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. In addition, Musaica received Gambit nominations for "Best Chamber Music Concert" in 2008 for its program of great American chamber music and in 2009 for its benefit concert for the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra.