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Song Book

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. You are credited on the completed 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.

For a discussion about adding your pages to the Song Book, please contact Lisa Alexandra, Director of Development, on (08) 9326 0020.

Email Lisa
“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.”
Janet Holmes à Court AC

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

Want to know more?

Email Lisa

Lisa Alexandra

Director of Development

Phone: (08) 9326 0020