Edwards, who is regarded as one of Australia's preeminent and most influential composers, has specifically written Frog and Star Cycle to be performed by Dickson and Currie and is filled with praise for the exceptionally talented pair.
"Amy is an extraordinary performer. She's full of enthusiasm, game for anything and also just a lovely person to work with," Edwards says. "This is the first time I've worked with Colin but I've heard him perform many times and he's just a phenomenon - absolutely amazing and extraordinarily athletic. And best of all, like Amy, he likes a challenge - nothing's too difficult!"
Dickson, who shares a special friendship with Edwards and has collaborated with him on a number of compositions - including the premiere of his saxophone concerto Full Moon Dances - approached the composer to write the double concerto. Like many of Edwards' other works, Frog and Star Cycle is inspired by nature and will require the soloists to embody spiritual 'characters'.
"Amy will perform the role of the serene Earth Mother, a role she's become accustomed to
performing in my music, and as such will be dressed in a long white gown," Edwards says. "Colin will take on the role of the Shaman - a healer with access to the spirit world and a strong affiliation with frogs. He's very excited to see the costume that we come up with for him!"
Frog and Star Cycle has been commissioned by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra with the generous support Andrew Kaldor AM and Renata Kaldor AO.
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