Velasquez In A Room Of Fire by Victoria Pham

Performed June 18th, 2017 @ Brett Whiteley Studio
Commissioned by the Art Gallery of NSW, Chamber Music Series
Performers: Emma Lefroy (Flute), Emma Hunt (Bb Clarinet, Zola Baldwin (Bassoon ), Stephanie Cooper (Oboe) and Evie McEwan (French Horn).

Program Note:
I have always admired the paintings of the 17th century, particularly that of Velásquez. Although it seems quite presumptuous to be composing a work that pays homage to the magnitude of his repertoire, I am, instead, referencing an occurrence to one of his most well-known paintings, Les Meninas. In 1734, a fire ravaged the Alcázar castle where Les Meninas hung. The painting, renowned for its enigmatic composition and complex audience-figure interaction, was saved. My quirky, arguably minimalist in style work, is a reaction to this short, almost anecdotal tale of a Velázquez in a room of fire.