The CMSA Commissioning Project
In 2021 the CMSA Board embarked on a commissioning project with the intention of collaborating with artists to create new and varied works for mandolin ensembles to further foster inclusive environments, both for members of plucked-string orchestras and their audiences.
As part of that ambitious endeavor, CMSA embarked on a commissioning project to actively engage with composers with diverse backgrounds and approaches to composition in order to produce completely novel compositions for mandolin ensembles. The intention is to increase stylistic variety available to mandolin ensembles and further our cause to “make a difference.”
Chamber music for the mandolin extends back to the Baroque era and includes a rich repertoire of works for mandolin and guitar. The 20th century saw an expansion of the types of works for mandolin as the family of mandolin instruments diversified to include the mandola and mandocello. Today, mandolin orchestras can be found across the globe in Germany, Japan, Australia and the United States. In addition, various plucked folkloric ensembles of instruments have strong cultural associations such as Russian balalaika and domra ensembles, Spanish bandurria ensembles, and ensembles performing Filipino rondalla music. This project seeks to further broaden the music for mandolin ensembles by commissioning works from composers from varied backgrounds and with innovative approaches to composition. Furthermore, we believe the commissions demonstrate the who, how, where, and why the CMSA community plays music.
A mandolin orchestra is similar to a string orchestra, but with plucked instruments: mandolin I & II, mandola, mandocello, guitar and bass. To this ensemble can be added solo instruments or voice, or other instruments such as percussion. Our intent is that the composers who chose to join us in this project will use their own compositional voice and create works for mandolin orchestra or chamber ensembles that might include electronics, other instruments or aspects of world music or jazz.
The project does not solicit virtuosico works, but rather music that is playable by mandolinists of modest ability. Please join us in the musical mission by studying and performing some of the works below that CMSA has commissioned.