Commissioning a composer with new work is the greatest service to music history; it is what defines both composers and performers as musically alive: to have new pieces written for a specific occasion or player is the oxygen that nourishes our musical fibre. The importance this holds for audiences and those who sponsor the arts is obvious; but also our tradition of concert music depends on new works being written, so that the concert hall does not become a museum or sound-vault. Aside from all institutionalised commissioning happening through the arts councils and other formal schemes – and these are rather unadventurous platforms due to the several restrictions the impose – it is up to individuals to promote and inspire new music. To discuss any new project please get in touch by e-mail and I will let you know whether I can be of any help.