On August 9, Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Brisbane Chorale will perform the world premiere of my very dramatic choral/symphonic work Peace at the Last at their ‘Not The Last Night of the Proms’ concert in the QPAC Concert Hall, under the baton of Maestro Alondra de la Parra. Taking after the great British Proms concert tradition, my piece is included amongst a colourful assortment of works by Australians, Americans and Brits, including the usual pomp and ceremony associated with those wonderful musical events. Appropriately, my work is full of celebration and a touch of humour, but the overriding message is simple and serious: world peace.

Joseph Twist, Joe TwistJoseph Twist. Photo © George Popov

Peace At The Last is a setting of words from the sermon Wisdom and Innocence by British Cardinal John Henry Newman. It is a passionate plea for respite from the pressures of daily life and the ultimate hope of peace.

“May He support us all the day long, till the shades lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in His mercy may He give us a...