“Ray Lin’s composition was [such a] highlight for me. Contemporary and so relevant to the local audience. I could close my eyes and see visions of the landscapes that inspired him. Loved it!” Megan Sidey, audience member (Mossman, May 2023).
Each year, Camerata commissions their Emerging Composer-in-Residence to compose a piece based on a regional area of Queensland, as part of our annual tour.
This year, Ray Lin, Camerata’s 2023 Emerging Composer-In-Residence, composed Journey Through The Enchanted Landscapes based on his experience exploring the towns of Proserpine, Collinsville and the Airlie Beach area in Far North Queensland in March.
About Journey Through The Enchanted Landscapes, Ray writes:
“This composition is based on my experience on the trip to Proserpine, Collinsville and the Airlie Beach area in North Queensland, and the main theme in this piece is constructed using the letters of “Proserpine” lined up to a musical scale from G to G. The music invites the listeners on an immersive sonic journey through the diverse landscapes I observed and is structured in six different sections, each reflecting a distinct natural setting and the emotions it evokes. From the tranquillity of the sugarcane field to the mystery of the hidden crocodiles, and from the depths of the ocean to the freedom of an open road, this piece invites the audience to embark on an inspiring and immersive journey through the enchanted landscapes of North Queensland.”
Audiences across Regional Queensland loved Ray’s piece and could relate and connect to his composition, which celebrates the region. Donna Smith, an audience member from Mossman shared that she “definitely could connect with each of his 6 journeys and identify them”. David Harris, an audience member from the Sunshine Coast, said “Ray Lin’s piece was a revelation to me. We both loved how it captured the journey through Queensland!”.
Last week, Camerata delighted audiences again by giving Journey Through the Enchanted Landscapes its South-East Queensland premiere, as part of our Wild Card Mystery Segment during Viva Violin in Toowoomba and Brisbane.
“[Ray Lin’s] composition proved to be an unexpected highlight for even the most traditional classical music enthusiasts. Lin’s melodic and evocative work transported the audience on a gentle yet profound journey, earning him a well-deserved moment of appreciation on stage alongside the other talented musicians.” John Patton, WeekendNotes.
You can listen to a number of commissions from previous tours on Sunshine Sounds, released in May 2023. We hope to record Ray’s work in time!
