The inspiration for Symphony No. 3 came from Icelandic singer Bjork’s album Vespertine. I first became acquainted with her music and this album in particular when I saw the video of the song Pagan Poetry (track 5 on the album) while watching television in Rome a couple of years ago. Stunned initially by the intensity and great variety in Bjork’s voice, I also found myself drawn to the dazzling array of sounds supporting her, the stark contrasts between fragile, transparent timbres and rich, lush...