The Illinois Modern Ensemble comprises students dedicated to the performance of contemporary and experimental music. Its repertoire in recent seasons includes works by leading figures such as Steve Reich, Georg Friedrich Haas, and Augusta Read Thomas, as well as a constant stream of new works by student, faculty and guest composers. The IME frequently collaborates with Illinois Lyric Theatre, and also presents the winners of the annual Salvatore Martirano Composition Award, an international contest that draws over 200 applications each year.