Discovering 'Alina' by Arvo Pärt

I can still remember the day I discovered Arvo Pärt's Alina in a secondhand store in Sydney while on tour with Amaya Laucirica.

Although I'd always known of Pärt's work, and grew up listening to many releases from the wonderful ECM label, I was entirely committed to rock music, particularly the world of the singer/songwriter. I was convinced that world was my calling and thought of Alina as a quirky diversionary listen rather than something I would ever incorporate deeply into my own artistic practice.

Now, almost 18 years later, it turns out that my insistence on adhering to that original path was not entirely correct. Ultimately, the work I most enjoy, most connect with (at least in the act of creation) and am most proficient at, is instrumental music – particularly that which is slow, reflective and thoughtful.

For me, Alina is like a creative heartbeat, a starting point to which I continue to return. The hypnotic "Spiegel im Spiegel" – translated as "Mirror in Mirror" – summarises the impact of Pärt's work perfectly. This is music that continues to reflect upon itself and the listener, long after the initial hearing is over.

It's therefore genuinely exciting to think that in just a few days, I'll be working on new music within the surrounds of the Arvo Pärt Centre – a place built to host the life's work of this prolific, fascinating and influential composer.