A note from David Hamilton
Both students are students I have worked with (hence the connection through
to Auckland Choral) - Sarah for three years at Westlake Girls High School and
Lachlan at Auckland Grammar School for two years. He will be at school again
next year in Year 13 and Sarah will be going on to university. Both are also fine
performers and Sarah has also sung in choirs. Both have produced a number of
compositions for their school work.
Sarah was first place getter in the APO Student Composition contest this
year and Lachlan took second place. They had to write a short work for a solo
instrument and orchestra.
It was my idea to approach Uwe with the idea of asking them both to write new
pieces for Auckland Choral.
Given the theme of the concert (which was still evolving when this idea came
up) it was obvious to make the work a piece using a text on the subject of
peace.
Stars I shall find
Sarah Fouhy
I composed this work as a commemoration
to the victims of war, more specifically those
involved in the Battle of Passchendaele. It is
believed by many that when someone passes,
a new star shines in the sky and through this
we can find peace and assurance that our
loved ones will always be with us.
Sara Teasdale’s poem paints a beautiful picture of exactly this, where
we can find peace by looking up at the stars which shine every night.
“I shall find the crystal of peace above me…Stars I shall find”. I felt that it was
important to recreate this atmosphere of hope, serenity and love through
music so that we could all take a moment together and be at peace with
both our lives and each other, even if it only lasts for a few minutes.
...continued on next page.
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