Australian composer Jodie Blackshaw composes music primarily for wind band. A large proportion of her work is centred around children to provide them with a creative learning experience. She is currently in the final year of a PhD at the Australian National University, studying with Dr. Chris Sainsbury. As part of her PhD, she has written a wind symphony, which will receive its world premiere by the Sydney Conservatorium Wind Symphony under conductor Dr John Lynch, on March 29. The US premiere will occur eight days later, hosted by St Olaf College Band and director/composer Dr Timothy Mahr. Jodie Blackshaw wrote for Limelight about her new work, entitled Symphony No 1 Leunig’s Prayerbook for wind symphony.

Jodie Blackshaw. Photograph supplied

This four-movement symphony is inspired by four prayers written by Michael Leunig. The subtitles for each movement are derived from the prayers themselves and take the audience on a familiar journey.

I – The Blessing of Light (Summer)

The burn of Summer is depicted in an energetic opening that is also inspired by the birth of the Sun. The pitch material utilised in the first 102 measures is based on a scale created from the speed...