Minnesota Orchestra Launches Innovative Microcommission Project

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Orchestra will seek many donations to fund creation of a new symphonic work; Judd Greenstein announced as composer; Premiere targeted for March 2012

The Minnesota Orchestra today announced the launch of the Musical MicroCommission project, inviting music fans to donate sums supporting the creation of a major new orchestral work by New York-based composer Judd Greenstein. Unlike standard commissions, which are usually funded by one or several large donations, the MicroCommission aims at drawing hundreds of “micro” donations of $5, $10, $20, $50 or more to support the project. The premiere of Mr. Greenstein’s symphony-length piece, slated for March 2012, will be the culminating event of the Orchestra’s 2011-12 Inside the Classics series, which is conducted by Principal Conductor of Pops and Presentations Sarah Hicks and hosted by Orchestra violist Sam Bergman. Full information on the project and a link to donate are available at insidetheclassics.org.

“The idea behind the MicroCommission project is to open the world of commissioning to everyone with an interest,” says Mr. Bergman. “We want as many people as possible to be a real part of bringing this music to life by helping fund the commission on whatever level is comfortable for them.”

The Orchestra’s fundraising goal for the MicroCommission is $20,000. All donations will go directly toward paying Mr. Greenstein for his work and toward the cost of preparing and printing the musical score and individual parts.

As the project progresses, donors and followers will have many opportunities to connect with Mr. Greenstein through the Orchestra’s Inside the Classics blog at insidetheclassics.org as well as live webchats, audio and video features, other online events and personal appearances in the Twin Cities. For the March 2012 premiere, Mr. Greenstein will join Ms. Hicks and Mr. Bergman onstage to illuminate various aspects of the piece in the concert’s first half; the program’s second half will feature the work’s world premiere.

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