Ross Edwards b. 1943

Australian * Seeks to reconnect music with elemental forces and restore qualities of ritual, spontaneity, and dance * Honors Australia’s culture, draws shapes and patterns from its natural environment, notably birdsong and insect drones * Believes in music’s ability to ‘speak’ for itself rather than prove itself by musicological analysis * Early teachers: Peter Sculthorpe, Richard Meale, Sandor Veress, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies

Works by Ross Edwards include:
White Ghost Dancing (1999) for orchestra
Symphony No. 4, Star Chant (2001) for chorus and orchestra
Bird Spirit Dreaming (2002) for oboe and orchestra

"Edwards has an instinct for sound which goes beyond clever orchestration, and he makes these characteristic features sound fresh and exciting. This is due in part to their sheer sensual gorgeousness, a beauty that bears repetition." --Andante

"A work of transfixing, slow-moving beauty and great mythic power." --The Australian (about Star Chant)