Commissioned by the Flinders Quartet, this 60-minute work is the second chapter in the Hidden Thoughts series. It gives voice to the 'hidden' words of Australians that never reached their intended destination.

The text is drawn from a collection of letters solicited by human rights advocate Julian Burnside QC AM. In 2013, he asked the public to write letters of comfort to asylum seekers in detention on Nauru. Approximately 2,000 letters were sent, but nearly all were returned to Australia unopened, marked 'Return to Sender'.

This work unpacks those boxes. Written for Narrator Richard Piper and Mezzo-soprano Lotte Betts-Dean, the piece weaves the mundane (descriptions of lunch, the weather) with the profound (expressions of shame and welcome) to create a disquieting yet humane affirmation of solidarity.

For Libraries/Universities: This Study Score is an essential resource for students researching contemporary Australian vocal music, text-setting, or arts-as-activism.

For Programmers: It serves as a powerful centrepiece for festivals or concerts focusing on Social Justice, Human Rights, or Australian Voices.

Logistics: The purchase below is for the Full Score only (for perusal/study). Performance parts (String Quartet or String Orchestra version) must be hired separately.