The Contemporary Music Centre has been facilitating schools workshops in the run-up to this year’s RTÉ Living Music Festival.

In a joint initiative between CMC and RTÉ Music, five secondary schools in the Dublin region have been enjoying workshops with two of the Irish composers whose newly-commissioned works feature in the festival.

This initiative aims to provide students with insights that will enhance their enjoyment of and engagement with new music as well as explore new ways to listen to and write new music.

Fergus Johnston has facilitated two workshops each in Loreto College, Dalkey, Kylemore College, Ballyfermot and Manor House School in Raheny. Rachel Holstead has facilitated two workshops each in St Paul's School, Greenhills, Tallaght, and Coláiste Choilm, Swords.

The workshops involve students in an active and practical exploration of the new Irish works being performed in the RTÉ Living Music Festival. They have also studied aspects of the music of Hans Werner Henze, the festival's featured composer. As a practical follow-on, the students will attend three key events in the festival, including the premieres of the new works by both Irish composers.

Speaking about the workshops Fergus Johnston said, “When the students go along to the concert and hear the pieces for the first time they should have a much better idea of the musical arguments involved as a result of having worked with the material already. I often liken the process to the way children learn to draw: you give them the physical material and tell them to draw; you don't start telling them about perspective, line and shadow without them having some idea of what they want to express.”

Rachel Holstead found leading the workshops a very rewarding experience. “The students and their teachers engaged enthusiastically with the new ideas and soundworlds presented and responded imaginatively to the creative challenges posed to them,” she said. “I'm looking forward to seeing them during the festival and introducing them to any unsuspecting composers we encounter!”

The Contemporary Music Centre’s participation in the schools workshops is supported by the Arts Council.

Further information from Karen Hennesy, CMC Promotion Manager, email khennessy@cmc.ie

Posted: 3 February 2005