Whispers

for string quartet (2022)

Endangered species are often rendered invisible as a result of low population numbers. With the advent of inexpensive long-duration field recording equipment, instead these species can again be found through listening for their calls. ‘Whispers’ is an encapsulation of the vocalisation endangered species in South Australia, marking their discovery and decline since the founding of the colony in 1836 to the present day and beyond.

Commissioned by Chamber Music Adelaide and MOD. as part of their 2022 Invisibility Commissions. More information on the commissions can be found in Limelight Magazine.

Premiered by Lachlan Bramble, Emma Perkins, and Martin Alexander (viola) and Sharon Grigoryan at MOD. on October 15 and November 12.

Recorded at Wizard Tone Studios by Sam Lench in February 2023.