Patrons and musicians commissioned composers to write suitable suites of dances and tunes, for groups of two to five or six players.

And he says the orchestra's mission is to continue to pioneer, but "it's not just by commissioning new American composers," he said.

To while away her nights, the Duchesse de Maine commissioned writers, composers and choreographers to devise lavish nocturnal spectacles.

Guy Livingston, who has commissioned composers of all stripes to write 60-second works for him, is to play a sampling of them tonight.

He has commissioned countless composers to write music for his dances, and has put his continuing trust in forward-looking designers of all stylistic persuasions.

During its 14 year history, the NBC Opera Theatre commissioned several composers to write operas specifically for television.

He is commissioning several composers to write new pieces for him.

En Garde commissioned playwrights, directors, composers and designers to create pieces for architectural sites and neighborhoods.

As a further corollary, Robilette also commissioned eminent American composers to write pieces for the Artistic Ambassadors tours.

Resch has made special arrangements of traditional hymns and commissioned composers to write original works or arrangements for the group.