Star of the Sea

Concert Band

3' 43"

The sketch was begun in December of 2008 and the manuscript and engraved scores were completed in January of 2009.

Stella Maris Catholic Primary School, Maroochydore, Queensland

The project engaged in here meant I had two young groups to compose a piece for - concert band and string orchestra. My idea was to write a triumphal, processional type work for the band and something 'different' for the strings. I wanted the music to reflect the energy of the occasion but it would be of little use to write two of the same sort of work - processional, even if 'different'. My desire here was to compose a work that had a sense of dignity and ceremony, coupled with gentle reflection on things past and in the future. There was a wonderful spirit which pervaded the whole process of writing and premiering this work. Inez Durrer was tenacious in finding funds and support for the whole mammoth event of which Star of the Sea was one portion. Todd Wynyard the conductor was constant in his positive support and energy, even when he seemed obviously exhausted. I am most thankful to them both. More of the context for the creation of this work is available here.

Hultgren Durrer email
See also Bounce and Stella Maris

Stella Maris Catholic Primary School String Ensemble Q150th anniversary celebration concert of the establishment of the state of Queensland; Maroochy Baptist Church 20 June 2009.

Subsequent performances:

• Various school and community band performances related to inclusion on select repertoire lists for contest and festival

Brolga Music Publishing Company, Brisbane, Australia www.brolgamusic.com in 2009.

Sketch,
Manuscript Score
Engraved score

Program note

Brolga publication

It has had modest sales and has been featured on festival lists around the country. There was a delightful 'feel' about the premiere event and the response of the students was satisfying and the parents and teachers reacted most enthusiastically. It's usual for parents and family to react enthusiastically to the performances of their children and that reaction is intensified when a new work is premiered. Making the event a time of celebration and excitement enhances the concept of 'world premiere' for the average person.

This work achieves what I set out to do, that is to produce a triumphal, processional piece that is accessible to student at primary school.