The Proximity of Mars(1988) was written during a period in which I could rarely work at home. Walking to and from various studios, I had the opportunity to observe Mars almost nightly, then at its closest distance to Earth. Even on overcast nights its brilliance was visible in the night sky. The piece is scored for 2 flutes, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, piano, harp, percussion, timpani, one violin and one cello.

The Proximity of Mars was commissioned through the Canada Council by the Société de musique contemporaine du Québec (SMCQ) which gave the first performance November 11, 1988, under the direction of Walter Boudreau. It was performed during the closing ceremonies of the 1992 Darmstadt Summer Courses for New Music under the direction of Barrie Webb, Darmstadt, Germany.

- Rodney Sharman