Ostravská banda in Ireland

11 October 2024 13:10 - 13 October 2024 15:00

Ostravská banda is coming to Ireland.

Two concerts — on October 11 at University College Cork and October 13 in collaboration with Guesthouse Projects — will showcase contemporary music from the Czech Republic, Ireland, Germany, and the USA.

The program features works by leading Czech composers such as Martin Smolka, Luboš Mrkvička, and Petr Kotík, who will also conduct the performances. This unique fusion of Czech and Irish musicians promises not only an extraordinary musical experience but also highlights a deep connection to the American avant-garde, reflecting Kotík's collaborations with icons like John Cage and Morton Feldman.

Founded in 2005, Ostravská banda is made up of top international soloists renowned for their ability to master even the most challenging scores. The ensemble has performed on prestigious stages like Carnegie Hall and Berlin’s Akademie der Künste, gaining international acclaim for its cutting-edge programs. Now, with this tour to Ireland, Ostravská banda continues to bridge musical worlds, bringing Czech, European, and American contemporary music to new audiences.

Performers:
Ostravská banda
Petr Kotik, conductor
Special guests:
Irena Troupová, soprano (Prague)
John Godfrey, electric guitar (Cork)
Susan Stenger, flute (London)
Alex Petcu, percussion (Cork)
Yseult Cooper Stockdale, violoncello (Cork)

CONCERTS

11 October, 1.10pm | University College Cork, Aula Maxima

Programme

Martin Smolka - Oh, My Admired C-Minor (2002)
Donnchadh MacAodha - Music for Flute and a Two Handed Pianist (2023)
Petr Kotik - Many Many Women Plus I (1975–78, 2024 version)
Phill Niblock - Petr's Charm (2021)

13 October, 3 - 9 pm | The Guesthouse, 10 Chapel St, Shandon, Cork.

Programme

Karen Power - Bats of Namibia (2020)
Luboš Mrkvička - Quartet, Part A (2019)
Jonathan Nangle - Granular Dusk (2022)
Danny McCarthy - xxxxii (2010)
Isabel Mundry - Balancen (2006)
Morton Feldman - Structures for string quartet (1951)
Rudolf Komorous - Olympia (1964)
Christian Wolff - Flutist & Percussionist 1 (2003)
Danny McCarthy - Five Leave Falling
John Godfrey - Bus Piece
George Brecht - Drip Music (1959)
Petr Kotik - Many Many Women Plus II (1975–78, 2024 version)
Pauline Oliveros - From Unknown Silences (1996)

The concert in the Guesthouse will be divided into several parts and will be accompanied by a screening of documentaries and recordings from the events of the Ostrava New Music Centre. Preview to the concert will start at 12 pm (noon).

*Program subject to change.*

Ostravská banda is an international chamber orchestra. Its members are some of the best instrumentalists from across Europe. Founded in 2005 by Petr Kotik, it is one of the two resident orchestras at the Ostrava Days Festival and other OCNM events. See newmusicostrava.cz/en/

The concerts are made possible with the support of the National Recovery Plan, Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic and the City of Ostrava. The project is funded by the European Union.