Further information about these works can be obtained by email

Opera

Between Two Silences - Chamber Opera for three Sopranos, four Cellos and Piano (click on Between Two Silences tab for further details)

Threat Level - Chamber Opera for 6 Soloists and Orchestra (Commissioned by Scottish Opera, 2008)  

Libretti by Carol S. Lashof

Orchestral

Sueno's Stone - for Solo Piano and Orchestra (duration: 8 minutes)

Programme Note: Sueno's Stone is the tallest and most complex piece of early medieval sculpture in Scotland. On the east side of the stone there are carvings of soldiers and various bloody scenes of war. On the west side is a delicate and elaborate ring-headed cross. The thunderous opening of this piece is an evocation not only of the battles depicted on the stone, but also of the brute force that was required to fashion the stone itself. The lyrical gestures and tranquility of the central section of the piece are a depiction of the ring-headed cross, which acts as a lasting memorial to the dead soldiers. But we have not yet escaped the brutality of war, and the cataclysmic music of the opening returns with even more force and drags us back into a ferocious final battle.

CHASM - a dance for orchestra (duration: 10 minutes)

CHASM exists in two slightly different versions. The first version (from 2007) features an electric bass guitar amongst the orchestral forces, and the second version (from 2008) is for a standard symphony orchestra. Both versions are yet to be premiered and are available to hire, please contact me for further details.

Chamber / Solo Instrumental

Lament - for String Quartet (duration: 7 minutes, 30 seconds)

Lament - revised version for String Orchestra (duration: 7 minutes)

Ballindalloch - for solo Clarsach (duration: 4 minutes, 40 seconds)
Commissioned by William Taylor. 

You - for Piano and String Orchestra (duration: 4 minutes)

Randolph's Leap - for Piano and String Orchestra (duration: c.4 minutes)

Hushed Deep - for violin and piano

 Vocal / Choral

From the Song of Solomon - for three Sopranos, Mezzo-soprano and Clarsach (duration: 4 minutes)

The first performance was given by Canty (with Bill Taylor on Clarsach) at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh, on 22 February 2007. Subsequent performances were given by the same ensemble at St Mary's RC Cathedral, Aberdeen, on 23 February; St Salvator's Chapel, St Andrews University, on 24 February; St Andrews in the Square, Glasgow, on 25 February 2007. This piece has been further performed by Canty at St Peters RC Church, Glasgow, on 22 June 2008 and in the Nave at York Minster as part of the "Afro Saxon Sound Clash" (alongside the world premiere of Two Hadiths by Sir John Tavener) on 23 October 2008. 

Programme Note: From the Song of Solomon (2007) is a setting of Chapter 2, Verses 10-13 of "The Song of Solomon". Although this particular text has been subjected to countless allegorical interpretations throughout its history (most pertinently that of the relationship of the Virgin Mary to God, a reading which was particularly prevalent in the medieval church), I wanted my setting of these verses to reflect the unusual and disarmingly romantic simplicity of the text. "Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away". A heartfelt plea, but not a desperate or anxious one, rather a gentle awakening of one's beloved from a deep and peaceful sleep. From the Song of Solomon was composed for, and is dedicated to, Canty.

The Stars in their Courses - for three Sopranos, Mezzo-soprano and Clarsach (duration: 4 minutes)

The first performance was given by Canty (with Bill Taylor on Clarsach) in Glasgow Cathedral on 31st January 2009. Recording on Linn Records due for release on 23 August 2010

Parting - for soprano and piano (duration: 3 minutes)
Commissioned by TangoDuo (Monica Acosta and Julia Kalnobricka). First performance: 13th February, 2008, Burgh House, Hampstead, London, England. Subsequent performance by Gordonstoun Senior Girls' Choir at Gordonstoun School, Scotland, on 28th February 2008.

Earth - for children's choir (duration: 4 minutes)
Earth is dedicated to the Aberlour House Senior Choir.
The first performance was given by the Aberlour House Senior Choir in the Chapel at Gordonstoun School, Scotland, on 23rd November, 2007.

 I shall never fear - for children's choir (duration: 3 minutes 30 seconds)
I shall never fear is dedicated to Charlotte Rombout. 

 Music Theatre

Persephone Underground - a musical play by
Carol S. Lashof.

Featuring an original score for piano and string quartet by James McCarthy