Concorde presents a selection of new Irish works at Galway's Project '06 Festival.

Under the direction of composer Jane O'Leary, the programmes will be presented in the context of three visual art exhibitions in Galway on Saturday, 29 July.

The ensemble will perform five new pieces commissioned by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism for the Beckett Centenary Festival earlier this year. This programme, entitled 'Beyond Beckett', represents a uniquely personal response in sound by the composers to the writer, and will be presented at Kenny's Gallery, home to many memorable literary events in the past and now a three-floor art gallery.

The July concerts will also present the premiere of a commissioned work for ensemble and voice by Elaine Agnew, who is working with the texts of poet Chris Agee. Japanese composer Fumiko Miyachi will create a new work for voice and ensemble and will attend the premieres in Galway. Composers Scott McLaughlin, Fergal Dowling, Ed Bennett and Jane O'Leary will also be present to meet the audience.

Each performance lasts approximately 40 minutes and there will be time to meet the musicians and composers. All the concerts are open to the public free of charge.

The three afternoon concerts are promoted by Project '06 and take place in Kenny's Gallery, the newly opened Galway City Museum and Galway Arts Centre. See Calendar for details.

Posted: 11 June 2006