Two major events settle in NYC this week, turning the spotlight on the music of young and up-and-coming composers. Starting tonight is the 12th edition of the MATA Festival, and the first under new director David T. Little, who took over for Missy Mazzoli last year. This year's performers of new and almost-new music include both local favorites (ACME, Dither, Metropolis Ensemble) and performers from as far away as Europe (Italy's l'Aresnale, France's Florent Ghys) and, um...Minnesota (Chris Danforth and the Danforths.) Once again this year, all events will be at LPR; tickets available online and at the door. 

Then, this weekend, City Opera's VOX returns for it's 13th edition, featuring the full City Opera orchestra and roster performing new operas-in-progress by some of today's most exciting young composers. Of the 70-odd operas VOX has presented over the years, more than 30 have enjoyed full productions, including this season's City Opera production of Seance on a Wet Afternoon. This year's highlights include Allan Jaffe's Mary Shelley, Jeff Myers' Maren of Vardo and - as if he's not busy enough - David T. Little's Vinkensport. Saturday, VOX will be at NYU's Skirball Center; Sunday's edition will be at LPR. Tickets for both are available online.