Written for a DOUBLE Premiere in two hemispheres within mere hours of each other - it was the planetary nature of this piece that inspired the name. The Aurora Borealis and the Aurora Australis are the things which are common to both antipodes so this seemed like the perfect chance to write another “space-age” piece!

It begins with a “Jacob Collier Style Audience Choir” where the parts are given four figures which can be played at ANY dynamic, and in any order, decided upon by the conductor on the performance day. As a result there are (apparently) more than 4.3 QUADRILLION possible ways to begin this piece - as there are seven parts, any of which could start with any combination of other parts at the same time, four figures, and each figure having six possible dynamics - once you start multiplying up the possibilities - the numbers become truly astronomical!
After this soundscape intro we’re into groovy, commercial music territory, with a catchy tune, a cross-rhythmic riff, thick, satisfying, crunchy chords and a load of cool contemporary techniques to get the group energised! With a little call-back to the beginning right before we hit our satisfying, and crowd-pleasing end!

Instrumentation:
Flute x 4
Alto Flute x 2
Bass/Contrabass Flute x 1 (with optional contra-specific writing from bar 79-94)