287K

For Immediate Release

The Contemporary Music Centre, RTÉ Performing Groups and Dublin Institute of Technology Conservatory of Music and Drama present Sunlight and Shadow - A celebration of the music of Frederick May

21 October 2011

The Contemporary Music Centre in partnership with RTÉ Performing Groups and the Dublin Institute of Technology Conservatory of Music and Drama is very pleased to present Sunlight and Shadow - A celebration of the music of Frederick May, 2.30pm - 5.30pm, Saturday 12 November 2011, Mc Cann Hall, DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama, Chatham Row.

With contributions from leading Irish voices on Frederick May, his work, life and influence on the development of Irish music, the afternoon marks the centenary year of the composer's birth and features an opening address from multi award winning author Colm Tóibín, workshop performances from the RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet, with guest soloists Peter Kerr, tenor, Fergal Caulfield, piano and Colette McGahon, alto, alongside an overview of his work from Dr Mark Fitzgerald, lecturer at DIT.

Often described as one of the most innovative and pioneering composers of his generation, composer Frederick May is regarded by many as one of the founding fathers of Irish music in the twentieth century. This celebration features workshop performances of several of May's works including extracts from his String Quartet (1935) and Four Romantic Songs (1933).

Admission is free but booking is highly recommended. To book contact the Contemporary Music Centre at details given below.

"The Contemporary Music Centre was keen to celebrate the work and life of Irish composer Frederick May in his centenary year. The Centre is delighted that RTÉ Performing Groups and DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama equally wished to celebrate this and that all three organisations have partnered successfully to bring this day to fruition" says Karen Hennessy, Promotion Manager, The Contemporary Music Centre.

The Contemporary Music Centre is Ireland's national archive, resource centre and promotional body for new music, supporting the work of Irish composers from the Republic and Northern Ireland. The Centre is supported by the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon. The Contemporary Music Centre celebrates 25 years in 2011 and this is one of a number of events taking place across 2011.

Winner of the 1988 Portsmouth International String Quartet Competition and now in its twenty-fifth concert season, the RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet is one of Europe's most successful quartets, internationally recognised for its beauty of sound, clarity of texture and integrity of interpretation within an unusually varied range of repertoire. Appointed Resident Quartet to RTÉ in 1986 and in January 2009 appointed lecturers in chamber music at DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama.

Founded in 1890 the DIT Conservatory combines expertise in the areas of performance, composition, pedagogy and musicology and provides high quality instrumental and vocal tuition from junior to postgraduate level. The range of projects hosted by the Conservatory emphasises the institution's ethos and culture of innovation and creativity, and includes the Encyclopaedia of Music in Ireland (EMIR), the largest publication on music undertaken in the history of the state.

For further information on Sunlight and Shadow and to book contact Karen Hennessy, Promotion Manager, The Contemporary Music Centre, 19 Fishamble Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 8. Tel: 01 6731922 email khennessy@cmc.ie web site www.cmc.ie

Notes for Editors

Sunlight and Shadow - An exploration of the music of Frederick May

ADMISSION FREE
Booking Recommended.
To book tel: 01 673 1922 or email: khennessy@cmc.ie

2:30 - 5:30pm, Saturday, 12 November 2011
McCann Hall, DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama, Chatham Row, Dublin 2

2.30pm Welcome
Evonne Ferguson, Director, CMC | Dr. Cliona Doris, Head of Orchestral Studies, DIT.

2.45pm Opening Address
Colm Tóibín, author

3.00pm Introduction and overview of the music of Frederick May
Mark Fitzgerald, DIT

3.30pm RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet perform an extract from May's String Quartet (1935)

3.45pm Coffee Break

4.00pm Panel discussion - Jonathan Grimes, Chair
Kevin O'Connell, composer; John Kinsella, composer; Mark Fitzgerald, musicologist; Dr. Maria McHale, DIT

4:30pm Colette McGahon, alto, performs selection of May's songs.

4:45pm RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet perform an extract of May's Four Romantic Songs (1933) with soloists Peter Kerr, tenor and Fergal Caulfield, piano.

5:00pm Closing remarks from Evonne Ferguson, Director, CMC.