Port Fairy and the Twelve Apostles are two of Australia's most scenic places. The Gentle Boats at Port Fairy plays Irish music, while Storm over the Twelve Apostles depicts the fury of Mother Nature on the stone formations by the southern coast.
Australia's scenic beauty is truly unmatched, and Port Fairy and the Twelve Apostles are two of the most picturesque places that the country has to offer. Port Fairy is a charming village with a peaceful atmosphere, characterized by its blue stone cottages, rock walls, and fishing boats. The enchanting musical ensemble, The Gentle Boats at Port Fairy, delights all with its wistful melodies, tinged with an Irish flavour. On the other hand, Storm over the Twelve Apostles is a powerful musical work that vividly captures the awe-inspiring sight of Mother Nature's fury unleashed on the magnificent stone formations that majestically rise up from the ocean on the southern coast.
Stephen Chin, an Australian composer and teacher, is currently the Principal String Teacher at Brisbane Grammar School. He has composed numerous educational pieces as well as compositions for student string orchestras.
The music is a journey through the Mists of England, the lush green fields of Ireland, Wales's sublime beauty, and Scotland's invigorating highlands. The tunes and textures are vibrant, wistful, and unforgettable, making them perfect for any performance. Your players will be humming them long after the rehearsal is over.
Listen to #1 – Mists of the Winter Solstice
Listen to #2 – Road to County Derry
The Irish Blessing has been an inspiration for generations. This three-movement work for strings, SSAA choir, and optional bagpipes will make an impact on your audience.
Lords of the Loch is a festival piece for string orchestra, quartet, and optional string ensemble. It's inspired by Finlaggan, a Scottish loch with islands once ruled by lords known for producing and exporting harps.
For String Orchestra(s) Grades 1, 3.5 & 4
These majestic fanfares have inspired for centuries. Precision-crafted parts ensure easy playability and share main melodies amongst the ensemble. Roll out the red carpet!
1. Prince of Denmark's March
2. Fanfare Minuet
3. The Trumpets
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
Join the Barcelona party! This piece captures the fun and energy of the Spanish city with catchy rhythms and authentic flavour. Your ensemble will love it.
The Iching, a series of texts created by Emperor Zhou in the 9th century BC China, helps interpret thoughts and dreams. Its orchestral representation features an energetic section that paints a vibrant life in ancient China and concludes with thrilling cascades of repeated sixteenth notes.
This enchanting tone poem creates a peaceful atmosphere with its soft melodies and forest whispers. The sweeping beauty of the noble theme leads to a faster section with contrasting themes and variations. The string section uses various techniques to create a dynamic sound, featuring a brief solo quartet. The piece ends with a reference to the opening melody and the sound of a waterfall. Musicians will enjoy using their imagination to bring this musical landscape to life.
For String Orchestra Grade 3.5
Evaristo Felice Dall'Abaco and Antonio Vivaldi lived during the same era. Dall'Abaco's piece features an opening Prelude and a Ciaconna that includes variations on a fixed bass. This Baroque piece introduces players to various musical textures.
For String Orchestra Grade 3
