About this project

The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra would like to commission and premiere a new work by a young composer every season.  But in order to give voice to the great music of these exciting young artists, we need your help!

In Seattle, Washington, a new orchestra of young professionals is working to build the future of classical music.  The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra's mission is not only to offer performances of great chamber orchestra masterpieces, but also to discover exciting new music and present it to audiences in an easily accessible way.  A vibrant, youthful ensemble, the orchestra is full of musicians who can give a fresh look to classical standards and have a great amount of excitement for brand-new compositions.  On October 16th, the orchestra presented its first world premiere performance of a piece by rising young composer Patrick Behnke at Benaroya Hall, one of the largest music centers on the West Coast.  The piece, written exclusively for SMCO, combined influences of hip-hop rhythm, shoegazer rock, and Indian raga form with the influence of composers such as Brahms and Copland.  Behkne's aesthetic is one that, like each member of the orchestra, embraces all aspects of modern music culture and rejects the tired stereotypes of classical music performance.  For even the most creative young composers, the opportunity to have their music performed by excellent musicians and brought to the ears of the public is a rare one.  SMCO would like to give this opportunity to many more unheard young composers by commissioning a new work every season.  However, ticket sales alone are not able to support the variety of expenses these commissions incur, such as renting the venue for the performance, procuring special instruments, and adequately compensating the composer for their work.  As a backer of this new music initiative by the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra, you have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the world of music - helping composers to create great new music for future generations of audiences to enjoy!