Equilibrium

In Term 2 2022, KYO commissed Zoe Gougousidis to compose a work catered to high school orchestras, inspired by the state of equilibrium.

Video

Premiere performance at Old & New concert

About the piece

Equilibrium is the state that occurs when two opposing forces reach a balance – this is an extremely important process, which can be seen throughout the natural and scientific worlds. Equilibrium aims to represent this process musically, through the use of three contrasting themes. The first is a recurring theme, a lyrical and calm passage that represents balance and equilibrium. There are two other contrasting themes representing the two opposing forces that need to be balanced – a fast and energetic passage that aims for a bright and almost manic sound, and a brooding and powerful section featuring the pounding low end of the orchestra and march-like percussion. Each time the first theme recurs, it incorporates motifs from the other two sections – representing that to reach equilibrium, the two opposing forces must be balanced.

In addition to this, the piece takes inspiration from cinematic music, as well as aiming to provide ample playing time for every musician, including numerous opportunities for solo and section features throughout the work.

Instrumentation

Equilibrium was composed for a standard orchestra. The instrumentation is as follows:

Piccolo, 2 Flutes, 2 Clarinets in Bb, 2 Oboes, 2 Bassoons, 4 Horns in F, 4 Trumpets, 3 Trombones (2 Tenor, 1 Bass), Tuba, Timpani, 2 Percussion*, Strings.
*Triangle, Suspended Cymbal, Bass Drum, Woodblocks, Vibraphone, Snare Drum, Tambourine.

Free sample

The first 10 pages of Equilibrium are available as a FREE download below.

The composer – Zoe Gougousidis

Zoe Gougousidis is a composer, euphonium player and trombonist based in Sydney, Australia. She began completing a BMus(Composition) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 2020, studying under Daniel Rojas, Paul Stanhope, Damien Ricketson and Holly Harrison.

She has composed for a wide range of ensembles and styles – from orchestras, wind bands and brass bands to jazz combos, chamber ensembles and solo works. Zoe has written works for ensembles around Sydney, including a commissioned work by the Kuringai Youth Orchestra in 2022, Warringah Concert Brass and Continuum Sax. Additionally, Zoe has previously been selected as a finalist in the Australian Women’s Wind Band Composition Award (2021), with a premiere by the Queensland Wind Orchestra set for 2022, and was a winner in the Artology Fanfare Composition Award (2021), premiered by the Sydney Youth Orchestra in April 2022.

Outside of composition, Zoe is an experienced performer and sound engineer. She has studied Euphonium under Brad Lucas and James Blackford, and currently performs and competes with Warringah Concert Brass as First Baritone. She is also a jazz and classical Trombonist. She has acted as Head Audio Engineer for numerous concerts and recording sessions at the Conservatorium, as well as recording and mixing audio for her own compositions.

Zoe’s YouTube Channel:
Zoe Gougousidis

Purchase

This work is available for purchase for $60. Included in the purchase is a PDF of the full score and parts, which will be sent digitally to the recipient. A hard copy of the score and parts can be arranged for an additional fee. To purchase, please contact zoegougousidis@gmail.com.