10 to the power 62

The biggest news of the last month or so was the world première of the first section of my epic 10 to the power 62, for saxophone solo and twelve saxophones, which was performed at Northwestern University Chicago on March 2 2026, in connection with Chicago Saxophone Day. Thomas Giles played the solo soprano saxophone part and the whole ensemble was directed by Taimur Sullivan. For the last six months I have been working rather hermetically on the piece, so for me this is not just a premiere but a sort of culmination, the realisation and vindication of both my musical vision and my approach to massed saxophones. Conceptually, the work tackles the same range as the Eames’ film Powers of Ten, from the infinitesimally small to the cosmic, and this 18′ initial Part is a musical commentary that moves from the Planck Length to the Molecular scale – it ends just before animalia creep into view. A performance of real sweep, this was among the most inspiring premières any work of mine has ever had.

I should also acknowledge here the contribution of Nicholas Batina, who engraved the score and created parts for 10 to the power 62, without which there would have been no performance. Thanks, Nick!

Similarly, without Taimur Sullivan’s excellent direction and musical insight the performance would have been nowhere near as compelling. Thanks, Taimur!