In preparation

The shape of this concerto is based on the life cycle of a rock star, specifically inspired by glam heavy rock lead singers and guitarists of the 1970s and 1980s.

At first, they are exuberant, full of energy, extremely extroverted, and apparently invincible. They are playing to huge crowds, enthralling masses with charisma and irrepressible virtuosity. This is the idea behind the first movement, "Stadium Rock."

However, pride goes before a fall. The second movement, "Rock Bottom," describes a life after musical tastes have moved on. They are no longer in the limelight and are suffering from "Relevance Deprivation Syndrome." No one seems to care, not even themselves, as they sink into a morass of self-pity, self-indulgence and illegal substances. Yet, even at their lowest, the Rock Star is a superb musician at heart. The drive and ambition that brought them fame and fortune persist. Can they pull themselves up and rise to the top again?

Sometimes, an aging Rock Star is rediscovered by a new generation of music lovers. Their music and artistic life may be rediscovered, reconsidered and even remixed. Our hero is no longer the same person, but they still have musical excellence to offer, albeit in a different way. This forms the basis of the third movement.

This is a piece I have wanted to write for 20 years. Rock Star is dedicated to its first soloist, Benett Tsai, and its instigator, Dr. Nicholas Milton AM. Both are superb Australian musicians, and it has been a supreme pleasure working with them to bring this piece to life.