The Butterfly Effect (2023)

Commissioned by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Premiered 14th June 2023 at Symphony Hall, conducted by Kazuki Yamada

c. 9”30 ww: 3333 (fl3=pic. ob3 = cor. cl3=bass., bsn3=ctra) brass: 4331, perc: 3+timp+hp, strings

Programme Notes

The Butterly Effect: defined by the idea that a small action can have larger implications on a more complex system. The concept is imagined with a butterfly flapping its wings in one location, causing a hurricane elsewhere. Having contemplated this idea for some time prior to writing the piece, and upon noticing the rest of this programme (Britten and Elgar, both RCM Alumni), Dani has reflected on the impact of that single decision to study there, onto every other part of her life, professionally and personally. It was upon hearing a performance of Joseph Horovitz’s Clarinet Sonatina performed by Andrew Simon and Warren Lee as a teenager (of which you may hear quotations within the piece), and later meeting the wonderful composer and professor of the RCM, of whom the piece is dedicated to, that was certainly one of the most influential moments in time, affecting so much that followed. The work begins with a small and simple idea, heard by the viola’s and clarinet, that gradually expands and lengthens, pushing itself forward to create an almost ‘chain reaction’, into a much larger finale.

The piece was commissioned by the CBSO, and generously supported by Chris Oakley and Steven Christie as part of the CBSO Centenary Commissions.

Subsequent Performances

27/06/2024 - Royal College of Music Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Martyn Brabbins
28/11/2024 - Symphony Orchestra of Castilla y León, conducted by Thierry Fischer *European Premiere
01/10/2025 - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mark Wigglesworth
21/11/2025 - Amarillo Symphony Orchestra, conducted by George Jackson *US Premiere
22/11/2025 - Amarillo Symphony Orchestra, conducted by George Jackson