Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions: 2026 Request for Proposals (5-8 min works)

Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commission Consortium: Request for Proposals
Orchestra Name
Orchestra Contact
Contact Phone
Contact Email
Consortium

Please indicate which composer(s) you would be interested in performing. You may make more than one selection; we will match composers and interested orchestras during the review process.
Benefits for the Consortium:
- Present the local premiere of the newly-commissioned work. There is no commission fee required for your orchestra’s participation, other than the standard cost of rental and shipment of score materials.
- Receive $1,500 to offset costs you might incur to support composer attendance at performances, community engagement, and marketing efforts.
- Receive assistance in design and implementation of composer-led educational/community-focused programming.
- Be part of a national announcement when the consortium is finalized; all premieres and performances will be marketed nationally through the League and American Composers Orchestra's communications channels.
Requirements for Participation:
- Be a member orchestra of the League of American Orchestras.
- Program your paired composer’s 5-8 minute new work for orchestra (after it has been premiered by the lead orchestra) no later than the 2028-2029 season.
- Provide travel and lodging for the composer to attend the local premiere and related events.
- Engage the composer in rehearsals and community educational programs when you premiere her work. Composers are eager to attend rehearsals and to meet your orchestra, board, and community.
- Send score materials, without markings, to the consortium member orchestra that has scheduled the immediately subsequent performance of the Composer’s work within one (1) week after the orchestra’s performance. The orchestra is responsible for shipping costs related to this delivery.
League Membership
Please briefly describe how participating in the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program aligns with your larger artistic goals and priorities.
What is your history of commissioning or presenting contemporary composers?
Please rank from 1 (most interested) to 6 (least interested), whose newly commissioned 5-8 minute work(s) you would be interested in programming no later than the 2028-2029 season:

We will do our best to match your orchestra according to your preference. You can review each composer by visiting: https://www.americancomposers.org/orchestral-commissions/virginia-b-toulmin-foundation-orchestral-commissions-program
Ahmed Al Abaca (lead orchestra: Jacksonville Symphony)
Alyssa Regent (lead orchestra: Atlanta Symphony Orchestra)
Grace Ann Lee (lead orchestra: Nashville Symphony)
Marie A. Douglas (lead orchestra: Fresno Philharmonic)
Roshanne Etezady (lead orchestra: New Jersey Symphony)
Shelley Washington (lead orchestra: Dallas Symphony Orchestra)
I understand that, if selected, my orchestra is expected to engage the Composer in rehearsals as well as community and/or educational programs associated with the premiere of the work. If needed, my orchestra can receive assistance from the American Composers Orchestra in designing composer-led educational or community-focused programming. Terms regarding the Composer’s involvement in educational or community programming, public presentations, or any other services will be negotiated between Composer and Orchestra, independent of the League/American Composers Orchestra.
How do you plan to engage the composer during the rehearsal/performance period? Select all that may apply; we understand that plans may change.
Please provide any detail on the activities noted above, or others that are not listed.
I understand that, if selected, my orchestra will receive a payment of $1,500 from the League of American Orchestras, which shall help offset costs, including but not limited to the composer’s travel and hotel, music shipping fees, and additional marketing and costs associated with community engagement projects. These monies are left to the Orchestra’s discretion as it pertains to the Composer’s performance. My orchestra agrees to invoice the League within 30 days of the performance. Payment shall be made no later than 30 days after the receipt of the invoice.
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Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commission Consortium: Request for Proposals

Please rank from 1 (most interested) to 6 (least interested), whose newly commissioned 5-8 minute work(s) you would be interested in programming no later than the 2028-2029 season: