The Viola Commissioning Circle (VCC) has been set up with the following objectives:
V10LA: our project is to commission 10 Viola Concertos by 2030
To broaden the viola repertoire for the benefit of the public and all players of the viola
Why is the VCC needed?
At present the viola repertoire is extremely limited – there are perhaps half-a-dozen concertos that appear in general orchestral programming compared with dozens of violin concertos, maybe a dozen cello concertos and many more concertos for the piano. Again, in the chamber music arena, there are around half-a-dozen leading works with prominent viola parts, by Mozart and Brahms in particular.
The problem with commissions is not only raising money but the time it takes to raise the money. Often it is a laborious process of gathering money from a combination of orchestras, venues, charitable trusts and supporters. This takes time and the composer’s work cannot start until the money is certain.
The composer Cassandra Miller shared these words about the importance of the VCC:
“Underwriting a commission means that a much wider and more diverse set of people can be involved in building this great repertoire. The VCC gave an early payment so that I could survive while composing and then they, as underwriters, were paid back once fellow commissioners found. It’s a rather paradigm-changing way to approach philanthropy.”
How we plan to achieve our objectives
We shall underwrite commissions while co-commissioners are found, thus enabling the commissioning process to be accelerated and the underwriting fund to be sustained.
We are seeking supporters who can help cover our running costs and fund other projects such as films and recordings, either as Friends or one-off donors.
We welcome indications of interest in working with us from orchestras, chamber ensembles, concert halls, festivals, broadcast and print media and funding bodies.
Read the original VCC proposal
the commissioning process