Explore Commissioning

1. Why should we commission a new piece from Oliver instead of using existing choral music? Commissioning a new work allows your choir to present something completely unique and tailored to your ensemble’s strengths, themes, and vision. Oliver’s compositions are known for their blend of traditional and modern elements, making them both accessible and innovative. By commissioning Oliver, you get a bespoke piece that can become a signature work for your choir, setting you apart from other ensembles that rely solely on existing repertoire. It also contributes to the ongoing evolution of choral music, adding a new, high-quality piece to the global choral community. 2. What if we don’t have a big budget for commissioning? While commissioning can be a significant investment, there are ways to make it more affordable. Many choirs successfully fund new commissions through grants, sponsorships, and community or choir fundraising. A commissioned piece can also attract broader community engagement, including increased donations and audience support, which helps offset the initial cost. Ultimately, a custom piece by Oliver is a long-term investment in your choir’s artistic profile and can lead to greater financial opportunities in the future. 3. How can we ensure the piece will appeal to our audience? Oliver has a proven track record of creating works that resonate with diverse audiences, thanks to his engaging melodies, thoughtful text settings, and innovative choral textures. His style blends traditional choral elements with contemporary rhythms and harmonies, appealing to both classical music lovers and those seeking something new. Additionally, the commissioning process allows for close collaboration, so your choir can work with Tarney to ensure the piece aligns with your audience’s preferences and your ensemble’s strengths. 4. What if the final piece doesn’t meet our expectations or is too niche? One of the benefits of working with Oliver is his experience and flexibility. Throughout the commissioning process, your choir will have the opportunity to communicate directly with him, discussing your goals, preferences, and ideas. This collaboration helps ensure that the final piece matches your vision. Oliver's adaptability and openness to feedback mean that the work can be fine-tuned to suit your needs, minimising the risk of the piece being too niche or difficult to perform. They key is clear communication throughout the process. 5. The existing choral repertoire is so vast. Why add more? While the existing repertoire is extensive, it can sometimes feel limiting, especially for choirs seeking to present something unique and exciting. Commissioning a new piece from Oliver allows your choir to stand out by offering a world premiere that no other group has performed. It also contributes to the ongoing development of the choral tradition, ensuring the art form remains vibrant and evolving. New commissions enrich the global choral community, providing future performers with fresh, high-quality music to explore. 6. How does the commissioning process work? The process of commissioning a piece involves close collaboration between the choir and Oliver. It typically begins with discussions to determine the length, style, and theme of the piece, as well as any specific texts you may wish to use. Tarney will then craft a composition based on this input, keeping in regular communication to ensure the work meets your expectations. This collaborative approach ensures that the final piece is tailored to your choir’s abilities, style, and artistic vision. 7. Will the piece have lasting appeal, or will it just be performed once? There is always a chance that a commissioned work may not become a staple in the broader choral repertoire, but a well-received piece by Oliver has the potential for longevity. His existing works have been widely performed and appreciated, suggesting that new commissions can also achieve enduring popularity. Even if the piece doesn’t gain widespread appeal, it can become a signature work for your choir, regularly performed and even recorded, offering a return on investment and building your ensemble’s identity and legacy. 8. Is commissioning a new work a good idea for educational choirs? Yes! Commissioning a piece from Oliver is an excellent opportunity for educational choirs to engage directly with a composer, offering students valuable insights into the creative process. It encourages singers to explore new vocal techniques, enhances their interpretative skills, and deepens their understanding of contemporary choral music. This educational aspect enriches the choir’s artistic development and provides a unique learning experience that extends beyond standard repertoire. 9. What kind of texts and themes does Oliver work with? Oliver is known for his skillful engagement with texts, often selecting literature that is poetic, meaningful, and resonant. He has a talent for capturing the emotional essence of a text, making his compositions thought-provoking and spiritually uplifting. When commissioning a piece, your choir can collaborate with Tarney to choose texts that reflect your values, celebrate milestones, or address contemporary issues, ensuring the final work is personalised and impactful. 10. How can we be sure that the process won’t be too difficult or time-consuming? While commissioning a new work requires collaboration, Oliver’s experience makes the process smooth and efficient. He is known for his adaptability and willingness to engage with choirs, ensuring clear communication and flexibility throughout. This makes it easier to navigate the creative process, and his collaborative approach helps ensure the final piece meets your expectations and suits your choir’s abilities, without creating unnecessary stress or complications. 11. Will commissioning a piece by Oliver help raise our choir’s profile? Absolutely. Oliver is a well-respected and known composer, and commissioning a new work can significantly enhance your choir’s artistic profile. In the US, where commissioning is seen as a cultural investment, this can boost your reputation for innovation and artistic excellence. In the UK, working with Oliver can strengthen ties to the local arts community, drawing attention to your choir’s contributions to the choral tradition. A commissioned piece can also generate excitement and anticipation, attracting new audience members, donors, and participants.