BBC Radio 3 New Music Show - Invitation Concert

Photo by:  Benjamin Ealovega

Award-winning cellist Natalie Clein OBE takes to the stage with the Ulster Orchestra as soloist in the world-premiere of the BBC commissioned concerto Mná from Northern Irish composer and Professor in Composition at the Royal College of Music, Dr Deirdre Gribbin. 

Inspired by the true story of Bridget Cleary, a Co. Tipperary seamstress who was accused of dark magic and subsequently died at the hands of her husband, Deirdre writes; “I was strongly drawn to the pathos within this tragic story. Mná endeavours to mark the unrelenting spirit, life, and death of Bridget Cleary. She represents a body of 19th century Irish women who sought independence, who challenged the norms and who sought to ignite the beginnings of breaking from tradition, subjugation, and inequality. Her sense of self and the journey she faced through prejudice and cruelty as a perceived outsider is reflected in the solo cello line with a sense of energy, self-possession, and reverence.”

The concert will also feature the broadcast premiere of composer Ailís Ní Ríain’s Calling Mutely Through Lipless Mouth and another world premiere performance of Simon Mawhinney’s A Pillar Of Light for Haydn.

The Ulster Orchestra is conducted by David Brophy.

Programme

Deirdre Gribbin - Mná (world premiere)

Ailís Ní Ríain -  Calling Mutely Through Lipless Mouth (2023)

Simon Mawhinney -  A Pillar Of Light for Haydn (world premiere)

Tickets

Tickets are free, booking available via the Ulster Hall / Waterfront Hall here.