Orpheus and the Cave II
For solo Oboe, solo Trumpet and two ensembles
Dedicated to Benjamin Northey.

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Program note

The journey of Orpheus through the dark, dank caves has occupied my musical thinking for many years. This journey culminated in my dance-opera Orpheus. Orpheus and the Cave was originally written for two voices and two ensembles as a test piece for the opera, and this version is a reorchestration of that work.

The two ensembles should be positioned far apart, ideally either in front and behind the audience, or in a way where the second ensemble is not visible, creating an immersive sound experience for the audience. The solo trumpet represents Orpheus, searching for his love, while the oboe embodies the poignant voice in the dark.

Duration: 7.50 minutes.

Commissioned by the Melbourne Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, and written while an artist in residence at Billilla Mansion.

The world premiere was given October 2015 by Melbourne Metropolitan Sinfonietta, conducted by Sascha Kelly and Patrick Burns