Commissioning Timeline
Commissioning a new choral work can take 12-24 months depending on the composer selected and difficultly of the piece. Here is a sample timeline for commissioning based on a 14-month period.
Month 1-2
- Get feedback from chorus members as to what kind of piece they would like to commission.
- Artistic Director creates a vision for the new work.
- Decide length and performing forces.
Month 3:
- Develop a budget and contact funding sources.
- Consider partnering with another GALA Chorus to share the commission and cost.
- Create a commissioning timeline.
Months 4
- Decide if you commission will be created via a contest, a request for proposals or simply by contacting a favorite composer.
- Research composer options, contact composers, listen to recordings, review scores.
- OR send out a request for proposals (see "Selecting A Composer" in the GALA Resource Center).
- OR create a contest for composers to submit pieces.
Month 5
Review submitted scores and select composer. Verbally negotiate fees, duration, performing forces, etc (See Commissioning Checklist)
Month 6
- Develop and sign a contract including specifications for attendance at rehearsals and performances, score review, timeline (see sample contract templates).
- Initial payment to composer.
- Send chorus recordings to composer and clarify difficulty level, expectations for split parts and anything else that would help the composer write a great piece for your choir!
Month 7
- Review and select text with composer. Secure text permissions.
- Determine composition title and description of the piece.
Months 8-10
- Compose music, Artistic Director receives periodic reports and score samples.
- Begin planning premier and how to promote it.
Months 11-12
- Review score draft.
- Approval of final draft and final proof of score.
- Final score delivered to Artistic Director, distribute choral scores.
- Final payment to composer.
Months 14-16
- Rehearsals, visit from composer to work on the piece.
- World premier, plan a meet the composer event.
Month 18
- Send recording and program to composer along with thank-you from chorus members.
- Submit your new commission to the GALA website and encourage other choruses to perform it.