Gardens of Stone

MUSIC

Jabiru Dreaming

Chorale & Ecstatic Dance

Past Life Melodies

Out of the Blue...

Gardens of Stone

The Gardens of Stone National Park (see photo above, middle) is in the Blue Mountains World Heritage area west of Sydney, where the stunning rock formations are characterised by their pagoda-like shape. These awe-inspiring outcrops of sandstone contain lacings of ironstone which create intricate surface detail. The composition Gardens of Stone was written in celebration of the 50 year anniversary of the official gazettal of the Blue Mountains National Park. Gardens of Stone is dedicated to Wyn Jones, a passionate bushwalker and educator with a great knowledge of the wilderness and a longstanding commitment to the conservation of the Blue Mountains. The music features the didgeridoo in B and C# with string orchestra. Its premiere was given by Orpheus Strings of Katoomba in September of 2009 with guest artist Michael Jackson playing didjeridu.

Amanda Handel

Amanda Handel's diverse musical interests and influences inhabit her sound world and provide a distinctive voice. In 2003 she completed an M.A. (Hons) degree at the University of Western Sydney. Her thesis Music of Balance: Circles and Squares explores the mandala symbol employed in the compositional process. This principle is demonstrated in a large portfolio of original scores and acoustic recordings. In 2004 and again in 2007 Amanda studied flamenco music in Madrid. In Spain she made field recordings for a collaborative work with sound designer G.L. Seiler. In 2006 their album Ghosts and Angels was released to critical acclaim and was a finalist in the Australian Music Prize. Amanda is currently recording a program of compositions for piano and didjeridu inspired by the Australian land and natural environment.

Gardens of Stone - Amanda Handel