Simon Mawhinney Flux for solo piano duration: 4 to 6 minutes Flux One of the most notable aspects of contemporary music is the continuing breach between ‘acoustic’ and ‘electronic’ music. In both aesthetic and technical terms, there is often a lack of communication between these two modes of operation, which acts to the detriment of both. Some of the most exciting work being carried out in the field of composition is where attempts are made to bridge this gap. Flux reflects my interest in this sphere of activity. I have adopted a system of notation which enables the performer to exercise freedom over the various rhythms and durations throughout the piece. This flexibility ensures that the piece usually lasts between 4 to 6 minutes. Flux can be performed with or without amplification. Simon Mawhinney was born in County Armagh in 1976. He holds a BA in Music from Oxford University, an MA from York University, and is currently a 2nd year PhD student in Composition at Queen's University, Belfast, where his supervisor is Piers Hellawell. His compositions have been performed throughout the British Isles and Europe by a wide variety of performers. More recently, his Lavender – dirge for Clarinet and Ensembles won the Northern Sinfonia Young Composers Award and was performed twice by the Northern Sinfonia under Heinrich Schiff in February 2001. From July 2001, his work is represented by the Contemporary Music Centre in Dublin (www.cmc.ie). In addition to his work as a composer, Simon makes frequent appearances as a pianist. Recent engagements include critically acclaimed performances of Debussy’s Preludes, and performances of works for piano and electronics in Holland and Spain. Back to shortlist.