Light is both a particle and a wave is a new 20-minute work for chamber ensemble by Matthew Hindson, commissioned by Justice Jane Mathews OA, for the Australia Ensemble, one of Australia’s longest running and most recognised chamber groups.  It will be premiered by them in the Sir John Clancy Auditorium, University of New South Wales, Sydney on 23 October 2010.
 
The work is cast in two movements: "Light is both a particle and a wave" and "Near the speed of light".  It is scored for flute, clarinet in A, piano and string quartet.

The composer writes that the piece is based upon two main ideas:

“First, some of the physical properties of light, including its dual nature as a particle and a wave, and that time is perceived to slow down the closer to the speed of light at which one travels; and second, the present and imagined future notions of technological progress – from the rough and tumble competition of today’s innovation to a more altruistic future.”

For more details about the piece, click here.