CMC has released Contemporary Music from Ireland Volume 8.

The CD was launched by Mr Aodán Ó Dubhghaill, Head of RTÉ Lyric fm, at a reception on Tuesday, 19 May 2009. RTÉ has been highly supportive of the series since its inception, so it is a particular pleasure to welcome Mr Ó Dubhghaill to CMC in Lyric fm's tenth anniversary year.

Of the eleven works selected from more than 100 submissions, some composers' names are well known: Gerald Barry, John Kinsella and Kevin Volans for instance are major, established figures. Others such as Andrew Hamilton, Jennifer Walshe, Elaine Agnew, Deirdre McKay and Jürgen Simpson are gaining profile on the international new music circuit. Frank Lyons, Anne-Marie O'Farrell and Martin O'Leary appear for the first time in the series and have already built up a significant body of work.

The impressive line-up of performers who have taken this music into their repertoire is in itself an indication of the quality of the works. Artists range from the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group under conductor (and composer) Thomas Adès; the National Chamber Choir of Ireland conducted by Celso Antunes; the RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet; French pianist Romain Descharmes, winner of the 2006 AXA Dublin International Piano Competition; and leading Irish violinist and contemporary music specialist Darragh Morgan appearing both solo and as a member of the Fidelio Trio.

Other performers in this galaxy of talent include the Dublin Guitar Quartet, clarinetist Deirdre O'Leary, pianist Mary McCague, the duo of Susanne Leitz-Lorey (soprano) and Markus Schwind (trumpet), and composer Jennifer Walsh performing her own music with new music ensemble Apartment House.

The CD will be distributed both nationally and internationally to radio stations, festivals, concert promoters, performers and libraries, with the aim of generating airplay and attracting the attention of programmers so as to open up future performance opportunities.

The project was made possible by partnership funding from Culture Ireland, the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon, and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland through its 'Awards for All' scheme.

Posted: 26 May 2009