A new work by David Flynn for musicians and actors is to receive its first performances at the Kerry International Chamber Music Festival in October.

Commissioned by the festival to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of the Kerry storyteller Peig Sayers, Scéalta an Seansaol ('Stories from the Old World') is a four-movement work, each movement based on a short story by Sayers, for uilleann pipes, string quartet, singer and actors.

"These stories illustrate Peig's gift for poetic description," says Flynn, "and perhaps more surprisingly, to those familiar with Peig's infamous autobiography, there are moments of great humour in the tales also."

The work will be performed by the Engegárd String Quartet, Eoin Duignan (pipes) and the Annóg Theatre Group in a programme that will also include Beethoven's Serenade in D and Schubert's Death and the Maiden.

The performances take place at the Great Blasket Centre, Dunquin (Thursday 2 October); St Patrick's Church, Kenmare (Friday, 3rd); and Tech Amergin Arts Centre, Waterville (Saturday, 4th).

For details, see our calendar or www.kicmf.ie.

Posted: 24 September 2008