How much does it cost to pay an orchestra?

Longer distances, more rehearsals, more musicians, a big-name conductor – all these would increase your bill. But basically, this is a bargain. Symphony orchestras in larger cities such as St. Louis or Atlanta would cost between $50,000 and $100,000 for the same kind of program.

Who puts together an orchestra?

Orchestras are usually led by a conductor who directs the performance by way of visible gestures. The conductor unifies the orchestra, sets the tempo and shapes the sound of the ensemble.

Do composers have their own orchestra?

In modern classical music, composers almost invariably orchestrate their own work. In musical theatre, the composer typically writes a piano/vocal score and then hires an arranger or orchestrator to create the instrumental score for the pit orchestra to play.

How many people do you need for an orchestra?

The 5th symphony also requires an early form of double bassoon, the 5th and 6th a piccolo flute, and eventually the number of horns was increased from two to three or four.

Does a composer write the music for each instrument?

The quick answer is “Yes.” The precise parts that all of the musicians play are part of the whole conception of a symphony and a composer is expected to know how to use the colors of the orchestra, individually and in combination.

How do orchestras find composers to record their music?

Many orchestras hold composition competitions in which they’ll premiere and record a winning work. Other orchestras hold workshops / intensives where they do the same thing. A lot of composers do what’s called “cold-calling” with directors, sending them a score with a recording or a note.

What is it like to be a member of an orchestra?

Orchestras, because of their size, are always a bit of a luxury in terms of performance. Many orchestras hold composition competitions in which they’ll premiere and record a winning work. Other orchestras hold workshops / intensives where they do the same thing.

What do composers think about color in an orchestra?

A lot of composers think in terms of only color in an orchestra, but there are other dimensions such as presence and weight. Know how much presence the instruments have and plan your sonic palette around what you’re going to feature.

How do composers reach out to music directors?

A lot of composers do what’s called “cold-calling” with directors, sending them a score with a recording or a note. Most directors don’t like this. ALL directors have a stack of about 2-3ft of scores they’ve been sent. When they feel nice, they’ll pick one out at random and take a look.