CMC's New Notes project in collaboration with the ConTempo Quartet culminates this week.

The aim of the project is to create an active dialogue between the ConTempo quartet and Irish composers, with a view to developing the repertoire of new Irish string quartets and giving composers an opportunity to gain experience in writing for the medium.

Composers Rhona Clarke and Gráinne Mulvey have completed their quartets, which received workshop performances by the ConTempo Quartet in Galway on 11 and 12 February, allowing the composers to hear their music and make any changes before the first perfomances.

The project culminates with two free public concerts in the Solstice Arts Centre, Navan, on 19 March and in Roscommon Arts Centre, Roscommon, on 20 March. In addition to premieries of the commissioned works, the Quartet will also play Jane O'Leary's ConTempo ConVersations and Jennifer Walshe's minard/nithsdale. An extra performance takes place in the Kenny Gallery, Galway, on 21 March. Four workshops for secondary schools take place in Navan, Dunboyne, Strokestown and Roscommon betweehn 18-20 March.

New Notes is funded by the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon under the Projects: New Work award.

Posted: 15 March 2009