Professor Arlene Sierra’s Toulmin orchestral commission to be performed by five American orchestras

Arlene Sierra’s Toulmin orchestral commission is part of a 30-orchestra consortium performing works by women composers commissioned by the League of American Orchestras.

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program will see ensembles playing new works by six women composers, with six orchestras pioneering the initiative during the 2022-2023, and 2023-2024 seasons.

Professor Sierra's commission will receive its world premiere with the Detroit Symphony and Conductor Kevin John Edusei on 19-21 October 2023.

As part of the Program, the orchestras will give repeat performances of composers’ works, meaning each composer will get their music performed five times by leading orchestras across three seasons.

Professor Sierra said: “I'm delighted to be part of this programme for its advocacy of women in my field and its unique focus on repeat performances of new works, an aspect that is of vital importance for the reception and appreciation of new music. Too often new commissions are performed only once – I'm so pleased for all the participating composers whose new works will be heard several times over the coming two seasons.”

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. The program seeks to increase the programming of works by women and nonbinary composers on orchestra stages.