Vancouver New Music is getting ready to celebrate four decades of bringing contemporary sounds to local ears.

The organization plans to mark the milestone with a year of special programming in 2013-2014 including a 40^th-anniversary retrospective festival, concerts, and other events. Details have yet to be announced.

Founded in 1973, Vancouver New Music promotes the work of local, national, and international artists through a variety of activities. The organization produces live performances, commissions new works, presents sound installations, and holds other events.

A private kick-off event for the anniversary celebrations takes place later this month.