Been doing some browsing of pleochroism in crystals and came across a series of short videos showing various minerals under different lights, this one -

Glaucophane

is perhaps my favorite so far! look at the shifting colors, isn’t it amazing?

In this new work I’m currently working on for Syzygy Ensemble, I’m attempting to address a metaphorical scenario about the formation of these pleochroic crystal from the molecular level to their eventual physical presence and unique reflective qualities. The different sections of the work have been named accordingly to my own imagination of a crystal trying to rebuild itself after a violent breakage. 

The title, though, is still in formation.

 

Performed by Counterpoint Ensemble (Taiwan)
at Music Taiwan 2012 concert series
ACL-Taiwan division
25th of November, 2012

Kaoshiung, Taiwan

Video credit: Paul SanGregory

Here’s a video recording of my string quartet Rules of Attraction (2012), performed by Counterpoint Ensemble during Music Taiwan 2012 concert series.

I have to admit that I am surprised by how different this performance feels when compared to the premiere by Quartetto Maurice back in July last year in Pavia (recording can be heard below). The energy and, perhaps to some level, perspective and approach, was surprisingly contrasting.

Listen to the Quartetto Maurice performance from HighSCORE Festival (Pavia, Italy) in July 2012:

Olsen Foyer at The Arts Centre Melbourne. This is located at the 3rd floor of the building and is decorated with John Olsen’s paintings in responses to some famous operas.

If you aren’t familiar with the space, watch out for what’s coming this August as I’ll be writing some music to articulate this room as part of the 5x5x5 Winter Series.

Pleochromism in minerals.

In brief, these are caused by anisotropic minerals in the stone’s composition which absorb different colors of polarized light depending on the direction of light vibration.

This is what’s been occupying my mind of late. Let’s see how this one goes, I’m very intrigued and curious about this new sextet.

5x5x5

woot, I’ve been selected as one of the composers to write for the Arts Centre Melbourne’s 5x5x5 initiative, working alongside the amazing Marshall McGuire and the musicians of ANAM.

here’s a little brief of the project:

5x5x5 - ‘X’ marks the spot. Five new musical compositions, each five minutes in length have been created for five different sites in Arts Centre Melbourne. On a solo experience using your own headphones, download the songs to your smart phone, follow the map for a personal journey with your own soundtrack.

When: 29 Jul - 18 Aug 2013

Venue :Arts Centre Melbourne

Price Range : FREE

more info here
Watch this space in the coming months :)
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The next chapter

After a long, arduous, and absolutely torn dilemma between the choices I’ve been granted so fortunately, I have accepted a PhD offer from University of California, San Diego (UCSD), commencing this fall (or, spring in the southern hemisphere).

This is going to be a whole new chapter - scary, and perhaps a little intimidating, but I’m very much looking forward to the next couple of years  making, writing and learning music with some of the people that I’ve admired for so long.

Perhaps I’ll even pick up surfing.

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