On 23 September, Paul Dean will return to Barragga Bay to perform with a chamber iteration of Ensemble Q inside the Four Winds Windsong Pavilion – though, there’s a new trick up his sleeve. The Queensland-based composer and clarinettist has been commissioned by Four Winds to write and rehearse a new work during a residency at the venue this month.

Paul Dean stands holding his clarinet with his back turned to Trish Dean, who faces forward holding her cello.

Paul and Trish Dean. Photo supplied

His directive? To write a piece that can be played by both young students and accomplished professional musicians in the same performance; a light around which musicians from the far-flung corners of Bega can gather as a community. His cellist wife, Trish Dean, with whom he is a co-Artistic Director of Ensemble Q, will be there to share the experience.

Dean speaks to Limelight about the the work and the local legend that it draws on.

How does it feel to be returning to Four Winds?

I have incredibly fond memories of my times in Bermagui, particularly in the buildup to the Festival I...