Belfast composer Anselm McDonnell has won this year's Seán Ó Riada composition competition with his piece playing homage to the music of late guitarist Rory Gallagher.
The competition invites submissions of new works annually from Irish composers and is held in collaboration with the Cork International Choral Festival and Chamber Choir Ireland.
McDonnell's winning composition, Gallagher, will have its world premiere at St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral Cork on Friday, 3 May.
The 30-year-old Irish/Welsh composer collaborated with author Tim MacGhabhann on the composition, after they bonded over a mutual love of the famous guitarist, during their time as resident artists at the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris.
Gallagher weaves several quotations from the Donegal-born guitarist’s work into a musical texture that plays off the imagery in Tim's poems.
"It's an honour to have been chosen as the winner of this year's Seán Ó Riada Competition for Gallagher my collaboration with author Tim MacGhabhann," McDonnell said.
"I'm looking forward to working with Chamber Choir Ireland again, as they bring such a rich sound and interpretive nuance to new compositions.
"I'm excited that the work's premiere will be part of the Cork International Choral Festival, especially given the close link between Gallagher and Cork, his childhood home and burial place."
The Seán Ó Riada competition, which has been running for over 50 years, provides a platform for Irish composers to have their work judged and rewarded solely on its own merits.
Submissions are made under pseudonyms, ensuring anonymity until after the judges' decision has been made. The competition aims to present Irish choirs with fresh, authentic material for their programs and has attracted renowned composers throughout its history.
McDonnell has composed over ninety pieces for various ensembles, including orchestras, chamber groups, choirs, soloists, and electronics.
The performance of Gallagher will be part of the Cork International Choral Festival’s annual collaborative concert with choir-in-residence, Chamber Choir Ireland, led by their Artistic Director Paul Hillier, who will be marking his 16th and final year in the role.
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