From saxophone orchestra to wind symphony, Katia’s latest piece showcases woodwind in a new and innovative way.

Work First Light at Uluru for Wind Symphony
Composer Katia Beaugeais
Scored for Wind Symphony
Commissioned by Dr John Lynch and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Matt Klohs
Premiere September 24, 2016
Performers Sydney Conservatorium Wind Symphony, Dr John Lynch

First Light at Uluru was originally composed for the Queensland Conservatorium Saxophone Orchestra and received world premiere performances at the 2015 World Saxophone Congress in Strasbourg featuring thirty saxophonists, the Selmer Saxophone Showrooms in Paris, and in a joint concert with the Royal Northern College of Music Saxophone Orchestra in England. Australian performances included the Sydney Conservatorium Saxophone Orchestra and QCSO’s CD launch in Brisbane.

The aim of this new version for wind symphony is to convey the Aboriginal significance and sacred earth of Uluru. Uluru means ‘Earth Mother’, and is sacred to the Anangu, the Aboriginal people of the area. The 8.6 square kilometre rock is believed to hold a powerful energy source and marks the place where Dreamtime began. Symbolic ‘didgeridoo-like’ vibrato sounds and special atmospheric sound effects symbolise its cultural significance and spiritual atmosphere.