Music

Bright silence was the competition piece for the inaugural Michael Hill International Violin Competition (MHIVC) in June 2001, held in Queenstown where it was played by 18 very different violinists. The competition was won by Joseph Lin.

About the work

I wrote Bright Silence while I was composer-in-residence with the Auckland Philharmonia. It is dedicated to Michael Hill.

The piece is an evocation of Central Otago, the high plateau between the Southern Alps and the coastal plains in the South Island of New Zealand. The area is treeless, rocky, sparsely populated, sometimes snow-covered, and the piece reflects the sounds, silences and ghosts of the area.

Scores and recordings

Bright Silence was published by Waiteata Music Press in 2001.

Bright Silence — publication

Joseph Lin’s performance was released on CD by Waiteata Music Press.

Chamber Music III — CD

SOUNZ also has a CD you can borrow with performances by 5 different violinists at the 2001 Michael Hill Competition.

Bright Silence — SOUNZ

Interview

I was interviewed for an RNZ Concert series about the commissioned works in the Michael Hill competition.

MHIVC Commissions: Gillian Whitehead – Bright Silence — interview