Program notes:
Once Upon a Seagull is based on a true story that happened during my week-long vacation in Hobart, Tasmania in January 2026. On the very last day of that holiday, my partner and I decided to enjoy a special dinner of fish and chips by the harbour. It was meant to be calm, peaceful, and relaxing.
But the seagulls of Hobart had a different idea.
Before we knew it, they surrounded us. They stared. They waited. And then... a whole flock of seagulls stole our entire dinner, all while squawking at the top of their lungs. It was loud, surprising, and a little bit scary... but also very, VERY funny.
At first, we were shocked and annoyed. But just a few minutes later, we were laughing uncontrollably. The dinner was gone, but we had a story we would never forget. It turned out to be the most memorable part of our trip.
When we came back home to Brisbane, I told the seagull story to all my friends. Every time I told it, it somehow got bigger, louder, and more dramatic. Then I showed them the seagull socks I had bought soon after the trip — yes, actual socks covered in seagulls — and we all laughed together. The socks were ridiculous. The story was ridiculous. And somehow, that silly moment inspired the music. You want to share everything through music when you are a composer.
Once Upon a Seagull invites listeners into a small seaside fairy tale, where mischief, curiosity, and gentle wonder take flight. It follows a cheeky, curious seagull as it wanders along the seaside — sometimes graceful, sometimes clumsy, and sometimes getting into a bit of trouble.
At heart, Once Upon a Seagull is a celebration of everyday magic, a reminder that even the most ordinary creatures can become the heroes of their own charming little tales.
Program notes:
Once Upon a Seagull is based on a true story that happened during my week-long vacation in Hobart, Tasmania in January 2026. On the very last day of that holiday, my partner and I decided to enjoy a special dinner of fish and chips by the harbour. It was meant to be calm, peaceful, and relaxing.
But the seagulls of Hobart had a different idea.
Before we knew it, they surrounded us. They stared. They waited. And then... a whole flock of seagulls stole our entire dinner, all while squawking at the top of their lungs. It was loud, surprising, and a little bit scary... but also very, VERY funny.
At first, we were shocked and annoyed. But just a few minutes later, we were laughing uncontrollably. The dinner was gone, but we had a story we would never forget. It turned out to be the most memorable part of our trip.
When we came back home to Brisbane, I told the seagull story to all my friends. Every time I told it, it somehow got bigger, louder, and more dramatic. Then I showed them the seagull socks I had bought soon after the trip — yes, actual socks covered in seagulls — and we all laughed together. The socks were ridiculous. The story was ridiculous. And somehow, that silly moment inspired the music. You want to share everything through music when you are a composer.
Once Upon a Seagull invites listeners into a small seaside fairy tale, where mischief, curiosity, and gentle wonder take flight. It follows a cheeky, curious seagull as it wanders along the seaside — sometimes graceful, sometimes clumsy, and sometimes getting into a bit of trouble.
At heart, Once Upon a Seagull is a celebration of everyday magic, a reminder that even the most ordinary creatures can become the heroes of their own charming little tales.