A hyper-heuristic ensemble method for static job-shop scheduling.

We describe a new hyper-heuristic method NELLI-GP for solving job-shop scheduling problems (JSSP) that evolves an ensemble of heuristics. The ensemble adopts a divide-and-conquer approach in which each heuristic solves a unique subset of the instance set considered. NELLI-GP extends an existing ensemble method called NELLI by introducing a novel heuristic generator that evolves heuristics composed of linear sequences of dispatching rules: each rule is represented using a tree structure and is itself evolved. Following a training period, the ensemble is shown to outperform both existing dispatching rules and a standard genetic programming algorithm on a large set of new test instances. In addition, it obtains superior results on a set of 210 benchmark problems from the literature when compared to two state-of-the-art hyperheuristic approaches. Further analysis of the relationship between heuristics in the evolved ensemble and the instances each solves provides new insights into features that might describe similar instances.

Making Connections.

The piece is written for an ensemble of alto/bass flute, alto saxophone, viola, vibraphone/bongos and piano. Written as part of a telematic research project connecting musicians and dancers in remote sites, the work involved a collaboration with musicians at Edinburgh Napier University and dancers at Liverpool John Moores University and Nova Southeastern University, Florida.

from Webern to dance to Burton.

Commissioned by the Concorde Ensemble. Paul Roe gave the premiere performance at the RHA Gallery, Dublin, 23rd February 2014. The piece is informed by the choreography of Jiri Kylian, in particular two three minute sections of his work No More Play initially choreographed to a score by Webern (his Five Movements for String Quartet) hence the title.

NY10128

This work for chamber orchestra explores the relationship between music and architecture, specifically that of the Guggenheim Museum, NYC. It was commissioned by the Edinburgh Contemporary Music Ensemble who gave the first performance in June 2008. Subsequent performances in 2011 by the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland have been accompanied by a film I created exploring the surfaces and profiles of the Guggenheim NYC.

Miniatures for Horn Trio.

This three movement work was first performed by members of the Research Ensemble at the Peninsula Arts Contemporary Music Festival, 26 February 2010. Material from the first movement reappears in the second and third in various guises. The second movement is dedicated to the choreographer, Merce Cunningham, and the constant piano part with pedal sustained throughout is a reference to the fluidity of dance. As a contrast to this there are passages of imitation between the horn and violin, some more audible than others, which are included as an acknowledgement of the intimate relationship which exists between co-dancers on stage. The third movement is dedicated to John Cage (Cunningham's partner) and, while the piano sustains chords (reworking content from the first movement), the gestures in the other parts loosely follow the outline of sections of one of Cage's watercolours, River Rocks and Smoke no.6. Much of my music is inspired by visual art and, having admired Cage's music and writings since by student days, it seemed appropriate after dedicating the second movement to Cunningham, to turn to Cage's art work in the final part of the composition.