Petals in the Wind

Program Notes

Petals in the Wind was written for the Toronto-based violinist Angel Wang, who was interested in presenting a miniature concerto that could serve as a vehicle for both the Phoenix Orchestra (of which she is the founder and artistic director) and her own soloistic talents. To that end, I conceived of a work whose explicit aim was to be accessible and thematically memorable. The work opens with two melodic 'hooks' - a flowing motive in eighth notes and a sweeping, grandiose character based on the rising perfect fifth - before segueing into a long-limbed vocalise for violin. Although the structure of the piece initially follows the verse-chorus format of a pop song, it departs from this form after the first 'chorus' in favour of a more spontaneous narrative.

The title was an attempt to capture both the work's east-meets-west sensibility, as well as the particular energy of the music, which alternates between moments of lush, cinematic lyricism and virtuosic passages that eventually build to a thrilling climax. The image of petals dancing in the wind suggests a delicate beauty that, on a whim, can transform into something powerful and propulsive.

Performances

• October 24, 2025 - Phoenix Orchestra; Angel Wang, violin. Meridian Centre, North York, ON.

Commissions and Awards

• Commissioned by Angel Wang and the Phoenix Orchestra.