BMI Foundation, Inc.

BMI Foundation, Inc.
320 W. 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
info@bmifoundation.org

Carlos Surinach Commissions
for classical composers

The Carlos Surinach Commissioning Program funds the creation of new works by former winners of the BMI Student Composer Awards. Established by a generous bequest from the late classical composer Carlos Surinach, the program identifies orchestras, chamber music groups and classical soloists with a strong record of performing contemporary music. For each commission, the selected performer or organization chooses a former BMI Student Composer Award-winning composer and premieres the commissioned work. The BMI Foundation has been most fortunate to have partners in this project such as the American Composers Orchestra, the Albany Symphony Orchestra and marimba virtuoso Makoto Nakura.

Carlos Surinach (1915-1997) was among the 20th Century’s premier composers for the dance. He was also a celebrated composer of colorful orchestra music and a renowned conductor. As a conductor, he held posts at the Barcelona Philharmonic and the Gran Teatro del Liceo, before moving to the United States from his native Spain in 1951. Surinach’s scores have been regularly featured by some of the world’s most important dance companies, including Martha Graham and the Joffrey Ballet, and his impressive catalog of orchestral, choral, and chamber music is performed regularly throughout the world.

By invitation only, no applications accepted

Past Recipients