Parhelia
For score and parts, click here for CMC link to Parhelia.
Title: Parhelia
Year Completed: 2014
Duration: 6:15 mins
Instrumentation: Orchestra (2.2.2.2. 4.3.3.1. perc. (2.), strings)
Credits:
Premiere: Calgary, University of Calgary Orchestra, January 2015
Program Notes:
Parhelia, or sundogs, are effects created by ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere.The crystals reflect the sun’s rays, creating two bright spots on either side of the sun, almost as if there are three suns! I adapted results from scientific research on parhelia as part of my composition process, including angles of refraction, ice crystal alignment patterns, and ice crystal structure. Many of these results have inherently symmetrical qualities, and I deliberately unbalanced the symmetries to acknowledge my own human imbalances.
This work was premiered by the University of Calgary Orchestra at the University of Calgary New Music Festival, January 2015.
Thanks to conductor Professor Edmond Agopian and the University of Calgary Orchestra for premiering the work!