**Sheet music available at Sheet Music Direct and Sheet Music Plus**

Iridescent Hollow is a mystical setting in a fabled forest in which iridescent, balletic, mysterious owls, called Q’iri, live. They range in size from elephantine creatures, towering about three meters tall, to tiny, roundish beings, no bigger than a human child’s fingernail. They emerge in the darkness of night and are invisible to onlookers until summer’s first full moon. It is then that these owls show off their resplendent, otherworldly colors and traditional, spirited dances to any passers-by. It is told that they are quite magical and possess tremendous healing powers. During their yearly display, they choose a young individual from the visiting crowds who has been suffering from a terminal illness, and they not only fully heal the child, they transform her into one of their own, never to experience suffering, sadness, or sickness again.

In the opening of the piece, the Q’iri owls are waking from their daytime slumber, yawning, stretching, and chattering as they prepare for their exciting evening displays. They begin to coalesce around a central gathering area, as optimism builds. Toward the end of the opening, an optimistic, pastoral theme emerges, albeit briefly. Then, the Q’iri burst forth into a vibrant, animated dance as they begin the annual summer festivities. Often, youngsters from the crowd are invited to join. Right after the opening dance, one of the brilliantly decorated elders of the Q’iri comes forth and introduces himself in a twirling, solo display, leading into even more glorious group and solo dances. Soon, however, a mysterious wind blows, indicating it is nearing the time to select a youngster from the crowd who desperately needs healing and transformation. It is then that the more austere Q’iri elders circle the group in form. The chosen youngster is then ushered into the center of the Q’iri gathering and the elders cover the child with their iridescent feathers as they begin their mystical healing and transformation ceremony.

A high flute flourish heralds the beginning of new life for the once-suffering child. Meanwhile, the elders continue their deeply mystical healing dance, with sober concentration. With each circle they complete around the child, more optimism builds, until, again, the Q’iri burst forth in dance, with their newly metamorphosed member joining in her healed body. Alas, this triumphant time is also mixed with a wistful sadness as the family members of the child must say their “goodbyes” in a formal procession. But, the joy of knowing the child will never suffer again in her new form--and the anticipation of being reunited at the next festival--soon overpowers the sorrowful moments. At the end, the familiar, optimistic high flute flourish signals the reborn Q’iri waving goodbye, with promises to return for next year’s festival. The crowd, with renewed optimism, disperses, as the Q’iri owls return to their mystical, nocturnal, reclusive routines.

COVER ART BY: Benjamin Southwick

***It is the composer's desire that a portion of any proceeds from performances or sheet music sales be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

**Sheet music available at Sheet Music Direct and Sheet Music Plus**