Beyond the Black Stump

“Beyond the Black Stump” is an Australian expression meaning “remote from civilization” or “in the Outback.” This piece offers the composer’s impressions of the Outback, attempting (in only a few minutes!) to convey the mystery, beauty, strangeness, and spirituality of this land that is the figurative and literal core of Australia. This work was commissioned for the 2018 National Flute Association Professional Flute Choir, under the direction of John Bailey.