Irish Composers' Collective Solo Series: John Feeley, solo guitar

After a two-month break from the Solo Series for exploring multimedia and experimental electronics, the Irish Composers' Collective present a programme of music for solo guitar by member composers.

John Feeley is a Dublin-based guitarist who has received international recognition for his 'trailblazing' performances. He has performed at venues across the world, including Carnegie Hall and Sydney Opera House, and has recorded for the K-Tel, CBA Classics and Celestial Harmonies labels among others. He is especially known for his interpretations of contemporary music, having commissioned works by many Irish composers such as Jerome de Bromhead, Eric Sweeney, Jane O’ Leary, Seóirse Bodley and John Buckley, of whose work he has recorded an album.

Often considered to be one of the most difficult solo instruments to write for, these six composers have taken different approaches the challenge of guitar composition, with some drawing on their own experience as guitar players themselves. With rhythmic jazz-inspired works, music exploring noise through extended techniques, sets of études, and even a set of miniature laments for the 'general shambles Irish citizens live in', it's the varied night of new music the ICC is known for.

Programme:

Robert Coleman – Ballade for Guitar
Anna Murray – La Cathédrale Dissoute
Chris McCormack – Run
Donal Mac Erlaine – Five Studies for Guitar
Breifne Holohan – Tropicália
Stephen O'Brien – Sure we're all going to end up dead anyway...

Solo Series: John Feeley (solo guitar) takes place on 25 August at the Kevin Barry Room at the National Concert Hall. Tickets cost €10/€5 (concessions) and are available from www.nch.ie. For more information, see www.irishcomposerscollective.com.