Composer Commissioning
While the commissioning program is administered by Symphony Australia, many people are involved in the process that sees Australian works performed live on stage and broadcast nationally by ABC Classic FM.
Each network orchestra commissions at least one new work per year and performs at least one world premiere per year. The commissioning and attachment programs are shared between the orchestras, with each orchestra commissioning from each program periodically. In this way a range of composer styles, skills, experience and length of compositions are catered for.
There is no longer a centralised score reading panel, instead, composers are invited to submit scores and recordings direct to the network orchestras. It is recommended you get in touch with appropriate staff (listed below) prior to sending your material, to discuss what is practical and feasible to submit.
You may submit your material to orchestras outside your home state, although Artistic Administrators meet regularly and will alert their colleagues to any scores or composers they feel will be of interest to the network. Each orchestra will undergo its own assessment procedure and will advise you of the process involved once your score is received. You should note that it may take up to three months for your score to be assessed and a response received.
Who to Contact
Adelaide Symphony Orchestra
James Koehne, Artistic Administrator
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Huw Humphreys, Director of Artistic Planning
Sydney Symphony
Wolfgang Fink, Director of Artistic Operations
Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
Simon Rogers, Manager, Artistic Planning
The Queensland Orchestra
Tom Woods, Manager Artistic Planning
West Australian Symphony Orchestra
Marshall McGuire, Executive Manager Artistic Planning