WEDS@7 'red fish blue fish': The Chou Commission concert with Wilfrido Terrazas

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The upcoming WEDS@7 concert at UC San Diego's Conrad Prebys Music Center isn't just a performance; it's a continuation of a legacy. The commissioning of new works inspired by the historically significant percussion collection – amassed thanks to the dedication of composers like Chou Wen-chung, Edgard Varèse, Lei Liang, and Steven Schick – points to a fascinating trend in contemporary music: the increasing importance of instrument collections as catalysts for creativity and the blending of historical reverence with cutting-edge composition.

Why it matters

The trend of instrument-focused commissions is likely to continue, driven by a desire for sonic novelty, a growing appreciation for musical heritage, and the increasing availability of technology. This allows for wider participation and a greater diversity of voices in contemporary percussion writing.

The details

Traditionally, commissions focused on composers and their ideas. Now, we're seeing a shift towards commissions *inspired by* specific instruments, or even entire collections. This isn't simply about providing composers with tools; it's about challenging them to engage with history, explore unique sonic possibilities, and respond to the inherent character of the instruments themselves. The UC San Diego model, where graduate students are specifically tasked with responding to the Chou Wen-chung/Varèse percussion collection, is becoming increasingly popular at institutions with notable instrument holdings.

• The upcoming WEDS@7 concert will take place on February 18, 2026.

What’s next

The WEDS@7 concert at UC San Diego's Conrad Prebys Music Center on February 18, 2026, will feature the fruits of this exciting trend in instrument-focused commissions.