A Still Bird in the Garden (2026) was written as part of MMus composition projects at the Royal Academy of Music, in collaboration with the Pallant House Gallery in Chichester, UK. Developed with guidance from Philip Cashian and art historian Michael Bird, the music draws inspiration from the serene presence of Tracey Emin's Roman Standard, a tiny bird sculpture on a bronze pole displayed in the gallery's garden.  Similar to how Emin subverts the conventional Roman standard, with its strong animal and military associations, the quintet is treated delicately despite its bold instrumentation. The music unfolds through the interplay of movement, echoing wandering thoughts and real birds outdoors, and stillness, evoking the serene presence of the sculpture. Often mistaken for a real bird, the sculpture does not demand attention and acts as a point of contemplation for those who notice it. The piece is calm and gentle, allowing the audience to hear their own inner thoughts alongside the sound. Perhaps the true beauty of art lies not in the sculpture or the music alone, but in the quiet reflection it awakens within us.