Beginning with a beautiful transcription for the viola solo of Prelude and Fugue in c minor by JS Bach, unquestionably the most revered figure in the entire history of Western classical music, and known as “The Father of Music”, this concert explores the many sentiments of the human soul.

Australian composer Alan Holley celebrates his 70th birthday by showcasing both his vocal and chamber music styles including the world premiere performance of My Garden is a Siren and she sings (2024) for flute and 3 strings. This work continues Holley’s fascination with birdsong and his attempt to capture the natural sounds of his home on the Northern Beaches of Sydney while Ophelia explores the beauty of Lady Elliot Island in the Great Barrier Reef depicting memories of previous lifetimes for the lighthouse keepers on this isolated island 85 km from the mainland of Queensland.

To complete this extraordinary program, a refreshing and unique transcription for the flute of one of the best-known romantic string quartets, will provide an uplifting conclusion. Known as the American Quartet, Czech composer Anton Dvořák was on a summer vacation in the town of Spillville, Iowa in a healthy and happy state of mind away from hectic New York City where he was director of the National Conservatory when he composed the String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96.