300K

For Immediate Release

Derek Ball presents scenes from his new opera at the Contemporary Music Centre.

04 January 2013

In CMC's first event of 2013, composer Derek Ball will present extracts from his new opera Síle an tSléibhe with soprano Elizabeth Hilliard at the Centre on Thursday 24 January from 6-7pm.

The opera's libretto is formed from the poetry of Donegal writer Cathal Ó Searcaigh. The drama features a single singer - soprano Elizabeth Hilliard, for whom the piece was written - accompanied by a trio of tin whistles and live electronics.

The event on 24 January will include live performances of scenes from the opera and discussion with the composer and musicians about the work. It is presented as part of the Contemporary Music Centre's Platform for Performance series, which offers an informal atmosphere in which to present new projects and exchange ideas on new music.

For further information contact Sam Wilcock, Promotion Manager, Contemporary Music Centre, 19 Fishamble Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 8. (Tel: 01 673 1922 / email: swilcock@cmc.ie / web site: www.cmc.ie)

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Derek Ball: Scenes from Síle an tSléibhe
Thursday 24 January 2013, 6-7pm
The Contemporary Music Centre, 19 Fishamble Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 8 (01 673 1922 / info@cmc.ie) Admission: FREE

More information: Sam Wilcock, Promotion Manager, Contemporary Music Centre, 19 Fishamble Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 8 (tel. 01 673 1922 / email: swilcock@cmc.ie / web site: www.cmc.ie)

Derek Ball
Born in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Derek Ball Studied music with A. J. Potter and James Wilson at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. On moving to Scotland he concentrated largely on a career in medicine before returning to composition full time in more recent years. His music has been performed as part of the RTÉ Horizons concert series, New Sound Worlds, Hilltown and Béal music festivals.

Elizabeth Hilliard is a soprano from Dublin. She is in demand as a soloist and chamber musician. A member of The National Chamber Choir of Ireland and Resurgam, she has performed with many of the leading Irish ensembles including: Crash Ensemble, Irish Baroque Orchestra and Irish Chamber Orchestra. With David Bremner, she formed the company Béal, which presented its second festival in November 2012 featuring the works of Robert Ashley, Tom Johnson, Christopher Fox and many others. She has presented premieres of works by many Irish composers including Ian Wilson, Gráinne Mulvey, Derek Ball, David Bremner, Garrett Sholdice and Siobhan Cleary. In 2012 she performed at Hilltown New Music Festival, Fleadh Ceoil at Cavan and the Walled Music Festival in Derry.

The Contemporary Music Centre
The Contemporary Music Centre is Ireland's national archive and resource centre for new music, supporting the work of composers throughout the Republic and Northern Ireland. It engages in an ongoing programme of development work to promote new Irish music at home and abroad, and is a member of the International Association of Music Information Centres (IAMIC). The Centre is used, nationally and internationally, by performers, composers, promoters and members of the public interested in finding out more about music in Ireland. Its library and sound archive, open to the public free of charge, contain the only comprehensive collection in existence of music by Irish composers. Extensive reference and advice services are available and the Centre's website provides access to CMC's resources for those who cannot visit in person. www.cmc.ie