Work with an Award-Winning Composer
Create Something Extraordinary
Whether you're an orchestra planning a season centerpiece, a chamber ensemble seeking a signature work, or a soloist looking for a concerto that showcases your artistry, I welcome the opportunity to create music tailored to your unique vision.
With works performed by major orchestras worldwide—from the Vienna Symphony to the San Francisco Symphony—and collaborations with artists like Plácido Domingo, Mikhail Pletnev, Christian Lindberg, and James Levine, I bring decades of experience crafting music that resonates with both performers and audiences.
My commissioned works have premiered at Carnegie Hall, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Teatro Real, and Walt Disney Concert Hall, and my orchestrations for Deutsche Grammophon won a Latin Grammy. I'm honored to have been commissioned by Teatro Real (Madrid), the National Ballet of Spain, and numerous orchestras and ensembles internationally.
What I Compose
Orchestral Works
Full Symphony Orchestra - From dramatic concert openers to substantial symphonic works
Chamber Orchestra - Intimate yet powerful pieces for smaller ensembles
Concertos - Showcasing soloists with full orchestral support
Symphony Wind Orchestra - Virtuosic works for wind ensembles
Chamber Music
String Quartets - From traditional to contemporary configurations
Brass Ensembles - Quintets to large brass ensembles
Mixed Ensembles - Any configuration from duo to large chamber ensemble
Solo with Piano - Sonatas and character pieces
Vocal & Choral
Opera & Music Theater - Chamber opera to full-scale productions
Song Cycles - For solo voice with piano or ensemble
Choral Works - A cappella or with instrumental accompaniment
Vocal-Orchestral - Oratorios, cantatas, and orchestral songs
Special Projects
Ballet & Dance - Narrative or abstract scores
Multimedia Works - Incorporating visual elements
Arrangements & Orchestrations - Expanding existing works
My Compositional Approach
Emotional Directness: My music communicates directly with audiences without sacrificing sophistication. I believe contemporary music should be both intellectually engaging and emotionally moving.
Performer-Centered: I write music that is gratifying to play—virtuosic when appropriate, but always idiomatic and respectful of each instrument's character. Performers consistently praise the playability and effectiveness of my works.
Orchestrational Brilliance: With a background that includes orchestrating for Plácido Domingo and writing for major orchestras, I excel at creating rich, colorful textures that showcase every section.
Cultural Resonance: My Spanish heritage and American experience bring a unique perspective—music that bridges traditions while speaking a contemporary language.
Collaborative Spirit: I view commissions as partnerships. Your insights, the performers' strengths, and your audience's expectations all inform the creative process.
The Commission Process
1. Initial Consultation (No Obligation)
We'll discuss:
Your artistic vision and goals
Instrumentation and forces available
Timeline and premiere plans
Budget and fee structure
Any thematic or programmatic considerations
2. Agreement & Timeline
Once we agree to move forward:
Commission contract outlining deliverables, timeline, fees, and rights
Initial payment (typically 50% at contract signing)
Timeline established - usually 8-18 months depending on scope
Key milestones identified
3. Composition Process
Throughout the creation:
Regular updates on progress
Consultation on specific artistic questions if needed
Preview access to sketches or drafts (if desired)
Transparent communication about timeline
4. Score Delivery
You'll receive:
Full score in professional engraving
Individual parts prepared and proofread
Digital files in requested formats
Program notes for concert promotion
Rehearsal support via phone/video if helpful
5. Premiere & Beyond
Attendance at premiere when feasible (travel arrangements discussed in contract)
Rehearsal visit to work with performers
Program notes and promotional materials for your use
Post-premiere consultation for any refinements
Rights clarity regarding recordings and future performances
Investment & Fees
Commission fees reflect the scope, duration, and complexity of the work, as well as industry standards for a composer of my experience level. Each project is unique, so fees are determined in consultation.
General Guidelines:
Orchestral Works:
Short work (under 10 minutes): $8,000 - $12,000
Medium work (10-20 minutes): $15,000 - $25,000
Substantial work (20+ minutes): $25,000 - $40,000
Concerto: $30,000 - $50,000
Chamber Works:
Small ensemble (2-4 players): $5,000 - $10,000
Medium ensemble (5-8 players): $10,000 - $20,000
Large ensemble (9+ players): $15,000 - $30,000
Vocal/Opera:
Song cycle: $8,000 - $15,000
Chamber opera: $40,000+
Full-scale opera: Negotiable based on scope
Additional Considerations:
Rush fee (less than 6 months): +25%
Travel expenses for premiere attendance (if applicable)
Recording rights - negotiated separately
Consortium commissions - reduced per-organization rate
Flexible Arrangements:
I understand that budgets vary. Options include:
Payment plans tailored to your fiscal calendar
Consortium commissions - sharing costs among multiple organizations
Grant support - I can provide materials for your grant applications
In-kind arrangements - in some cases, recording, promotion, or multiple performances
Timeline Expectations
Ideal Commission Timeline:
6-12 months advance notice - allows for optimal creative process
12-18 months - standard timeline for most projects
8-12 months - feasible for smaller works
Less than 8 months - may incur rush fee, subject to availability
Early booking is encouraged - my commission schedule typically fills 18-24 months in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far in advance should we contact you? A: Ideally 18-24 months before your desired premiere date. However, I'm happy to discuss projects with even longer lead times, especially for major works.
Q: Can we hear some of your music first? A: Absolutely! Please explore the audio samples on my website, or I can send specific recordings relevant to your project. I'm also happy to discuss my work in a preliminary conversation.
Q: Do you attend premieres? A: Whenever possible, yes. Attending the premiere is included in the commission fee when travel is feasible. I find it invaluable to work with performers during rehearsals and experience the premiere with the audience.
Q: What if we need revisions after the premiere? A: Minor adjustments based on the premiere performance are included. I want the work to be as effective as possible for performers and audiences.
Q: Can multiple organizations share a commission? A: Yes! Consortium commissions are common and reduce costs for each organization. I can coordinate with multiple commissioners.
Q: What rights do we have to the commissioned work? A: This is detailed in the commission contract. Typically, the commissioner receives premiere rights and often exclusive performance rights for a defined period (usually 6-12 months). After that, the work enters my general catalog. Recording and publication rights are negotiated separately.
Q: Do you work with soloists to create personalized concertos? A: Yes! I love collaborating with soloists to create works that showcase their particular strengths and artistry. Many of my works have been created in close consultation with the premiere performers.
Q: What if our timeline changes? A: I understand that schedules can shift. Communication is key. I'll work with you to accommodate reasonable adjustments.
Q: How do we get started? A: Simply reach out via the contact information below! We'll schedule a conversation to explore whether we're a good fit for collaboration.
Current Commission Availability
2026 Season: Currently accepting inquiries
2027 Season: Currently accepting inquiries
2028 Season: Open for discussion
Commission slots are limited to ensure each project receives full attention and care.
Let's Create Something Together
I'd be honored to discuss your commissioning project. Whether you have a clear vision or are just beginning to explore possibilities, I welcome the conversation.
Contact for Commission Inquiries:
Email: mail@juancolomer.com
Website: www.juancolomer.com
Please include in your initial inquiry:
Your organization/ensemble name
Desired instrumentation
Approximate duration
Premiere date (if known)
Budget range (if established)
Any thematic or programmatic considerations
I typically respond to inquiries within 48 hours.
Download Materials:
[Press Kit PDF] - Complete biographical information and work samples
[Selected Scores PDF] - Sample scores for perusal
[Commission Agreement Template] - Standard terms (customizable)
"Music is a collaboration between composer, performers, and audience. I'm committed to creating works that honor all three."
— Juan J. Colomer