From Day One, commissioning and premiering new choral works have been vital elements of Grant’s long-term vision for the LA Master Chorale. Before ever conducting a single note for the Chorale, Music Director-Designate Grant Gershon and Executive Director Terry Knowles contacted composer Steve Reich in New York to solicit his interest in composing a choral work for Walt Disney Concert Hall – then, still under construction and highly anticipated. Neither Grant nor Terry knew Steve at the time so it was considered a long shot, but Steve agreed and, as they say, the rest is history.

That single call launched an extraordinary relationship among Steve Reich, Grant Gershon and the Chorale. Reich’s You Are (Variations) received its World Premiere at Walt Disney Concert Hall in October 2004, was later recorded for Nonesuch, and subsequently premiered on the East Coast by the Chorale at New York’s Lincoln Center. Then in January 2007, the Chorale performed the West Coast Premiere of Reich’s Daniel Variations, which we also recorded for Nonesuch. Click here to read Grant’s thoughts on this amazing relationship with Steve Reich.

In subsequent years, Grant launched LA is the World, an even more ambitious commissioning project, with primary support from the James Irvine Foundation and generous individual donors. LA is the World is an ongoing commissioning project to create new choral repertoire through a collaboration among eminent American composers, immigrant master musicians, Grant and the Chorale. The project has resulted in the creation of four new choral works and many new friendships thus far.

The project was unveiled in June 2007 when the Chorale premiered Eve Beglarian’s Sang at two sold-out concerts coinciding with the Chorale’s hosting of the Chorus America National Conference. The work featured world renowned Persian musicians Manoochehr Sadeghi on santur and Pejman Hadadi on tambak. Read more about LA is the World.

In March 2011, the fourth LA is the World commission will be premiered at the Stories from Korea concert featuring the world premiere of Mugunghwa: Rose of Sharon by Mark Grey and featuring violinist Jennifer Koh. This concert exemplifies both Grant’s vision for the Chorale and a core value of this organization – to present the traditional and evolving spectrum of choral music to the widest possible audience. Soon Grant will announce the next composer and artists commissioned for the 2011|12 season.

The straw that stirs the drink is Grant Gershon, who has caused all of this to come together, from the music and dance elements to motivating the funding that keeps ticket prices reasonable in a terrible economy. It was his vision and determination, coupled with his enormous talents that physically and spiritually kept the two pieces flowing with the precision of his conducting fueled by a quiet, inner confidence that illuminated both performers and audience. It is no small feat to make asymmetric sounds and movement coalesce into such perfection. Once again it must be said, Los Angeles is lucky to have him.” – Classical Voice