Violinist shines new spotlight on Australia nuclear tests
(Artdaily.org)

The name Maralinga brings blank stares from most people, the melodic word hardly indicative of what happened in that isolated stretch of Australia -- secret nuclear tests by Britain. A leading violinist, Lara St. John, is trying to bring the episode further into the public eye with the piece `Maralinga,` whose orchestral version will have its US premiere Tuesday in a free concert in New York`s Central Park. Britain, seeking to become a nuclear power after World War II, carried out 12 major tests in Australia and hundreds more minor ones with the permission of prime minister Robert Menzies. Most tests took place in Maralinga in South Australia, whose aboriginal community was largely removed although remaining residents and servicepeople were exposed to dangerous levels of radiation. `Maralinga,` the 11-minute piece written by Australian composer Matthew Hindson, is driven by forceful glides down the violin as the music brings out the violence and alienation of the nuclear tests.