Slains (2019)
Orchestra: 2222/2331/timp+perc/ strings
The title of this piece refers to Slains Castle, a ruin set on high cliffs by the dramatic coast of Northeast Scotland. In this piece, I was inspired in particular by the dark gothic grandeur of the castle, as well as the hazardous nature of exploring it, with pitch-black cellars and stairways leading up to non-existent upper floors, along with the very steep treacherous cliffs surrounding it. All these ideas put together led to creating a piece that was haunting, menacing, and most of all unpredictable.
Press and Journal article - 9 February 2019
Image from Inverurie Orchestra Performance - 4 December 2022
PERFORMANCES:
Première: 24 February 2019 - Butchart Hall, Aberdeen - University of Aberdeen Symphony Orchestra/Aberdeen Youth Orchestra (dir. Chris Gray)
4 December 2022 - Acorn Centre, Inverurie - Inverurie Orchestra (dir. Chris Gray)