Miami, FL – September 29, 2025 – The vibrant and often avant-garde landscape of contemporary music in South Florida was on full display as the Soundologia Anthology Festival took over The Bridge Miami on Friday, September 26th. The event marked a significant milestone with the release of “Soundologia Anthology Volume 3: South Florida Contemporary Composers & Sound Artists,” a double CD compilation that showcases the depth and diversity of the region’s experimental sound creators. Among the featured performers was Cassandra Eisenreich, an accomplished flutist and Associate Professor of Music at Slippery Rock University, whose participation underscored the festival’s commitment to elevating innovative musical artists.
A Hub for Experimental Sound: The Soundologia Anthology Festival
The Soundologia Anthology Festival, a one-night celebration meticulously curated by Soundologia Records founder Pedja Kovačević, aims to spotlight the cutting edge of experimental and contemporary music. This year’s edition, held at the intimate yet dynamic venue The Bridge Miami, served as the official launch for “Soundologia Anthology Volume 3.” This latest compilation is a testament to the burgeoning artistic talent in South Florida, featuring contributions from over 40 composers and performers across two discs.
The festival itself was structured into distinct programs, “Acoustic Anthology” and “Electric Anthology,” offering attendees a journey through a spectrum of sonic exploration. These segments highlighted commissioned works, fixed media compositions, and live electronic performances, reflecting the multifaceted nature of modern experimental music. The event received crucial support from organizations dedicated to fostering the arts, including the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs, the FETA Foundation, and the FIU Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator, underscoring its importance within the broader cultural ecosystem of Miami.
Pedja Kovačević and the Vision of Soundologia Records
At the heart of this initiative is Pedja Kovačević, a musicologist and the driving force behind Soundologia Records. Kovačević established the label as a collaborative hub dedicated to publishing and promoting contemporary and experimental music, with a strategic focus on artists originating from South Florida and Chicago. His vision extends beyond mere recording; he aims to build a lasting legacy for experimental music, positioning the anthology series as a vital archive for future generations.
“The Anthology series is a living heritage for future generations—spotlighting the range and depth of South Florida’s contemporary sound: its experimental spirit, craft, and community,” Kovačević stated. “With the festival, we’re bringing the anthology to the stage, uniting music and design, and putting the album directly into the hands of friends and fans.” Kovačević, who moved to Miami from Serbia in 2018, has been instrumental in nurturing and giving visibility to a genre that, while niche, is crucial for artistic innovation.
Cassandra Eisenreich: A Featured Artist on the Rise
Cassandra Eisenreich, an Associate Professor of Music and an acclaimed flutist at Slippery Rock University, was a prominent performer at the festival. She graced the “Acoustic Anthology” program, contributing her artistry to the live celebration of “Volume 3”. Eisenreich is recognized nationally for her multifaceted approach to performance, teaching, and collaboration. Praised for her “tonal sweetness and fleet execution” and described as “technically clean and precise, musically expressive, and stylistically satisfying,” she brings a formidable presence to the contemporary music scene.
Eisenreich’s career is marked by a dedication to premiering new works, having premiered over 50 new pieces across solo, chamber, and orchestral settings. Her previous engagement with the Miami music scene includes a performance of Federico Bonacossa’s “In Silico” for flute and live electronics at Barry University in 2013, a piece specifically written for her and designed to expand the sonic capabilities of the flute. Her involvement in the Soundologia festival reinforces her commitment to pushing the boundaries of the flute’s expressive potential and her dedication to new music.
“Volume 3”: A Tapestry of South Florida Sound
“Soundologia Anthology Volume 3” represents a significant contribution to the documentation of contemporary South Florida music. While previous volumes have focused on specific sonic palettes—Volume 1 highlighting acoustic works and Volume 2 blending acoustic and electronic elements—Volume 3 continues to capture the dynamic range of local artists. The festival performances provided a live extension of the anthology’s reach, allowing audiences to experience the music firsthand.
The festival’s lineup for “Acoustic Anthology” included performances by Federico Bonacossa, Mario Del Risco, Eisenreich herself, Jacob Mason, and Daniel Medina. The “Electric Anthology” showcased the talents of Richard Garet, Eden Grey, José Hernández Sánchez, Juraj Kojš, Night Foundation, and Jacob David Sudol, culminating in an afterparty featuring David Brieske / Fsik Huvnx with VJ 2urn. This diverse roster exemplifies Kovačević’s dedication to presenting a comprehensive overview of the experimental music landscape.
Miami’s Experimental Music Ecosystem
The Soundologia Anthology Festival is part of a larger, thriving experimental music ecosystem in Miami. Venues like Edge Zones, and organizations such as the Subtropics Festival (which collaborated with Soundologia for this event), have long been cultivating spaces for artists working outside traditional genres. Miami’s status as a cultural melting pot provides fertile ground for experimentation, attracting and nurturing artists who are unafraid to push sonic boundaries. Despite its status as a “tiny niche,” the experimental music community in Miami is actively growing, enriched by collaborations and dedicated platforms like Soundologia Records.
Conclusion: A Resounding Success for Contemporary Music
The Soundologia Anthology Festival 2025, with Cassandra Eisenreich’s captivating performance, stands as a resounding success, not only celebrating the release of “Soundologia Anthology Volume 3” but also reinforcing Miami’s position as a crucial center for contemporary and experimental music. Through the dedicated efforts of Pedja Kovačević and Soundologia Records, artists are provided with essential platforms to share their innovative creations, fostering a vibrant community that continues to expand the horizons of musical expression. The event serves as a vital point of connection between creators, audiences, and the ever-evolving narrative of avant-garde music.
