With Barren Heart (2022)
(for Mezzo Soprano, Clarinet and Piano)

Written for mezzo soprano, clarinet, and piano and composed to a poem of the same name by Trish Dean, With Barren Heart represents the sarcasm and slight loathing I hold towards my country. Trish's words dramatically cover all the distasteful elements of our heritage while also being a tongue-in-cheek homage to so many of the lovable larrikin aspects of our culture. The song was commissioned by Opera Queensland and written for mezzo soprano Lotte Betts-Dean and pianist Daniel de Borah. It was premiered at Queensland Music Festival's Opera at Jimbour on 5 May, 2023.