Contemporary ensemble Concorde will present a programme of Beckett-related music as part of the Beckett Centenary Festival.

Five Irish composers have been invited to respond to Beckett in their own way, reflecting on his texts, concepts and ideas. Commissioned with the support of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, composers Jane O'Leary, Frank Corcoran, Scott McLaughlin, Ed Bennett, and Deirdre McKay have created new works which brings us 'beyond Beckett'.

The programme features the Irish premiere of Earthlight, by American Composer Earl Kim, a music theatre piece from 1973 on texts by Beckett. English composer Symon Clarke will be present for the premiere of Time's Eye, a work for voice and instrumental ensemble using texts by Beckett and Paul Celan. Music by French composer Pascal Dusapin, American Morton Feldman, German Isabel Mundry and Austrian Anton Webern is included for its particular relevance to the work of Beckett.

Performances will be in half-hour segments from 12.15pm in the National Gallery of Ireland on Sunday 23 April. Audience members are welcome to attend all sessions or to drop in and out during the afternoon.

Beyond Beckett is supported by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and the Beckett Centenary Festival. See Calendar for details.

Posted: 27 March 2006