The Long Island Composers Alliance was founded in 1972 by Marga Richter & Herbert Deutsch. On May 19, 1972, the first concert by the Long Island Composers Alliance was held at the South Huntington Public Library. Since that time, over 300 concerts have presented some 1500 new works by more than 100 composers. LICA remains the only organization devoted exclusively to the presentation, preservation and promotion of performances of original serious music by composers living and working on Long Island. LICA is a decentralized performing arts organization.

Concerts are presented from eastern Suffolk to New York City in venues ranging from every major college and university to over 40 libraries, museums and art centers. Our annual Music By and For Students concert has become the model for two student composition competitions now offered to students throughout the state by the NY State School Music Association.

Incorporated in 1975, LICA has been funded by various organizations and foundations including The Nassau County Office of Cultural Affairs, The Suffolk County Office of Cultural Arts, Huntington Arts Council, Hempstead Cultural Arts Center, Wantagh Arts Council, Nassau County Re-Grant Programs for the Arts, NY State Council on the Arts, Maldeb Foundation, Puffin Foundation, Prof. Edgar H. Lehrman Memorial Foundation, Key Bank, Chase Manhattan Bank, Independence Savings Bank, Citibank, and the Brooklyn Borough President's Office.