Musaica was founded by a group of New Orleans professional musicians in the fall of 2006, most of whom play with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra or teach at Loyola University .  It is an ensemble whose mission is to promote and foster chamber music performance; to encourage the composition of new music; and to increase the awareness and appreciation of chamber music.  Musaica was the recipient of the "Best Chamber Music Concert" award for 2007 from Gambit's Tribute to the Classical Arts, and its program of great American chamber music was nominated as "Best Chamber Music Concert" for 2008.