Estonian ensemble Resonabilis perform concerts in Ireland during October

The ensemble visit Ireland for three concerts in Dublin, Ennistymon and Maynooth on 10, 11 and 13 October, and will perform two different programmes.

The first concert, described as an evening of Estonian contemporary music and poetry, takes place at the Irish Writers’ Centre, Dublin on Friday, 10 October at 7.00pm and features poetry readings from Moya Cannon along with contemporary Estonian poets translated and read by Miriam McIlfatrick-Ksenofontov.

The progamme includes new works by Irish composers, Jane O’Leary and John Buckley. Both works make use of the Estonian instrument, the kannel, with Buckley’s work, Alla Luna written for solo kannel and O’Leary’s work A Resonance of Emerald, written for flute, kannel and cello. Taking its title from a poem by Emily Dickinson, Jane O'Leary writes about the work:

"It has been a fascinating journey to learn about this Estonian instrument, and I bring to it my own  experiences as a pianist who enjoys playing directly on the strings.  The music flows freely, taking its shape from the vibrant colours which emerge. Like the hummingbird described in Emily Dickinson’s poem, the sounds mix together and fly past us quickly."

Also on the programme are works by Estonian composers Eugen Birman, Malle Maltis, Age Veeroos and Helena Tulve.

Following the performance in Dublin, the programme will be repeated at the Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon, Co. Clare on 11 October at 8.00pm.

The concert on 13 October takes place at St Mary’s Church of Ireland, Maynooth at 1.10pm and includes Jane O’Leary, John Buckley and Eugen Birman’s new pieces from the first programme as well as a new piece by Victor Lazzarini. Lazzarini’s piece, entitled Peeglid (‘Mirrors’) is for voice, flute, kannel, cello and computer.

Ensemble Resonabilis  (Tarmo Johannes, flute; Aare Tammesalu, cello; Kristi Mühling, kannel) is one of the most active contemporary music ensembles in Estonia, consisting of a unique combination of instruments - voice, flute, cello and kannel. Founded in 2002, the ensemble has worked closely with composers to extend its repertoire, with many of the leading Estonian composers writing for them. They have performed throughout the world, including Finland, Latvia, Russia, Austria, Iran, Sweden, Germany, Ireland, Moldova and the United Kingdom.