festival in Houston is the basis for NPR’s “New Music Now!” and will feature such composers as Meredith Monk, Joan LaBarbara, John Cage, Wim Mertens and Robert Rodriguez.

The series will explore a range of musical creations, including a work influenced by memories of a Texas childhood, the image of a waterfall and music for keyboard instruments ranging from computers to accordians. “New Music Now!” will air in 13 half-hour programs beginning in July. Santa Monica NPR affiliate KCRW-FM, however, said Monday it would not be carrying the program.