Guitarist Michael O'Toole and pipa player Liu Fang's eight-date national tour is to include a new work by Ian Wilson.

A unique collaboration between classical guitar and Chinese pipa (four-stringed lute) is to tour Ireland in late September and early October to mark the release of a new recording, Changes, by Irish guitarist Michael O'Toole and renowned Chinese pipa player, Liu Fang.

Both the tour and CD include Ian Wilson's Spillieart's Beach and the world premiere performances of Toshiuki Haraoki's Three Pieces, as well as transcriptions of works by Bartók, Vivaldi, Piazzolla, Philip Glass and traditional Chinese pieces.

The tour begins at the Birr Arts Centre, Co. Offaly, on Friday 26 September before moving to Bray Mermaid Arts Centre in Co. Wicklow the following evening and Waterford Cathedral on Monday 29 September. October performances include Ballina Arts Centre, Co. Mayo (1st); Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin (5th, at noon); Bishop's Palace, Kilkenny (8th); Institute of Technology, Dundalk (9th, at 1pm); with the final concert, on Friday 10 October, in St John's Church, Bantry. All performances begin at 8pm, unless otherwise stated.

Changes is available on the Montréal-based Philmultic label.

For details, see our calendar.

Posted: 19 September 2008