The premiere of Wang Lu's onward, wayward performed by pianist Vicky Chow and percussionist Russell Greenberg. Commissioned by Miller Theatre at Columbia University for the Mission: Commission podcast.

The premiere of Ann Cleare's "gravity dreams ii" performed by pianist Matt Mitchell and guitarist Miles Okazaki. Commissioned by Miller Theatre at Columbia University for the Mission: Commission podcast.

The premiere of Miguel Zenón's Layer Upon Layer performed by pianist Matt Mitchell and guitarist Miles Okazaki. Commissioned by Miller Theatre at Columbia University for the Mission: Commission podcast.

The composers have reached the last stages of writing the piece - what more remains to be done before the music can finally take on a life of its own?

The pieces have taken on a definitive shape, and a life of their own. How do composers communicate their vision - to the musicians, and to the audience? And how do they choose a name for their creations?

We’ve reached that point in the creative process where hard decisions need to be made: keep, cut, continue, end – or maybe even start again? Which direction will the piece take?

This season, the composers are writing music for piano plus one other instrument. We hear about their relationship with the piano, and their different approaches in composing for this instrument.

Where do musical ideas and inspiration come from? In hearing these origin stories, we also learn more about the composers themselves.

An introduction to our composers: Ann Cleare, Wang Lu, and Miguel Zenón, as they begin their creative journey to compose new pieces of classical music in 6 weeks for Mission: Commission.

What do you see when you hear music? Once you know the story behind the music, and the person behind the story, you’ll listen to music in a completely different way. Season 3 follows the creative journey of three world-class composers, Ann Cleare, Wang Lu, and Miguel Zenón. Over 6 weeks, listen as the very first ideas and notes grow and evolve into vibrant new pieces of music. Hosted by Melissa Smey, Artistic Director of Miller Theatre at Columbia University in New York. Learn more at http://missioncommissionpodcast.com