Commissioning a piece of music for your ensemble may be easier and more affordable than you think. Many ensembles are budgeting to have a new piece commissioned for them on a yearly or bi-yearly basis.  Some use fundraising, some apply for grant money, and some cultivate a patron or sponsor.  A recent trend is for two or more ensembles to commission a piece together!

Most composers are open to working with your ensemble, your budget and your timeline to write a composition that meets your needs.  You are invited to use the contact page to inquire.

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January 2022

What an interesting concept! The “Boxed Stories Gallery” is a new exhibit at Loft112 art gallery in downtown Calgary. Each drawer contains a small art installation by a different artist.

It was a delight to collaborate with my sister, Jackie Bell, artist and story-teller! Jackie created the story and illustrations, and narrated the story; 
“Covid Corvid vs. Riles & Me“. My job was to figure out how to create a soundtrack with narration, music, and a few sound effects inside the drawer!

The exhibit is open to the public from January to June 2022. Details can be found at: https://www.loft112.org/

Spring 2021

I am honoured to have been commissioned by Unison Choruses Canada to create a new work for TTBB choir. The text explores the “LGBT purge” by the Canadian government and military during much of the 20th century.  The lyrics are centred around a new poem by Canadian poet Ben Berg, with French translation by  Jean-Baptiste Roux. The new work will be premiered at the Unison Choruses Festival in 2023.

2020-21

“The Cloths of Heaven” (Soprano or tenor with chamber ensemble; alternate accompaniments for harp or piano). Written in 2020/21.

Previous Commissions

“Donkey Riding” (Violin and Piano) 
Selected for the 2017 Contemporary Showcase competition.
Commissioned by Alberta Registered Music Teachers Association.
Published by Palliser Music Publishing.

“The Helios Triptych” (SSAATTBB a cappella choir) 
Selected for the 2017 Vancouver Chamber Choir Interplay competition.
Premier performance by the Vancouver Chamber Choir.

“Chiaroscuro” (Electronic score for short animated film)
Commissioned by Calgary poet and artist Carin Perron.

“If I Were a Dinosaur” (Unison children’s choir)
Commissioned by Chief Justice Milvain School choir. Published by Palliser Music Publishing.

“Caring and Sharing” (Unisons children’s choir)
Commissioned by Chief Justice Milvain School choir.

“Incidental Music for the AIDS Show” (Collection of instrumental and vocal music). Commissioned by AIDS Calgary.