Commissioning

As a compelling and dynamic means of artistic expression, chamber music has always inspired composers to create some of their finest works. Today, CMS actively supports composers’ efforts.

In its history, CMS has commissioned over 150 new works from a impressive array of composers, including Bruce Adolphe, Samuel Barber, Leonard Bernstein, William Bolcom, John Corigliano, George Crumb, Lukas Foss, John Harbison, Alberto Ginastera, Morton Gould, Keith Jarrett, Oliver Knussen, Frank Martin, Gian Carlo Menotti, Darius Milhaud, Peter Schickele, Bright Sheng, Joan Tower, and Ellen Taaffe Zwilich.

Many new works are brought to life each season in partnership with co-commissioning organizations throughout the world, including Wigmore Hall in London; the Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ in Amsterdam; the Moritzburg Festival in Dresden; and Music Accord, a consortium of top U.S. presenting organizations.

CMS also supports the work of living composers by awarding the Elise L. Stoeger Prize, a cash award given every other year to an outstanding composer of chamber music.