Antarctic Work
In early 2020, I was fortunate to travel to the Antarctic Peninsula as part of the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust’s 2020 Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ to Antarctica. Following our return to Aotearoa, and as part of my role as an AHT Inspiring Explorer, I completed a series of works which share the sounds and essence of Antarctica with New Zealand communities.
The five works culminating from this project have gone on to be performed around the country and internationally. In May 2022, the Antarctic Heritage Trust arranged a a portrait concert of the complete series, titled A Musical Journey to Antarctica accompanied by stunning visuals of Antarctica captured by renowned Antarctic filmmaker and photographer Anthony Powell. This concert took place at The Piano in Christchurch, New Zealand and was live streamed on 12 May 2022. You can watch the concert in full here.
Please see more information on the individual works below.
Ephemeral Bounds
(2021)
spatialised orchestra
3333 / 4(2 parts, doubled)33(2 parts, Tromb1 doubled)1 / Timp+2perc / Harp / Piano / Strings 14.12.10.8.6
13 minutes
Composed as part of the Antarctic Heritage Trust Inspiring Explorers Expedition 2020,
Performed by the New Zealand Youth Orchestra and members of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Gemma New, 2021.
On Satin Waters
(2020)
violin, viola, tape
also rearranged for violin, cello, tape
12 minutes
Composed as part of the Antarctic Heritage Trust Inspiring Explorers Expedition 2020, performed by Nathaniel Otley and Mark Menzies. Recorded by Orange Studios.
On Whistling Sands
(2020)
Bass Flute, Violin, Guitar
5 minutes
Performed by Marlene Cooper, Mark Menzies and Chris Everest (begin video below at 36:55).
Wavering Horizon
(2020)
flute
6 minutes
Composed as part of the Antarctic Heritage Trust Inspiring Explorers Expedition 2020.
Premiered by Jennifer Timmins, Melbourne, 2021.
Ushuaia Sketches
(2020)
violin
7 minutes
Composed as part of the Antarctic Heritage Trust Inspiring Explorers Expedition 2020.
Performed by Johnny Chang at Audio Foundation.
For more information about my Antarctica series, and to watch the full portrait concert of my Antarctic themed works performed at The Piano in Ōtautahi Christchurch, please visit
A Musical Journey to Antarctica
Ihlara McIndoe. 