New Music Dublin 2019 does exactly what it says on the tin: it really is all about the New...
Over three days, audiences will hear world premieres of over 22 new works – 18 of them commissioned by New Music Dublin, almost all written by Irish composers and artists. The range of music being performed is immense, from full-scale orchestral to solos, left-field rock to sound art, chamber music to choral music – an outpouring of Irish and international musical creativity.
We've picked a quintet of choice events for your delectation...
Saariaho and Andriessen
Where and when? 7.30pm, Friday 1st March, National Concert Hall
A fantastic opportunity to witness the Irish premieres of major masterworks from the festival's featured international composers – Kaija Saariaho's Graal théâtre and Louis Andriessen 's Vermeer Pictures. Robert Houlihan conducts the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, with Hae Sun Kang guesting on violin.
Spending my evening purchasing bubble wrap, packing tape, scissors & boxes as instruments for a world premiere by the @RTE_NSO at next weekend's @NewMusicDublin @NCH_Music. You wouldn't believe the glamour. @WoodiesIreland we are open to sponsorship. pic.twitter.com/DnS7zJp5z8
— Jonathan Pearson (@jonlikesjumpers) February 21, 2019
Ensemble Musikfabrik: Wertmüller/Zappa with Peter Brötzmann
Where and when? 7.30pm Saturday 2 March, National Concert Hall
There is no band on earth like Musikfabrik, and there is no music on earth like Frank Zappa’s. Very few concerts are truly unmissable – but this is one. Unbelievably virtuosic, and completely unforgettable.
Ergodos presents: Morning Rituals
Where and when? 10.30am & 11am Sunday 03 March 2019 - tour begins at the RHA (see here for details)
Morning Rituals brings together performances and new work by seven individual and clear-voiced artists from around the world: cellist Kate Ellis, Australian-Dutch composer Kate Moore, Egyptian musician Nadah El Shazly, Australian flautist Lina Andonovska, vocalist Michelle O’Rourke, composer Anna Murray, and musician/filmmaker Laura Sheeran.
Chamber Choir Ireland
Where and when? 7.30pm, Sunday 03 March, St Anns Church, Dawson Street
Chamber Choir Ireland is joined by Norwegian conductor Grete Pedersen for a thrilling and varied concert of contemporary choral music. The programme includes works by Kaija Saariaho and Ørjan Matre, and a world premiere from Deirdre McKay, inspired by the work of Samuel Beckett.
Out With A Crash
Where and when? 9pm, Sunday 03 March, Studio Stage National Concert Hall
New Music Dublin doesn’t finish quietly! To mark the end of the festival Crash Ensemble, with an invited band of festival musicians, join in a joyous rendition of Louis Andriessen’s Workers Union; a symphonic movement for loud sounding instruments... with the emphasis on LOUD. A composition intended for any loud-sounding group of instruments, Andriessen did not want to handicap orchestras by providing a list of instruments...
Find out more about this year's New Music Dublin programme here.
