A New Year's Update

As Chinese New Year is once more upon me, I thought it would be a good moment to take stock, put the seal on 2022, and to tell you about my future plans. As some of you will know, I recently decided to take a hiatus from choral conducting - in particular wrapping up 10 glorious years as the musical director of the Phoenix Choir Blue Mountains - in order to focus my energies more fully on composition. Of course, my major project for 2023 will be the completion of my new oratorio Albert Morris, however I also have a few more irons in the fire.

Fans can stay tuned for an imminent announcement about the release of a new commercial recording of my Sonata for horn and piano, soon to be available to purchase or stream at all the usual places. Recording took place last October on the stunning grounds of Elkwood Studio in Wentworth Falls, with the wonderful Robert Johnson, for whom the work was commissioned, and Phillip Shovk, who joined Rob to give the premiere performance in 2018.

And finally, I can also report on the recent success of New Music for Winds, where the premiere performance of my first wind quintet received a warm reception from the ever-generous Blackheath audience. My thanks, as always, go to the outstanding players who did such a fine job, and to the commissioners Penny and Greg for making it all possible. I will be making the sheet music for this work available from my site in short order. In the meantime, please enjoy an excerpt from the day with this recording of the 2nd movement.

Here’s to a prosperous and fulfilling Year of the Rabbit for us all!