Commissions of new works for WASO – your opportunity to become part of our story.
Take your place in history by making music with us
The commissioning of new work plays an essential role in the evolution of our art form: it enables the rising generation of composers to apply their talent and create the classics of tomorrow.
Bringing you new music is a matter close to our hearts. Works commissioned for WASO form the Song Book. Founded by Patron of Private Giving Janet Holmes à Court AC, the Song Book is an opportunity for you to play a role in the future of music and become a part of our story.
Developing new work is a thrilling experience as you become immutably tied to the piece which becomes part of our repertoire in perpetuity. You are credited on the score as the commissioner of the work, and your generosity will be acknowledged in concert programs and all other publications where the work is discussed. You will also meet the composer and have the opportunity to work with our Artistic Planning team as they provide ongoing updates in the creative process. Most importantly, you will gain the satisfaction of knowing that you have been an integral part of the creation of original music.
As Janet Holmes à Court AC says, 'Commissions can be supported in many different ways for many different reasons. Ten friends can get together to commission a new work for the eleventh friend’s birthday. A commission can celebrate an anniversary, the birth of a grandchild, the memory of a loved one or it can be for the simple pleasure of leaving a legacy to your love of music.'
For a discussion about adding your pages to the Song Book, please contact Lisa Alexander, Director of Development, on (08) 9326 0020 or alexanderal@waso.com.au.
Donations to the Song Book have produced the following works:
2025
James Ledger – Camera obscura Supported by Geoff Stearn
Andrew Schultz – Symphony No.4 Supported by Geoff Stearn
Paul Stanhope – Mahāsāgar Supported by Catherine Dunn and members of the WASO Chorus
Olivia Davies – Femina Mortem Supported by Prue Ashurst
Olivia Davies – Swarm Supported by Prue Ashurst
Melody Eötvös – The Brahminy Kite Supported by Geoff Stearn
2024
Lachlan Skipworth – The Flute Concerto Supported by Geoff Stearn
Holly Harrison – Saxophone Concerto Supported by Geoff Stearn
James Ledger – The Last Thing Supported by Geoff Stearn
Olivia Davies – Hyphae Supported by Prue Ashurst
2023
Andrew Schultz - Bassoon Concerto Supported by Geoff Stearn
Lachlan Skipworth – The Tides of Longing Supported by Geoff Stearn & unnamed
Olivia Davies – Murmuration Supported by Prue Ashurst
Olivia Davies – Oscillations for Orchestra Supported by Prue Ashurst
2022
Elena Kats-Chernin - Ave Maria Supported by Paul Rodoreda
Elliot Gyger – Concerto for Orchestra Supported by Geoff Stearn
Nigel Westlake – Trumpet Concerto Supported by Geoff Stearn
Olivia Davies – In Waves Supported by Prue Ashurst
2021
Olivia Davies – Stratus Supported by Prue Ashurst
2019
James Ledger – Viola Concerto Supported by Geoff Stearn
Iain Grandage – Orpheé Concerto for Cor Anglais Supported by Margaret Seares and following donors in honour
of Professor David Tunley Prue Ashurst
Mark Coughlan
Jean Harvey
Evan Kennea & Emily Green-Armytage
Peter Leunig
Sara Macliver
Cyrus Meher-Homji
John Meyer
Victoria Rogers
Margaret & Roger Seares
Peggy & Tom Stacy
David Symons
2018
Carl Vine - Implacable Gifts Supported by Geoff Stearn
2017
Paul Stanhope - Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra Supported by Dr Ken Evans as a birthday gift for Dr Glenda Campbell-Evans
2016
Lachlan Skipworth - Spiritus Supported by Simon Lee Foundation
Andrew Shultz - Maali Supported by Geoff Stearn
2015
Mark-Anthony Turnage – Håkan Supported by Janet Holmes à Court AC and WASO’s Making Music Together Patrons. Part of a co-commission with KölnMusik - Kölner Philharmonie, London Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonie Luxembourg and Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg
James Ledger - Simpler Times Supported by Geoff Stearn
2014
Carl Vine – Concerto for Orchestra Supported by Geoff Stearn
2013
James Ledger – Golden Years Concerto for Violin and Orchestra Supported by Geoff Stearn
Jared Yapp – The Ecstatic Supported by unnamed
2011
Ross Edwards – Spirit Ground Supported by Geoff Stearn
2010
Sir John Tavener – Little Ceremonial Supported by Janet Holmes à Court AC – co-commission with Norfolk and Norwich Festival
Ross Edwards – Elegies and Epiphanies Supported by Peter R. Dawson