Emory CompFest 2026

February 13–14, 2026

CompFest 2026 highlights Afrofuturistic sonic, musical, and narrative visionaries, and features internationally acclaimed creative flutist, composer, conceptualist, bandleader and educator Nicole Mitchell and vocalist, interdisciplinary artist, and researcher Lisa E. Harris.

The festival culminates on Saturday 2/14 with a presentation of Mitchell and Harris’s collaborative, evening-length piece EarthSeed, inspired by and in tribute to  groundbreaking African American science fiction author Octavia E. Butler. EarthSeed powerfully interprets Butler’s writings through composed and improvised music for instrumental ensemble and vocalists. Mitchell and Harris bring their innovative practices to Emory, presenting the work in an ensemble with local improvisers, faculty members, and Emory students.

Emory Sound Collective alumni and present students join for EarthSeed on 14 February.