Hi-Vis (2021)

for orchestra (2.2.2.2 4.2.3.1, tmp, 2 perc, hp, strings (8.6.5.4.3))

Duration: 10’

Commissioned by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra

Archival audio available on request

Program Note

Hi-Vis is inspired by night roadworks. For the majority of 2020 (and beyond!), major roadworks took place outside my Western Sydney home from 9pm to 4am each night:  flickering lights, continuous drilling, humming, reversing, beeping, and grinding. Yet, amid lockdown times, I found the rhythms of machinery strangely comforting and exciting, and a gentle reminder of the existence of other people!

Hi-Vis is a musical re-imagining of these sights and sounds, but also a celebration of all things hi-vis, musical and otherwise. Think fluorescent, luminescent and neon colours, LED traffic batons, and, of course, workers in hi-vis vests. I began to imagine what road workers might be listening to, and how the contrast between the strobing lights and dark sky conjured up an almost nightclub-like environment. The piece loosely draws on ‘hi-vis’ elements of electronic dance music, brass fanfares, boot-scooting, and disco, all filtered through the constant on-and-off of earmuffs. 

Performances

4 April 2024, Oslo Philharmonic, Eivind Aadland, Oslo Concert Hall, Norway

19 October 2023, Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra, Eivind Aadland, Kilden Performing Arts Centre, Norway -European Premiere

1 July 2023, West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Elena Schwarz, Perth Concert Hall, WA

30 June 2023, West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Elena Schwarz, Perth Concert Hall, WA

11 March 2022, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Eivind Aadland, Federation Concert Hall, Hobart, TAS - World premiere