University of Otago Mozart Fellow Jeremy Mayall's latest composition, Flutter, was inspired by a close encounter with the ''magic'' of brightly coloured butterflies at the Otago Museum's Tropical Forest.
On November 29, the museum will host the world premiere of Mr Mayall's work, which will be performed in the museum forest, surrounded by exotic butterflies.
''There's something about this space that really inspires me to make a creative response,'' he said at the forest yesterday.
Hamilton-born Mr Mayall (30) said he had sometimes found Dunedin weather ''quite cold'', since moving here this year, but the well-heated tropical forest was ''the complete opposite''.
''It's like you've been transported into another world.''
He had been to the tropics but there was a ''magic'' about the museum facility he had not experienced before.
He was still intrigued by the ''wonderful'' butterflies and their unusual flight.
''There's something about it that's quite odd - the way they kind of float.''
His first visit to the forest with wife Courteney and son Wolfgang (now 2), had left a lasting impression.
He had also enjoyed working with fellow artists and musicians on the Flutter project, and in creating a song cycle, titled Cut Away the Masts, the latter in collaboration with Robert Burns Fellow Majella Cullinane.
''It makes you grow as as a composer and as a performer.''
Guests will be treated to a ''multisensory musical experience''at the forest, including video projection by film-maker Dan Inglis.
The piece will be performed by internationally known soprano Julia Booth and musicians John Egenes (lap steel guitar), Tessa Petersen (violin), Rob Burns (bass) and Feby Idrus (flute).
Museum director Dr Ian Griffin said it was ''inspiring'' when local and international artists combined to produce something ''wonderful'' for the community.
There will be two separate performances of Flutter, at 8pm and 8.30pm, and a chance for members of the public to experience the song cycle.
Booking is through the museum.
