Book One: As Tascen

The FilmHarmonia Orchestra plays Book One: As Tascen by J. Jacob McNulty. Inspired by V.E. Schwab’s Shades of Magic series, this work draws on the atmosphere, tension and shifting identities of a world divided across parallel Londons, each defined by its own relationship with magic. Rather than retelling the story directly, the music explores the series’ contrasting worlds, complex characters and uneasy balance of power through an evolving network of themes and harmonic ideas. The movement opens with hazy, unsettled sonorities suggesting the four interconnected Londons, before a solo bassoon introduces Kell’s theme — a wandering, pentatonic melody that reflects both curiosity and isolation. Momentum quickly builds as driving 12/8 rhythms propel the music between worlds. Angular intervals and uneasy harmonies evoke darker political undercurrents, while seductive string writing and rich brass textures hint at the allure and danger of magical power. Throughout the work, recurring motifs and chord progressions intertwine, transform and collide. Themes emerge, recede and reappear in new forms, mirroring shifting alliances and conflicting ambitions. The result is a sweeping, dramatic musical journey that balances mystery, motion and confrontation, culminating in a powerful and hard-won resolution. https://filmharmonia.com/ https://static1.squarespace.com/stati... *Our Conductor - Joshua McNulty* Joshua McNulty is a seasoned conductor, composer, and educator in the Australian music community. As the founder and Musical Director of The FilmHarmonia Orchestra and the Musical Director of the Inner West Community Band, he has significantly fostered musical excellence. He has also led ensembles like the Macquarie University Symphony Orchestra, the Canaria Scoring Orchestra, the Wellington Players, and the Strathfield Symphony Orchestra. An accomplished reed player now exploring brass instruments, Joshua brings versatility to his music-making. He directs numerous school bands across Sydney and tutors aspiring musicians. His passion for narrative-driven music is evident in his compositions, premiered by both The FilmHarmonia Orchestra and the Inner West Community Band. A graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium under Dr. John Lynch and Dr. Anthony Clarke, Joshua continues to advance the Australian wind band community through his leadership and contributions. The Orchestra: Principal Violin 1 Javiera Scarratt* Basil Ong Tze Wee Camille Hanrahan-Tan David Loonam Julien Melade Madeleina Hanrahan-Tan Nada Siljanovska Phyllis Liew Violin 2 Mark Rossman* Aiden Quan Aritree Barua Ashur Varde Ben Callaghan Leala Darby Marina Wu Tania Koeferl Viola Renee Richardson* Hugh Sullivan James Constable Jason Kong Cello Mina Scarratt* Cindy Pan Ian Wong James Norton Thomas Wills Zoë Haughton Double Bass Mike Feghali* Cosimo Gunaratna Georgina Gordon Vincenzo Angeloni Flute Alex Woof* Morgan Ridley-Smith Picollo Milia Cavallaro Oboe Julie Stafford* Clarinet Simon Parker* Rebecca Basclain Talia McLennan Bass Clarinet Helen Hamlin* Bassoon Keith Mitchell* Jaslyn Nash Percussion Steven Machamer* Andrea Leong Cameron Hall Ryan Whitford Timpani Freya Steele* Piano Joshua Clift French Horn Emily Hackney* Lauren Patterson David Shi Julia Leung Trumpet Micah Napier* Aimé Langeveldt* Yuxiao Chen Trombone Angus Iceton Beate Mannes Conor Bratty Tuba Sohtaka Kikuchi* 2026 Committee President: Jessica Rainert Artistic Director: Joshua McNulty Secretary: Alex Woof Treasurer: Aiden Quan Orchestra Manager: Ben Callaghan Librarian: Morgan Ridley-Smith Social Media and Marketing: Aimé Langeveldt, Talia McLennan