Originally composed as a work for young students (see below) I quickly found that Journey to the Mythical Place was a favorite, both with the members of the Elektra String Quartet as well as with the audiences we played to in our metropolitan and Outback touring programs.

Whilst performing it successfully was not without its challenges (the 'simpler' the writing, the more exposed; and hence the control required (ask any string player!)) this work is equally suited to adult players of a less than professional standard.

Reflections and historical

I began composing this work on the morning of 1st August, 1984, while waiting for a lift to the Tamusca Music Camp, where I was to be conducting the Junior String Orchestra. Having just seen the proposed repertoire for the group, I realised none of it was technically (nor musically) appropriate for the kids. Given the time frame, (I was to conduct the first rehearsal the next morning!) the simplest solution was to compose a work specifically designed for beginner to semi-beginner strings.

Completed in the afternoon, I played through it with my colleagues from the New England String Quartet after dinner- I went to bed in a peaceful frame of mind, ready for rehearsal the next morning!

Available on the Luminous album