Brent Parker has been appointed Composer in Residence in Co. Laois.

Laois County Council and Laois School of Music have appointed Brent Parker as Composer in Residence to work with students and teachers of the Laois School of Music. Parker is a New Zealand-born composer and pianist who has lived in Ireland for more than 40 years. He taught at the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama from 1974 until he 1998. Following his retirement from DIT, he moved to Achill Island where he still resides.

Brent Parker has composed many works, several of which have been performed by the former RTÉ Symphony Orchestra. Broadcast works include a guitar concertino commissioned by John Feely and a 4-part work for Flute, Viola and Harp/Piano commissioned by Lyric FM. Since he moved to the West of Ireland, he has been developing computer skills with a view to publishing new approaches to ‘Mind Training’ through music. He also created and teaches a course, ‘Composing on Computer’ for primary school children.

The residency in Laois will centre around the School of Music Orchestra and the school’s Voice Department. It will last for four months and will culminate in a performance of a new work at the End of Year Concert in June 2007.

Posted: 15 February 2007