What Does It Mean to Commission a New Piece of Music?
Daniel Hope and New Century Chamber Orchestra in concert, featuring the world premiere of Doña Sebastiana (Lady Death) by Nicolás Lell Benavides, commissioned by New Century, November 2023. Photo by Stefan Cohen.
In the world of classical music, commissioning a new piece is an exciting and vital process that allows ensembles to bring fresh, innovative works to audiences. For musicians, performing a newly commissioned piece is both rewarding and significant—it expands the classical repertoire and showcases diverse artistic voices.
When an orchestra, chamber ensemble, or solo performer commissions a composer, they are requesting a brand-new composition. These works often reflect contemporary themes, push artistic boundaries, and enrich the ever-growing landscape of new classical music. Some commissions commemorate a person, celebrate a historical event, or raise awareness of an important issue.
“In our over 30-year history, we’ve enjoyed many co-commissions. It’s always wonderful when colleagues–from the United States or from around the world–come together and help celebrate a new piece”
The Role of Commissioning in Classical Music
Commissioning a composer is a highly collaborative process. Ensembles and composers engage in discussions about the piece’s theme, instrumentation, length, and overall style. Sometimes, musicians workshop sections of the piece before its premiere, allowing for revisions that enhance the final performance.
According to the Anatomy of a Commission Discussion Guide by the American Composers Forum, the commissioning process follows five key stages:
Development Stage – Initial discussions between the composer and commissioner.
Contract Stage – Agreement on vision, artistic direction, timeline, and terms.
Preparation and Delivery Stage – Composition, rehearsals, and workshops.
Premiere Stage – The first rehearsals and world premiere performance.
Post-Premiere Stage – Future performances, regional debuts, and recordings.
Each stage ensures that a new composition is thoughtfully developed, bringing contemporary classical music to life for audiences and performers alike.
A Prayer for Peace: A Joint Commission
Composer Jungyoon Wie
A recent example of a powerful commission is A Prayer for Peace, a new work by composer Jungyoon Wie, co-commissioned by New Century Chamber Orchestra and A Far Cry Chamber Orchestra. This project reflects a shared commitment to fostering contemporary classical music and supporting living composers.
“We’ve had wonderful success in the past with composers–like Jungyoon Wie–who have written for our forces, who have written for our sound…and they do so in order to share a message. And the message here is…a message of peace, and the connection between peace and music,” said Hope.
Wie’s masterful new work uses repetition and variation to reflect her personal journey as a Korean immigrant in the United States. Every performance of A Prayer for Peace offers audiences a deeply moving experience, showcasing the emotional and transformative power of new music.
Why New Commissions Matter
Commissioning music is about more than just adding new notes to the stage—it’s about creating cultural touchstones that future generations will cherish. Each commissioned piece:
Tells a unique story
Captures a moment in time
Expands the possibilities of classical music
By supporting new commissions, orchestras and audiences invest in the future of classical music, ensuring its continued vibrancy, diversity, and evolution.
Mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor in performance with New Century Chamber Orchestra in Visitations, November 2023.
Experience the West Coast premiere of A Prayer for Peace with New Century Chamber Orchestra.
Concert Dates and Locations:
Friday, April 4, 2025 at 7:30PM, First Church Berkeley
Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 2:00PM, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, San Francisco
Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 3:00PM, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Belvedere Tiburon
Alongside A Prayer for Peace, the program features Adolphus Hailstork’s Sonata da Chiesa and Richard Strauss’s Metamorphosen—a remarkable and intimate work. Tickets and details are on the New Century website.
