About the creation

Aurora, concerto for piccolo and chamber orchestra, was commissioned by the Cleveland Orchestra for its piccolo soloist Mary Kay Fink. The piece is comprised of three segments played without breaks, with each segment displaying a different characteristic: a soulful first portion leading to a lyrical second part and concluding with an energetic and fast section. "It was important to me to bring out the fantastic melodic potential that results from the exceptional ranges of this unusual instrument. For me, the piccolo is highly expressive lyrical and dramatic instrument and not just an ornamental or orchestration device. Some of the ensemble sections draw from my native region's heterophonic musical textures, and one of my favorite percussion instruments (the tubular bells) is given an opportunity to sound its unique voice as well. "I am indebted to Mary Kay Fink for her important contribution to the final structural shape of this work."

Oded Zehavi