 Compositions
I started composing more often and with enthusiasm in my late forties, as an extension of a tendency to improvise on my chosen instrument. Naturally I focussed then on what I knew best: the cello, and piano and strings in general. As my skills and confidence grew so too did my opportunities. And these have been nicely varied. For example, I would write something new for a dance performance that also called for solo Bach or improvising (Mirramu Dance Company 2010), or I would write for a string orchestra that I was conducting (Steel City Strings 2003-4), or I would be commissioned (AYO/Arthur Bridge 2005), or I would compose a piece to complement a radio broadcast recital (ABC Sunday Live from Canberra 2009), or, as a final example, given the task of designing a program for an occasion, I would interpolate something new of my own (Anthem for the Asian Model United Nations Conference- ANU 2011). Mostly I am inspired by stories or images that evoke in me a strong emotional response that dictates certain kinds of sounds. As a composer I am a relatively late starter, but one of my advantages is to have played and listened to so much music of diverse styles. I am pleased when I am able to combine (in my musician's work) performing, with teaching, with composing, and with writing about music.
Compositions listed in alphabetical order:
Above and Beyond (2009)
Cello and harp (or piano)
This work was developed from the slow movement of Brindabella Night. First performance by David Pereira (cello) and Hilary Manning (harp) as part of River by the Mirramu Dance Company, 21 November 2009. Approximate duration: 4' 30''.
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Amy's Walk to the Altar (2005)
ISMN: VOWYS M900953643
Solo cello
This work was composed for the wedding of Amy and Allan Gruber and was performed by the composer during the bride's walk to the altar. Approximate duration: 2' 30''.
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Anthem for the Asian Model United Nations Conference - ANU (2011)
Soprano, piano, saxophone, cello and drums
A composition celebrating youth, pacifism, cooperation between peoples, and loving kindness. Premiered at the Opening Ceremony of AMUNC 2011 at LLewellyn Hall, the Australian National University, Australia, by Rachel Thoms, soprano; Andrew Rumsey, piano; Thomas Fawcett, saxophone; James Larsen, cello; and Aiden Lowe, drums. Approximate duration: 7''.
Bitter Night (2005)
ISMN: VOWYS M900953612
Solo viola, two violins and two celli
This work was commissioned by Father Arthur E. Bridge and Ars Musica Australis. It was first performed within the Young Australian Concert Artists programme run by the Australian Youth Orchestra on October 14, 2005 at the Burgmann College Chapel, Australian National University, Canberra. The work is in five movements: denial, anger, pain, despair, hope, epiphany. Approximate duration: 13'.
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Black Mountain Views (2002)
ISMN: VOWYS M900952202
Solo cello
This work was composed in collaboration with artist Micky Allan for the exhibition Collaborations: Artists and Musicians, curated by Merryn Gates. The work is in four movements: Early, Sun, Storm and Late, and is listed in the Australian Music Examinations Board syllabus at A. Mus. A. level. Approximate duration: 13'.
Russell Smith, Artists & Musicians: Collaborations, Muse, May 2003:
Micky Allan (painter) and David Pereira (cellist) improvised their collaboration, Black Mountain Quartet over a few intense hours in the gallery, structuring their compositions around four different times of the day with key words ('tender' and 'stormy') to set the mood. Pereira produced a four-movement solo cello piece, and Allan a sequence of four dynamic and moody landscapes with swift brushstrokes of pure colour that occasionally spilt across the walls of the gallery. Pereira performed his composition in the gallery on April 13.
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Blighted Affection (2005)
ISMN: VOWYS M900953636
Solo clarinet, solo violin and string orchestra (violin I & II, viola, cello)
This work was premiered by Deborah de Graaf (clarinet), Scott Taggart (violin) and the Steel City Strings, June 2005. Inspired by the Berry School of Arts Journal (c. 1880s) David was drawn to the shockingly unveiled expressions of gender friction in the essays Abolition of Old Maids, The Decline of Matrimony, Sorrows of the Married Man and Should Ladies Ride Bicycles? and proceeded to make music out of these colourful texts.
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Brindabella Night (2003)
ISMN: VOWYS M900952264
Solo cello
Brindabella Night was written simultaneously with artist Micky Allan's painting of matching pictures. Micky and David visited the Cotter River at the foot of the Brindabella Range in order to select five visual images - Sunset Silhouette, Forgotten Playground, Love's Secret Place, Above and Beyond and Dawn River. Approximate duration: 12'.
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Circus for Seven (2005)
Flute, clarinet, piano and string quartet (two violins, viola and cello)
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Compassion Beyond, Compassion Within (2009)
Solo viola and five celli
Approximate duration of each movement: 7'.
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Great Rock (2001)
ISMN: VOWYS M900952219
Solo cello
Great Rock can be heard played by the composer on Uluru, Tall Poppies TP069. Approximate duration: 6'.
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Lullaby for Yvana (2009)
ISMN: VOWYS M900953681
Cello and harp (or piano)
This work was written for David's youngest daughter Yvana, born in March 2009. It was first performed by David Pereira (cello) and Alice Giles on 17 April 2009, as part of the David Pereira Cello Series at the Wesley Music Centre.
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Philos - concerto for cello with strings and percussion (2004)
ISMN: VOWYS M900952271 (cello part), VOWYS M900952295 (full score)
Solo cello, percussion and strings
The first performance of this work was held in the Wollongong Town Hall on 20 August 2004, with David Pereira as soloist with the Steel City Strings, conducted by Phillip Green.
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Picnic at Fitzroy Falls (2005)
String orchestra (two violins, viola, cello, double bass)
Approximate duration: 20'.
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River Sprites (2009)
Cello and harp (or piano)
The first performance of this work was by David Pereira (cello) and Hilary Manning (harp) as part of River by the Mirramu Dance Company, 21 November 2009.
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Song for Gillian (2009)
Cello and harp (or piano)
This work was written for David's wife, Gillian. It was first performed by David Pereira (cello) and Alice Giles on 17 April 2009, as part of the David Pereira Cello Series at the Wesley Music Centre.
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Totem (2003)
ISMN: VOWYS M900952257
Solo cello
This work is dedicated to Belinda Webster and the Tall Poppies aspiration.
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Photograph:
David Pereira and dancers from the Mirramu Dance Company, October 2009. Photograph by Barbie Robinson. | 
