Errollyn Wallen has been appointed as Composer-in-Association with the Orchestra of the Swan (Oots), the dynamic chamber orchestra based in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The relationship, which covers the 2006-7 season, includes a commission for a new work for cello and strings. It will premiere next May.

The appointment is the latest commitment to new music by the orchestra, which was founded in 1995 by its Artistic Director David Curtis and since the turn of the century has been devoting much of its energies to contemporary work. From 2001 to 2003 it promoted a concert series Take Note! which aimed to develop a new audience for contemporary repertoire in the Stratford area.

The acclaimed series involved programmes comparing and contrasting work from living composers – including commissions and first performances – with core classical, Romantic and 20th century pieces. Oots followed it up with a two-year project focused on the music of Sir Michael Tippett.

‘Orchestra of the Swan has a national reputation for programming that combines innovation and accessibility,’ Curtis said. ‘Following the success of our 10th anniversary Arts Council Tour and commissions last season, we are delighted to reconfirm our commitment to new music with our commissions for 2006-7 and the appointment of Errollyn Wallen as associate composer.’

The orchestra has performed a number of Wallen’s works and invited her to lead workshops with young children. The composer – whose diverse, engaging and communicative music has won a large following – has been described as the renaissance woman of contemporary British music. Winner of a 2005 British Composer Award for her Spirit Symphony – Speed Dating for Two Orchestras, she is as respected as a singer-songwriter of pop and jazz-influenced material as she is for her work in the classical arena.

Wallen has been developing a close relationship with Oots over the past two years. The orchestra commissioned and premiered Wallen’s piece Photography, before taking it on the road last year in a major Arts Council England funded tour.

‘Errollyn’s work has proved really enjoyable for the orchestra and for our audiences,’ Curtis told Gig. ‘We’re interested in commissioning music that while in no way dumbed down gives listeners a gateway into the world of contemporary music. Errollyn’s music does just that.’

Although the residency is officially only for one year, Curtis hopes to be able to extend it for at least another year, ‘We have lots of plans for Errollyn, including involving her in more and more of our education work, an area in which she has proved very successful to date. I’m also keen to commission a jazz-style concerto grosso for her and other members of the orchestra.’

‘Maestro David Curtis and Oots has brought a fresh vibrancy to music-making in the UK and I am chuffed to be part of the adventure,’ Wallen said. ‘I consider it a major honour and a high-light of this year to have been appointed composer in association.’

Wallen is not the only composer to benefit this season from Oots’ largesse. Shu Wang, Paul Patterson in his 60th birthday year and Joe Cutler have all been commissioned to write new works for the orchestra which is resident at Stratford’s Civic Hall but also holds residencies in Cheltenham and Bedworth.