Consortium Commission: New Work for Orchestra
Max Vinetz, composer
INSPIRATION FOR THE NEW WORK
A few months ago, Libi Lebel (consortium director) and I spoke about the commissioning of a new orchestral work on the theme of homelessness. After sitting with this theme for a while, I’ve been more and more moved by the idea of shelter in relation to crisis. More specifically, how crisis broadly creates the need for shelter. Shelter is a fundamental human need, whether it’s protection from the elements or living comfortably within four walls. And today, our planet is experiencing catastrophic events worldwide (ranging from environmental to political) that are leaving millions without homes.
We’re currently witnessing a crisis in Europe because of the war in Ukraine, driving millions of people from their homes. This is happening on the backdrop of years of refugees fleeing conflict in the Middle East, often being turned down at western borders and left with nowhere to go. In our own communities and those of our loved ones, we have seen environmental disasters from hurricanes to wildfires displace members of our own community, oftentimes permanently. Millions of people have lost their homes, are between homes, or no longer have a home.
The newly commissioned work will meditate on how crisis and disaster complicate and impact the lived experience, and will be informed by my own family’s history and relationship with houselessness.
Specifications
Orchestration: The proposed orchestration is for a double winds orchestra with a full brass section, timpani, and 2 percussion [2.2.2.2 - 4.3.3.1 - timpani/percussion - strings].
Duration: The piece will be 8 to 10 minutes in length.
Current participants
Boulder Symphony, led by Devin Patrick Hughes (https://www.bouldersymphony.org/)
Texas Medical Center Orchestra, led by Libi Lebel (https://tmcorchestra.org/)
TIMELINE + Payment Schedule
Timeline
Rolling buy-in period, with premieres slated for either the 2023/24 or 2024/25 season. Signed consortium agreements due within a 30-day window following the end of the buy-in period.
-signed consortium agreement due at this time
Delivery of final score + parts will be delivered two months prior to the premiere.
Payment Schedule
The commission fee will be paid in two installments: the first upon signing the consortium agreement, and the second upon completion + delivery of hard-copy score. Each participating ensemble’s commission fee will be sent to Libi Lebel, who will then transfer the combined sum to the composer.
Premiere/performance info
The Texas Medical Center Orchestra will deliver the world premiere of the new work, followed by performances of the rest of the participating ensembles, each of which can be listed as a regional premiere. Each participating ensemble will be featured in the score as a contributing member of the commission. Consortium members have exclusive performing rights for the work for 12 months.
Commission Fee
Total commission fee is $6500, to be evenly split by the participating orchestras. This fee includes score and part rentals (there will be no additional charge for score or parts).
Link to Playlist of prior Orchestral work:
Orchestral Works (click here!)
Consortium Director: Libi Lebel
Energetic, charismatic, and inspiring, conductor Libi Lebel has a strong reputation in the music world for her ability to communicate through orchestras of all levels. As Founder and Artistic Director of the Texas Medical Center Orchestra, Ms. Lebel is credited with the orchestra’s remarkable growth, bringing TMCO to a new level of national prominence by winning 1st place in the 2017 American Prize in Orchestral Performance, community orchestra division and 2nd place in both the American Prize and Ernst Bacon divisions in 2018-2021.
Since TMCO’s inception as the Doctors Orchestra of Houston in 2000, Ms. Lebel prides herself with maintaining the group’s musical excellence while keeping the orchestra experience fun and accessible to both members and audiences. She is dedicated to highlighting local artists and other community groups, exploring the interplay of music, visual arts, and dance. Her passion for collaborations and outreach encompasses TMCO’s partnership with students from Houston’s KIPP Academy for underserved communities, as well as a partnership with the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Ms. Lebel is often recognized locally for her contributions to the Houston arts scene. She was awarded the Houston YWCA Outstanding Woman of the Arts award and was named one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women by Houston Woman Magazine.