Hotwire (2019)

for viola and orchestra (1.1.2.2 4.2.2.1, tmp, 1 perc, hp, strings (8.6.5.4.3))

Duration: 11’

Written for and first performed by Stefanie Farrands and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Elena Schwarz

Program Note

Hotwire is inspired by the act of hotwiring: starting an engine without the key, usually associated with vehicle theft. In this analogy, the orchestra is a luxury car and the viola, the thief. The viola hijacks the orchestra, taking it for an off-road spin across rugged terrain and cruise-control motorways. A wild police chase ensues! Stylistically, the work embraces bluegrass and metal guitar techniques, reimagined on viola, including a high amount of slides, scrapes, bends, power chords, and whammy-bar wails.

Archival recording available on request

1 June 2024, Justin Julian & Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Luke Dollman, She Speaks, Elder Conservatorium, Adelaide, SA