1998 was a dramatic year for Ian Wilson. Already established as one of Ireland's leading young composers, that was the year he was elected to the exclusive Irish arts affiliation Aosdána (one of fewer than 20 musicians among its 200 members); his piano trio The Seven Last Words was included in the Northern Ireland A-level music syllabus (a rare ‘distinction’ for any living composer); he moved to Belgrade to be with his partner Danijela Kulezic; and his first son, Adam, was born.