I composed this work at the request of Canadian piano duo Elaine Lau and Joseph Ferretti. I love the piano, so composing for two of them was a special experience for me. The title refers to aspects of touch: the touch of the fingers on the keyboard, as well as aural touch – the sense of texture that sound gives us, the qualities of tone and colour that make up the sonorous world of two pianos. Velvet is dedicated to Elaine Lau and Joseph Ferretti.