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Tasked with an original score for this architect's visualisation, the production itself was notable in having been commissioned specifically to win the favour of one person.

A new Abu Dhabi property development was to provide the city with a world-class icon. Various architecture firms were vying, and the sole decision was to be made by the ruling Sheikh.

Given such a focus, I decided to research native tonal scales and instrumentation. Sourcing authentic fully-playable sampled instruments from that geographic area was difficult, but I eventually gathered some and built a piece around them. Throughout the final climactic section for instance, the percussion is comprised almost entirely of traditional hand drums I performed live on keyboards.

I hoped a region-specific feel might attract the Sheikh's ear, and perhaps be seen as respectful.

Humbly, I can report it's possible this was the case. On the big day the Sheikh walked around the presentation venue observing each video, ours was the only one he asked to see twice.