There are three essential elements for a successful commission of new music:
Composer
First, there must be a composer inspired to write a piece – established composers are busy and have a backlog of commissions stretching over several years, so can pick and choose what they write and for whom. Most composers prefer to write for a particular musician and will have their sound and technique in mind when developing the piece.
Musician
Second, a performer with sufficient public recognition who will collaborate with the composer during the composition process, in particular with regard to technical issues, and who undertakes to perform the piece.
Co-commissioners, broadcasters and recording companies
Third, an orchestra, concert hall, music festival or ensemble who will co-commission the piece and ensure it will receive public performance. Nowadays, it is commonplace for more than one such organisation to share the commissioning cost and provide multiple opportunities for premiere performances in different venues and countries. This makes the proposition more attractive to both composer and premiere performer, who will not wish to learn a possibly technically challenging piece for a single performance. We shall also look for opportunities for the broadcast and recording of pieces commissioned.
The underwriting process
The musician approaches the selected composer with an expression of interest and if the composer is willing to accept a commission, their fee and target delivery date will be agreed in principle and ideally a lead commissioner will be identified.
The contract between composer and lead commissioner is then underwritten by the VCC: during the interval between signing the contract and the premiere we shall seek co-commissioners.
In the event of a shortfall in funding, we shall apply to suitable charitable trusts and foundations and invite VCC supporters to contribute to that specific commission: any final shortfall will be met from the underwriting fund.
We will not underwrite a further commission until uncommitted funds allow, unless working with specifically gifted funds towards the creation of a new work. This will depend both on the rate at which co-commissioners are found to assume part of the liability and on the overall size of the underwriting fund.