Programme Notes – Sonatina for flute, viola and harp (2024)

Sonatina for flute, viola and harp was written in 2024 at the invitation of the harpist and former Head of Harp at the Royal Academy of Music Skaila Kanga. It is intended to form a companion piece to the Debussy sonata and the Richard Rodney Bennett Sonata after Syrinx. There are three short movements in this 10-minute work. The mood is predominately carefree and tranquil, although the third movement briefly suggests something more grotesque, followed by a darker episode where I draw upon material from my Viola Concert of 1992. The ending is very joyful.