This Borrowed Earth: The Rising Forest

A Choral Symphony of Earth’s Transformation

2028 Commissioning Consortium Now Forming

Inquire About Joining the Consortium
Inquire About Joining the Consortium

This Borrowed Earth: The Rising Forest is a 30–35 minute choral work for chorus and chamber orchestra inspired by the book The Treeline by Ben Rawlence.

The work explores the forests at the northern edge of our planet — regions where climate change is transforming landscapes, ecosystems, and human communities.

Each movement focuses on a different tree species and region across the northern world, forming a musical journey across the circumpolar forest.


The Journey

Tree

Scots Pine

Downy Birch

Dahurian Larch

Spruce

Balsam Poplar

Mountain Ash

Region

Scotland

Norway

Siberia

Alaska

Canada

Greenland

Short climate-themed interludes connect each region, forming a continuous musical and emotional arc.

The Creative Team

Music

Shantell Sellers

Text

Lyricist
Author of "The Treeline"

Ben Rawlence

Project Advisor

Composer

Michael Bussewitz - Quarm

Commissioning Consortium — Now Forming

Consortium Fee: $2,000
Delivery of Score: November 2027
Premiere Season: 2028
Length: 30–35 minutes
Instrumentation Options:

  • Chorus + 20-player chamber orchestra

  • Chorus + piano + string quartet reduction

Commissioning Members Receive:

  • Name listed in the published score

  • Early access to the full score

  • Exclusive premiere window

  • Composer Zoom session with your choir

  • Option to host a composer residency (residency fees apply)

  • Participation in a national consortium of choirs

Limited to 25 US based commissioned members/performances

International Commissioning Partners welcome:

Reduced fee or flexible structure in exchange for:

  • Geographic significance

  • Storytelling value

  • Potential future touring connections

    Due to the scale and national scope of this project, the initial commissioning consortium will include approximately 20–25 US based core partners. Additional ensembles may be invited to participate in an extended consortium as the project grows.


Request Consortium Information
Request Consortium Information

Timeline

2026 - 2027

Consortium Formation

Nov 2027

Score Completed

2028

Premiere Performances Begin

January through June 2028

Consortium Performance Window

Why The Treeline — Why Now

  • Create a Lasting Legacy: Contribute to a significant choral work that addresses one of the most pressing issues of our time, fostering hope and action.

  • Artistic Enrichment: Immerse your choir in a challenging and rewarding musical experience.

  • Community Building: Connect with fellow choir directors and music enthusiasts from around the world.

  • Raise Awareness: Use the power of music to inspire action and promote environmental stewardship and humanitarian awareness.

  • Exclusive Content: Gain access to behind-the-scenes materials, including interviews and insights from the composer, poet and author.

  • A Unique Performance Opportunity: Be among the first to bring this compelling narrative to life in your community.

  • A 2028 Premiere: Plan now for a powerful concert experience in the year 2028.

Express Interest
Express Interest