Commissions



New Works and Arrangements

Valarie Morris accepts commissions for new works and for arrangements. Commission a solo or ensemble work of any size and instrumentation, including works for symphonic orchestras, opera, dance, theatre, chorus, concert bands, jazz bands, film, and school bands and orchestras. Ms. Morris is happy to consider commissions for all levels of players.

To commission a new work or an arrangement by Valarie Morris, send email or call 505.992.2524.


  • Recent Commissions
  • Music for Theatre, Opera, and Film
  • Arrangements
  • Collaborations
  • Music for Special Events
  • Print Music and Sound Clips


    Recent Commissions

    In August 2007, Valarie Morris composed "Opening Night," a string quartet commissioned by Roberta Mandel, pianist for the Junius Courtney Big Band. Ms. Mandel's transcription of Billy Strayhorn's "Blood Count" is archived in the Smithsonian Institution.

    In July 2007, Valarie Morris composed "Cloud Dances," a woodwind quintet commissioned on behalf of Kammermusik Workshops The four-movement work is 8 minutes long.

    In April 2007, Valarie Morris completed two piano arrangements of "Gladiolus Rag" commissioned by The Scott Joplin International Ragtime Foundation for their 2007 festival. Each year's festival honors the 100th anniversary of a Joplin composition. Joplin composed "Gladiolus Rag" in 1907. The two arrangements by Ms. Morris are for two levels of pianists. One arrangement is intermediate and the other is called easiest intermediate.


    The World Premiere of "Voices of Shekhinah: Four Illuminations" (full orchestra and 4 voices), commissioned by the Tifereth Israel Synagogue for its 100th Anniversary, was widely acclaimed by audiences at both the November 12 and 15, 2005 performances. Premiere conducted by David Amos. Music and libretto by Valarie Morris. Approximately 40 minutes.

    "Voices of Shekhinah: Four Illuminations" was funded in part by the Composer Assistance Program of the American Music Center.

    This work honors important women in Jewish history. The four movements of "Voices of Shekhinah: Four Illuminations" feature four solo vocalists representing significant women of the past and the present who tell their stories. The work highlights women from different walks of life, women from the Torah and Talmud, and women from Sepharidic and Ashkenazic traditions. The women are Sarah, Beruriah, Gracia, and Lila, the latter an adolescent girl representing hopes for the future. The prologue, intermezzo, interlude, and epilogue are sung by an ensemble of the four characters.

    "Voices of Shekhinah: Four Illuminations" is the result of extensive research in selecting the four women. The libretto for Lila was created through interviews with a class of 7th grade girls at a Hebrew school in California. Music research involved determining styles of music and instrumentation of the historic periods covered in the work, described in the program notes. The notes also include an organized and comprehensive list of all the important women in Jewish history discovered during the research process with the intent to add to the list over time.

    Paintings by Viviana Lombrozo, reflecting the four featured Jewish women, were on display at the premiere concerts. Giclees of the paintings are available from the artist.

    Read a review of "Voices of Shekhinah: Four Illuminations".

    This work can also be performed by voice and piano. The vocal/piano accompaniment (piano reduction) part and the full score are available for purchase. For the orchestral rental fee, call Sandscape Publications at 505.992.2524 or send email.


    Music for Theatre, Opera, and Film

    Valarie Morris enjoys composing music for theatre and is exploring opera and film music. Music for Megan Terry's play, "The Gloaming, O My Darling" was commissioned by director Susan Chast. Music for "If You Ignore It, It Will Go Away" was commissioned by playwright Sharon Harrington. Some have called Ms. Morris' musical work, "Resistance," an opera. Others call it musical theatre.

    Contact Valarie Morris or call 505.992.2524 to discuss your theatre, opera, or film projects.


    Arrangements

    Valarie Morris is also recognized as a talented arranger. The Scott Joplin International Ragtime Foundation commissions Ms. Morris to arrange tunes chosen for the theme of their annual ragtime festivals. Her arrangements for various festivals include "Leola," "The Cascades," and "Gladiolus Rag." The Foundation often requests Ms. Morris to provide two arrangements of a Scott Joplin tune so that different levels of players can enjoy playing the music.

    The Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada selected Ms. Morris' arrangement of "The Entertainer" for their Popular Selection Syllabus, which currently runs from 2005 through 2009.

    Valarie Morris accepts commissions to arrange tunes for special occasions for individuals as well as for large organizations. One or more instruments or voices at any level.


    Collaborations

    Dance collaborations include works with San Francisco Bay Area dancers and choreographers Mary Sano, Mary Reid, Kris Mueller, Marcy Risque, Kitty Luce, and Joan Amaral.

    Collaborations with actor/vocalists include works with Katherine Wilkinson, Kike Adedeji, Tisha Page, and Stephanie Pan.

    Visual art collaborations include projects with Viviana Lombrozo on "Voices of Shekhinah: Four Illuminations" and work with San Francisco artist Reddy Lieb on "Resistance."

    Performance art collaborations (combination of theatre, poetry, instrumental, vocal, dance) include "Notes on Notes," "Eggs," "Watching the War," and "As Almost Anyone."

    Did you hear the jingle on our home page? Music by Valarie Morris for collaboration on these and all types of art forms:

  • Theatre
  • Opera
  • Film
  • Video
  • Dance
  • Poetry
  • Web media
  • Visual Art
  • Multimedia

    To commission a new work or arrangement by Valarie Morris, please send email or call 505.992.2524 to discuss your project or idea.


    Music for Special Events

    Valarie Morris composes music for any occasion. Her compositions for weddings include "Serenade," "Celebration of Love," and "Past Eleven." Her music provided the soundscape in the multimedia awards banquet presentation for the STC Northern California Technical Communications Competition.

    What are your special events?

  • Benefits
  • Opera and musical theatre
  • Concerts and festivals
  • Birthdays
  • Receptions
  • Corporate events
  • Art openings
  • Weddings
  • Parties
  • Special performances
  • School functions
  • Other occasions?

    Just tell us what you want.


    Print Music and Sound Clips

    For music by Valarie Morris already in print, please see our collection of print music from Sandscape Publications and visit our CDs and Sound Clips section where you can hear samples of her music.


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    Content created and managed by Valarie Morris
    Design and artwork by Sherry Miller
    For information, please contact music@sandscapepublications.com