Evlana, a new Irish sinfonietta to launch at end of September

A new sinfonietta, Evlana, launches with its first concert at the end of September. Founded by composer Siobhán Cleary, the new ensemble is dedicated to contemporary classical music including the work of Irish composers, and to the under-performed influential works of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Siobhán Cleary:

'Evlana evolved from my time putting on concerts with NewSoundWorlds. It seemed to me that a larger scale group would fill a niche between the very excellent smaller ensembles and the orchestras that already exist. We are a sinfonietta orchestra (based around 18 principle players) and there is a large amount of contemporary repertoire for that size that has never been performed in Ireland. We have a number of aims:  Firstly to provide much needed commissioning opportunities to Irish composers and increase the possibilities of further performances for existing works. Secondly to introduce Irish audiences to composers from around the world whose music has rarely or never been performed here previously such as the Swedish composer Karin Rehnqvist’s whose “Taromir Tid” is programmed for this upcoming concert; and lastly to redress the balance of many of the forgotten Irish composers from the early 20th century onwards whose music has been neglected. For example we hope to premiere Ina Boyle’s Phantasy for violin and chamber orchestra which was composed in 1926 and still awaiting a premiere!'

The ensemble is directed by Keith Pascoe, and their first event features soloists Sylvia O'Brien (soprano) and William Dowdall (flute). Their inaugural programme, called Changing Light, will include one world premiere, in Siobhán Cleary's Her Kind, and three Irish premieres - Rehnquist's Taromir's Tid, Kaija Saariaho's Changing Light, and Claude Vivier's Zipangu.

Evlana and Changing Light are supported by the Arts Council of Ireland. The concert takes place in the University Church Stephen’s Green at 6pm, Tuesday 29 September. Tickets available on the door for €15/€8 (unwaged) from 5.30pm.