60K

Press Release

Irish Composers and the Media

Dublin, 14 January 2004

Does the media under-represent Irish composers? Is new music too difficult, too abstract for the media and their audiences? These and many other questions will be explored in a challenging seminar to take place, 10.00am-12.30pm, Wednesday 28 January 2004 in the Contemporary Music Centre in Fishamble Street.

The points of view of the media, the composer and the audience will be represented with guest speakers, Hugh Linehan, Entertainment Editor of The Irish Times; Raymond Deane, composer and Agnes Cogan, concert goer. The seminar will be chaired by Doireann Ni Bhriain, Arts Consultant and Broadcaster. The audience will include key figures from Ireland's music, media and arts life to further contribute to the lively discussion and debate.

Contemporary music or new music refers to music of the 20th and 21st century. It is the music that modern day composers are creating. It is often seen as esoteric, unrelated to reality, with no meaning or emotion. In today's society, easily swayed by mass culture, it is becoming increasingly more important, in order to abolish this stereotype, for composers to communicate with the media and for the media to embrace this "other" "new" way of making music.

This seminar aims to look at the relationship between Irish composers, the media and audiences, to discuss the needs and responsibilities of each group and to explore new ways of working together.

Admission is free but due to limited space places should be booked in advance with Karen Hennessy, email:khennessy@cmc.ie or telephone: 01 - 673 1922.

This seminar is made possible through the continued support of the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon.