A three-day festival programmed by the EAR new music collective takes place in Dublin from 26-28 February.

Casting aside the boundaries which separate music, art, film, theatre and dance, the second incarnation of this innovative musical forum, the Ear-plugged Festival, promises a creative experience for artists and audiences alike.

Since 2001, The EAR (Electro Acoustic Review) new music collective of composers and performers has been dedicated to researching and showcasing the latest developments in the field of electronic music. Following on from the success of recent events in the Project Arts Centre ('Ear-Drum') and Dundalk Institute of Technology ('Sounds Electric'), Ear-plugged continues to present new cutting-edge works from Irish composers, while introducing internationally-acclaimed artists to Dublin audiences for the first time.

Highlights of the three-day festival include a live sound improvisation featuring Danny McCarthy and Mick O'Shea (aka The Quiet Club), Slavek Kwi, Anthony Kelly and David Stalling; two concerts of new works by the EAR collective, blending instrumental performance with live electronics; and Thalassa - Muir - The Sea, a fusion of Ancient Greek and Old Irish poetry, contemporary dance, sound and visuals, which explores themes of language, rhythm and the sea.

The EAR new music collective also invites us to experience a selection of multi-channel electro-acoustic music presented by Victor Lazzarini and John Lato in an immersive 3D sound environment, as well as audiovisual screenings and interactive sound installations running throughout the duration of the festival.

Ear-plugged takes place from Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 February 2009 at The LAB, Foley Street, Dublin 1. Admission free. For programme details please visit the Calendar and the EAR web site. Further information: Patrick McGlynn, tel. 086 301 5030 and email pr@ear.ie

EAR is funded by The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon and generously supported by The LAB/Dublin City Council.

Posted: 11 February 2009