Choral Works

WHEN THE WORLD CLOSES ITS EYES (2022)

For SATB choir. Approximate duration: 7 minutes 15 seconds.

Commissioned by Sydney Chamber Choir.

When the World Closes Its Eyes reflects on the vulnerability of the world as both human beings and nature strive to be heard in their suffering and call for help and compassion. The work speaks to the challenges of not being heard, not feeling seen, and being limited in one’s expression. In a world with such immense turmoil and uncertainty, the work speaks to the dangers of looking the other way in times of need. We are reminded to continuously lead with grace and compassion, to stay warm and bright in the world’s darkest times, and to always lend a hand to those in need.

The premiere performance of this work took place at The Neilson, ACO Pier 2/3, Walsh Bay, Sydney on the 25th June, 2022. The premiere performance can be viewed here.

WE WERE NOT READY (2018)

For SATB choir. Approximate duration: 9 minutes 10 seconds.

Commissioned by Sydney Philharmonia Choirs.

In August 2017, my beautiful grandfather Arturs passed away. This piece opened up a space in which I could explore and express my grief surrounding the loss of one of the most significant people in my life. He was one of the first people to ever meet me only moments after I was born, and I was one of the last people to witness the life inside his body before he passed away. Through this work I wanted to communicate the raw, unimaginable heartbreak that surrounds the process of watching someone go through the final moments of life.

The premiere performance of this work took place in the Utzon Room at the Sydney Opera House on the 29th April, 2018.

do you remember (2018)

For junior choir (S+A) and piano. Approximate duration: 3 minutes 45 seconds.

Commissioned by Sydney Children’s Choir in conjunction with Sydney Living Museums whilst composer in residence with SCC.

This piece explores the history of Vaucluse House and the family that lived there, and tells the story of Sarah Wentworth's longing for her family to be home together once more.

THE LION OF SYDNEY (2018)

For junior choir (treble) and piano. Approximate duration: 2 minutes 10 seconds.

Commissioned by Sydney Children’s Choir in conjunction with Sydney Living Museums whilst composer in residence with SCC.

This cheeky little piece was composed for the SCC Minisingers and Junior Training Choirs. Inspired by a little cast iron lion that lives beneath the grand staircase in the saloon of Elizabeth Bay House, Sydney, The Lion of Sydney makes sure everyone knows not to tread or clap too loudly, as we wouldn’t want to wake the lion that has been sleeping for hundreds of years!

THE LOST GARDEN (2018)

For junior choir (S+A) and piano. Approximate duration: 3 minutes 15 seconds.

Commissioned by Sydney Children’s Choir in conjunction with Sydney Living Museums whilst composer in residence with SCC.

This piece was inspired by stories of Alexander Macleay's paradise like gardens which surrounded his home now called Elizabeth Bay House. Mr. Macleay was well known for his interest in both native and exotic flora, and we can thank him for introducing new plant species such as the jacaranda tree to Australia's landscape. His family home which can still be visited today is large and grand, and showcases the most majestic staircase that sweeps right up to the ceiling. This piece is dedicated to Mr. Macleay's magical garden, which he spent 8 years creating before building the family home.

AI, ZALAJA LIDACINA (2017)

For SATB choir. Approximate duration: 9 minutes.

This piece was composed for the Sydney Philhamonia Choirs Chamber Choir in conjunction with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s inaugural National Women Composers’ Development Program (2016-17).

The work is centred around a Latvian folk song of the same name.

The premiere performance of this piece took place at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music on the 5th August, 2017.

STAVI STIVI, OZOLIN (2017)

For SSAATTBB vocal ensemble or choir. Approximate duration: 6 minutes 50 seconds.

This piece was originally composed for four vocalists of the Song Company in conjunction with the Gondwana National Composer School of 2017. It has since been revised to accommodate a larger ensemble of 8 individual lines.

The work, inspired by Lutheran chorales (particularly Out of the Deep I Cry to Thee), is based on a traditional Latvian folk text which depicts a big storm boastfully threatening to break the boughs of an oak tree. The song pleads for the oak tree to allow the wind to flow through its branches as to not be harmed by its force. To me, this verse is a beautiful metaphor for life. It emphasises the importance of being vulnerable and courageous, and to practice acceptance and looking forward. To me this piece acts as a prayer that assures peace if one only lets go of that which torments him.

i wonder (2017)

For SSAAB junior choir, percussion and piano. Approximate duration: 4 minutes 30 seconds.

This piece was originally composed in conjunction with the Gondwana National Composer School and was later revised under commission by Young Adelaide Voices.

Have you ever found yourself gazing up at the sky on a clear dark night - the stars twinkling and shining brightly... Wondering what it would be like to travel to the moon? This piece was inspired by my love for our sky in all its phases, and by my growing interest in our solar system and the films which explore its magic.

SVESAS ZEMES VEJS | WIND OF A FOREIGN LAND (2016-17)

For SSAATTBB choir. Approximate duration: 7 minutes 50 seconds.

This piece was commissioned by State Choir LATVIJA as part of their project "Latvijas komponisti Latvijas simtgadei" - a series of commissions and performances by State Choir LATVIJA to celebrate Latvian composers worldwide for Latvia’s centenary. I was asked to create a musical portrait that celebrates the elements, and decided to set the poem ‘Vejs’ (Wind) by Teodors Tomsons who emigrated to Australia following WWII like my grandparents. I was drawn to this poem out of a shared connectedness to the message within - it speaks of longing for ones homeland and all the elements that make it feel so - the sky, the earth, the water, the air...

Wind, wind from a foreign place,

Pick me up, cradle me, hold me in your gentle swing.

Carry me across vast expanses of land and memories...

Over small birch tree forests where the wind rustles through the birch tree leaves...

And where willow trees hang low over blue water.

And to memories of the cranes, calling to one another in a melancholic way,

As they fly across Latvia's pine forests.

AR DIEVINU (2015)

For SATB choir. Approximate duration: 6 minutes 30 seconds.

Commissioned by Latvian choir Pernigele.

Music: Ella Macens. Lyrics: Aina Andersone, my grandmother.

Recording: Performed by the Jazeps Vitols Latvian Academy of Music (JVLMA) choir in Rīga, Latvia in October 2016.