Linda Reichert Commissioning Fund

Launched in 2014 in celebration of our 30th anniversary, the Network for New Music Commissioning Fund is an ongoing mechanism to support the creation of new works by today's most exciting composers, both established and emerging. In 2018, the fund was formally named to honor Network's Artistic Director Emerita, and is known as the Linda Reichert Commissioning Fund.

HISTORY

Since its inception in 1984, Network for New Music has established itself as one of the foremost commissioning organizations in the United States. We have commissioned more than 150 works—everything from short solos to evening-length cantatas—and presented these works in thoughtful contexts alongside 500+ other pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries. After the financial crisis in 2009, though, foundation support for this mission began to dwindle. So we came up with another plan:

What if, instead of applying for a project grant every time we wanted to commission a work, we had our own commissioning fund to draw upon?

The Fund was established in 2014 with lead gifts from a handful of generous donors in Philadelphia. Members of the Board, composers, performers, and audience members joined in and helped us raise an initial $25,000 in the first six months.

FUTURE

Going forward, the Fund will be continually replenished with individual gifts large and small, and foundation support as available. This helps us plan future seasons further in advance, giving composers more time to work, and the organization more time to build seasons around major commissions. Network for New Music is one of the only organizations of its kind with a fund like this.

Will you help us keep it going strong?