How does classical music actually get made? Mission: Commission sets out to answer that question by starting at the very beginning - with the composers who write the music. The podcast follows the creative journey of three world-class composers, Augusta Read Thomas, Courtney Bryan, and Marcos Balter, as they compose new works for the show. Over a period of 6 weeks, listen as the pieces gradually take shape, from idea to final recording, and the composers reveal insights into how they work and think about music. Hosted by Melissa Smey, Artistic Director of Miller Theatre at Columbia University in New York.

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An introduction to our composers: Augusta Read Thomas, Courtney Bryan, and Marcos Balter, as they begin their creative journey to compose a new piece of classical music in 6 weeks for Mission: Commission. 

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Exploring how collaboration and improvisation are crucial to the creative process.

Visit missioncommissionpodcast.com for a full listing of pieces, performers, and recordings included in this episode.

At some point in every creative journey, things slow down - or even fall apart. What that stage feels like, and sounds like for every composer is wildly different.

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The composers are deep in the zone, sifting through their ideas for the piece, and reflect on where those ideas come from.

Visit missioncommissionpodcast.com for a full listing of pieces, performers, and recordings included in this episode.

Still in the weeds, the composers grapple with how to shape the piece, and focus on the difficult task of balancing their inner composer with their inner editor.

Visit missioncommissionpodcast.com for a full listing of pieces, performers, and recordings included in this episode.

A look back at how the pieces came to life, and what happens next for our composers.

Visit missioncommissionpodcast.com for a full listing of pieces, performers, and recordings included in this episode.

The premiere of Courtney Bryan's Synchronicity. Performed by Andrae Murchison, trombone, and Courtney Bryan, piano.

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