Cork-based music group Quiet Music Ensemble play the Solstice Arts Centre in Navan on 2 July. We asked QME founder and musical director John Godfrey the BIG questions . . .
The group consists of some of the top solo and chamber performers in the country: Godfrey, founder/director/electric guitar; Seán Mac Erlaine, clarinets/saxes; Roddy O'Keefe, trombone; Ilse De Ziah, cello; Dan Bodwell, double bass; Alexis Nealon, sound engineer.
Their "bespoke sound performance" at the Solstice accompanies the current visual art exhibition I Am Sitting in a Room, which is currently on display in the upstairs galleries at the Solstice Arts Centre. The group show features work by Sven Anderson, Chloe Brenan, Karl Burke, Adam Gibney and Theo McNab.
Tell us three things about yourself?
I'm founder and musical director of Quiet Music Ensemble (2008 - present); co-founder of Icebreaker (1989 - 1997); founder member of Crash Ensemble (1997 - 2017). I have been playing contemporary art music on electric guitar for more than 30 years. I’m a senior lecturer at University College Cork specialising in composition, experimental music, performance, and music technology.
How would you describe your music?
As it is now: very quiet! Intense, involving, mesmeric
How it used to be: loud, rhythmic, energetic.
Who are your musical inspirations?
John Cage, Zen, Pauline Oliveros. Minimal and experimental music and sonic art, Louis Andriessen, Beethoven, Richard Strauss, Meshuggah, The Residents.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I think it was going to see guitarist Andrés Segovia in Watford Town Hall when I was about 12.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Holst’s The Planets.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Birdsong.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"I want to go to Mount Splashmore, Take me take me take me NOW, NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW!" - Krusty’s subtle advertisement for his theme park, Simpsons episode Brush with Greatness.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Birdsong.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Our website, Facebook and my UCC profile.
