Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Work Overview

Robbie Haywood is a remarkable woman. A now-retired airforce pilot who also happens to race cars, she describes the cockpit as a place where she could escape from the pain of her gender dysphoria and other troubles, taking refuge in her daydreams and imagination.

Her best years are lived now, at last more in tune with her body, and seen as the woman she is.

The text fragments used in this piece are taken from recorded interviews with Robbie, they are a collection of some of her anecdotes, descriptions, and thoughts about her journey. The excerpts of text match her own wording and characteristic manner of speaking.

Think of this piece as a daydream: we are soaring in the cockpit of a de Havilland Vampire jet along with Robbie, flying over, past and through memories, thoughts, observations, and aspirations.

Work Details

Year: 2023

Instrumentation: Vocal ensemble (2 sopranos, alto, tenor, baritone, bass), 2 violins, viola, cello, bass.

Duration: 9 min.

Difficulty: Advanced — Fast tempo and energy throughout, some aletoric writing, and extensive use of glissandi and microtones for the two violins. Intricate speech rhythms for vocalists.

Commission note: Commissioned by Homophonic!.. Commissioned for the Homophonic! RESPECT Project in 2023.

The composer notes the following styles, genres, influences, etc in relation to this work:
Contemporary classical, storytelling, queer storytelling