An Attack is Taking Place derives its title from a Cold War-era information film that prominently displayed the words “AN ATTACK IS NOT TAKING PLACE” at key moments throughout the film. The composition uses this and other references to the era’s heightened tensions to reflect on the “culture wars” unfolding today. The work considers whether this divisive discourse, if taken to the extreme, leaves room for human decency and meaningful political debate in our society today.
An Attack is Taking Place is a culmination piece of my PhD research and is dedicated to my Mum and Dad.
An Attack is Taking Place was commissioned for the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra and received its premiere conducted by Michael Seal at The Bradshaw Hall in Birmingham on October 25, 2024.
Orchestration: 2.2.2[1.2/bcl].2 | 4.2.3.1 | T | 2P | Str[ideally:12.10.8.6.4+]
Score and parts available from Composers Edition
