The 2004 RTÉ Horizons continues during the month of March. The series presents four free orchestral concerts in a new lunchtime slot (1.05 to 2.00 pm) in the National Concert Hall. Each concert is preceded by a composer talk at 12.30 pm.

The first programme on 2 March puts John Adams’ Short Ride in a Fast Machine together with the premiere of Eric Sweeney’s Three Pieces for Orchestra, and his Concerto for Soprano Saxophone and Strings with soloist Sarah Field and conductor Robert Houlihan.

The premiere of Ronan Guilfoyle’s Ineluctible from his Concerto for Orchestra leads off the 9 March concert which also includes Guilfoyle’s Piano Concerto (with Conor Linehan as soloist) and Dutilleux’s Métaboles under conductor Colman Pearce.

On 23 March, John Kinsella’s String Quartet No. 2 is performed by the RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet with Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 9 in E flat, Op. 117. The series concludes on 30 March with Fergus Johnston’s orchestral work, Samsara, and his Flute Concerto (soloist Eleanor Dawson) and Bulgarian Dance (a premiere) together with Lutoslawski’s Mi-Parti. This concert is conducted by David Brophy.

Admission to all concerts is free and no advance booking is needed. Further information from RTÉ Performing Groups, email music@rte.ie