Commissioning >>>
CONTINUO
COMMISSIONING
CIRCLE
SUPPORTING CHAMBER MUSIC IN VICTORIA
The Continuo Commissioning Circle is an annual initiative dedicated to fostering the creation of new musical masterpieces and celebrating the musicians who bring them to life.
Continuo Community believes in the transformative power of chamber music. Its life-affirming storytelling ignites an individual curiosity and imagination in performers and listeners alike. These shared experiences are the driving force behind Continuo’s mission to support the creation of new chamber music pieces.
The trouble is, commissioning a new chamber work can be a lengthy, daunting, and expensive process, which can prove challenging for the ensembles and composers you know and love to present new work. But there’s a good reason for this – writing great music takes time!
The Circle seeks to streamline the commissioning process, inviting audiences to engage and participate actively. It also aims to support composers based on their innovative ideas and abilities, while alleviating some financial pressures on chamber ensembles aspiring to present new music.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
- Every year, Continuo is offering the opportunity to commission one new work from a Victorian-based composer.
- Funds for each commission are raised by forming syndicates from Continuo members and supporters.
- Each member of a commissioning circle makes an equal tax deductible donation and all funds raised go directly to the composer.
TIMELINE
- From 1 March, Continuo invites applications from Victorian-based composers.
- All applications are assessed by a panel of leading musicians and arts-practitioners who will select the Continuo composer.
- Following the Selection Panel’s decision, the succesful composer will begin creating the new work in collaboration with their selected chamber ensemble.
- Chamber music supporters are invited to become members of the Commissioning Circle.
- The new work is given its premiere in the ensemble’s following yearly season.
Charlie Sdraulig & MOIRAI
RECENT
COMMISSIONS
- Charlie Sdraulig & MOIRAI – 2026
- Dominic Flynn & Ensemble Mania – 2025
- Matt Laing & Australian Wind Quintet – 2024
- Melody Eötvös & Quercus Trio – 2023
- Kym Dillon & Croissants & Whiskey – 2022
PREMIERES
The premiere of Pickett
by Dominic Flynn, was performed by Ensemble Mania: Terence Liu (saxophone), Sophie Marcheff (guitar), Kim Tan (flute)
and Aditya Ryan Bhat (percussion)
on 5 September 2026
at the The Meat Market Stables.
