In 2003, I deployed with the Band of the Royal Military College to the Solomon Islands as part of Operation Anode - the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands.
A small break from the daily routine gave me a chance to sketch out a short multi movement work for unaccompanied Flute. As with most of my works, the music is a product of the present, and often a direct influence to some of the sounds I hear in the environment (note the use of flutter tonguing to represent the passing of a helicopter in the first movement).
The piece employs a range of lyrical and rhythmic devices for the performer to explore, whilst incorporating some extended techniques for colour and variety.
“Sketches from the Solomon Islands” has been performed several times by the composer since its completion. In recent years, the celebrated Australian Flute player, Christine Draeger, recorded the work in 2010.
