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" for 2007 from Gambit's Tribute to the Classical Arts.