When cosmic forces collide: Ross Edwards on writing for Amy Dickson
When Ross Edwards completed a new piece of music, Frog and Star Cycle, for his long-time collaborator saxophonist Amy Dickson, he was astonished at what he had written.
You have collaborated with Amy Dickson several times now. What do you enjoy about working with her?
As well as being quite an extraordinary performer, Amy is full of enthusiasm, game for anything, and a lovely person to work with. My wife Helen and I have become good friends with her. As well as the saxophone concerto Full Moon Dances, which she’s performed many times and recorded for Sony International, she’s played Bird Spirit Dreaming, the oboe concerto I wrote for the SSO’s Principal Oboe Diana Doherty. Amy performs it on soprano saxophone. My most recent commission I’ve completed for her is Bright Birds and Sorrows, commissioned by Kim Williams for Musica Viva. Amy will premiere this with the wonderful (British) Elias String Quartet in Sydney next April.
Where did the inspiration for Frog and Star Cycle come from?
All my music explores some aspect of deep ecology so nature was the source of inspiration. The work evolved slowly, finally reaching the form of a cycle of eleven large sections: ritual dances, a cleansing ceremony, duets featuring both soloists, divine cosmic play – always focussing on the natural world. It’s actually a sort of pantomime with lighting and movement, but the music’s the most important part of it. I transform phrases from a beautiful mediaeval hymn, Ave Maris Stella. When I looked back on what I’d made I was astonished. As always, it’s the result of a collaboration between my conscious mind and some deeper level.
Have you worked with Colin Currie before? Why are you looking forward to working with him?
I’ve heard Colin perform – he’s amazing, and extraordinarily athletic – but this will be the first time he’s performed a major work of mine. My composing the double concerto was Amy’s idea. She particularly wanted to perform with Colin. Last time Colin was in Sydney for the SSO he came for lunch and I went over the percussion part with him. Like Amy, he likes a challenge – nothing’s too difficult!
You mentioned that Colin and Amy would both be in costume for the concerts – can you describe what they look like?
In keeping with the ecological theme, Amy is the serene Earth Mother, a role she’s become accustomed to in performing my music. She wears a long white gown. Colin is shaman – a healer with access to the spirit world. He also has an association with frogs. The work opens with him re-enacting an ancient and universal creation ritual which brings the world into being. Helen and I are working on his costume at the moment – nothing that might restrict his movement – but probably he’ll have some kind of shamanic mask and wear the colour green. He’s looking forward to whatever we come up with!
Frog and Star Cycle will feature in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Mahler 4 concerts at the Sydney Opera House on July 7-11. Buy tickets HERE.
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