Founded in the 1990s by Graham Reynolds and Peter Stopschinski, Golden Hornet seeks to reimagine classical music through collaborative creations and adventurous programming with commitments to justice and innovation. We took the collective creation and self-production methods of the rock genre to the world of classical music, and have formed a thriving community of living composers. Every year, we present four core programs. First, our String Quartet Smackdown results in sixteen new, original string quartet compositions from composers of all backgrounds. Second, our SXSW Official ATX Composers Showcase supports and celebrates six new music ensembles focused on contemporary works by local composers and connects them with a national and international network of music industry representatives. Third, our Young Composer Concert provides opportunities for local composers ages 8 to 18 to develop artistically and professionally through a six-month program. During this program, they compose an original piece of music, and collectively produce a public concert featuring a professional ensemble. Fourth, our always changing, but high-caliber, concert endeavor results in a performance that is of significant quality and relevance and is defined by its touring potential.