Commissioned works are written or arranged for performance by a particular ensemble or soloist, or in honor of a person or event. A commissioned composition can provide several benefits:
Why commission?
- It’s unique. When your group commissions a piece, they get to perform a piece that nobody else has heard before.
- It’s designed for your group. The music is written to utilize the strengths of the ensemble that commissions it.
- It’s educational. For schools and community performing arts groups, the process of working with a composer can provide a different type of education for the performers. Composers are not just the “dead white guys” we all learned about in school; composition is a living art that is practiced now. Often, ensembles like to bring the composer to observe, interact with the musicians, and give input during several rehearsals.
- It’s memorable. Regardless of the performers’ ages or musical skills, they will look back positively on the commission experience for years to come. Being in the commissioning ensemble provides a sense of ownership and pride which carries far beyond that one commissioned piece. The audience will also be energized by listening to the memorable premiere performance of a new piece.
Is a commission expensive?
Commissioning a piece is more affordable than you might think. Some performing groups collaborate to commission a piece together. For example, a few school or church choirs in the same area might combine for a special concert and share the cost of a commission for the event.
Price and timeline depend on many factors, including instrumentation, expected length of the piece, and travel considerations. However, all financial considerations and expectations for the commissioned piece will be clearly agreed upon in writing before the work begins.
If you feel that this is the right time for your performing ensemble to take a step forward and start a commission process, please send a message or make a phone call through the contact page.
